'A little bit dumbfounded': Family questions why siblings can’t be together at same French immersion school
With limited spaces in French immersion programs, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is finding itself having to remind families there’s not enough room for everyone.
Middlesex Centre parent Mike Engelhardt and his family found out the hard way.
“We were a little bit dumbfounded,” said Engelhardt. “You would think that keeping five siblings together in one school would make the most logical sense.”
He told CTV News the family was upset to learn their youngest, four-year-old Dylan, would not be able to attend Louise Arbour French Immersion School when she enters junior kindergarten in September — even though all four older siblings already attend.
Instead, she’ll have to go to Wilberforce Elementary in Lucan, Ont. The two schools are located in opposite directions, 27 kilometres apart.
Four-year-old Dylan Engelhardt. Her father Mike Engelhardt is upset after being told his youngest child would not be allowed to attend the same French immersion school as his four older children. (Source: Mike Englehardt)“Dylan has been a product of COVID, of these lockdowns for the last two years, so she's not going to have the benefit of having those relationships, as a result of having to go to a different school.”
It's a lesson in disappointment for some families who aren't aware the school board does not guarantee admission to French immersion for children with siblings already attending.
The school board said those who apply before the February deadline are chosen by random selection.
Those who don’t win the so-called lottery are placed on a waiting list.
TVDSB Acting Human Rights and Equity Advisor Andrea Marlowe said they’re trying to make access equitable for everyone.
“We need to have a fair process, and we need to ensure that each of our students has an opportunity to attend a program that we offer in our French Immersion schools, or in any environment,” said Marlowe.
As for the Engelhardt family, they’ve contacted the school ombudsman, and their case is under review.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault in class-action lawsuit
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, once considered a front-runner to become pope, has been accused of sexual assault and is among a list of clergy members and diocesan staff named in a class-action lawsuit against the archdiocese of Quebec. A woman identified as 'F.' in court documents tabled on Tuesday accused Ouellet of several incidents of unwanted touching.
Trump's angry words spur warnings of real violence
A growing number of ardent Donald Trump supporters seem ready to strike back against the FBI or others who they believe go too far in investigating the former U.S. president.
Parents will need a prescription for some children's liquid medication, SickKids warns
Parents of young children may need a prescription for over-the-counter fever and pain medication due to a shortage at some pharmacies, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is warning.
Why is ArriveCan still mandatory, and what is Ottawa's plan for the app?
The glitch-prone app touted as an efficient border tool early in the pandemic has become a punching bag for critics who question its utility -- but ArriveCan may be here to stay.
B.C. man among first approved for Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program still waiting for compensation
A B.C. man, who was among the first Canadians approved for Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program, says he is frustrated with the length of time it is taking to receive compensation.
Lead investigator in N.S. mass shooting says he stands by political interference accusations
The senior Mountie who made allegations of political meddling in the investigation into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting defended his position to members of parliament Tuesday.
BREAKING
BREAKING | Wolves apparently freed on purpose, Vancouver zoo says amid ongoing recapture efforts
The wolves that were found outside their enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo Tuesday appear to have been freed on purpose, according to officials.
OPINION
OPINION | Economists are forecasting a recession in Canada, how should you prepare?
The next time the Bank of Canada raises interest rates on the scheduled date of September 7, 2022, it could potentially trigger a recession. Although there may be a chance that we don’t enter into a recession and the BoC is still hoping for a soft landing, it’s best to be prepared. Contributor Christopher Liew explains how.
Scientists plan the resurrection of an animal that's been extinct since 1936
Almost 100 years after its extinction, the Tasmanian tiger may live once again. Scientists want to resurrect the striped carnivorous marsupial, officially known as a thylacine, which used to roam the Australian bush.
Kitchener
-
-
City of Waterloo condemns recent hate-motivated graffiti found in region
The City of Waterloo issued a statement on Tuesday condemning hate-motivated graffiti that has been appearing across Waterloo region.
-
Fire crews advise caution after more than 100 animals were killed in two separate barn fires
Rural fire crews were busy this week after two separate barn fires north of Kitchener were responsible for the deaths of over 100 livestock. Between the two fires, 116 cattle and four horses were killed, according to fire officials.
Windsor
-
A healthcare solution? Growing calls to open more nurse practitioner-led clinics in Windsor-Essex
As Ontario continues to face an overburdened healthcare system, calls are growing to open more nurse practitioner-led clinics in Windsor-Essex.
-
Windsor teen takes title and earns gold medal in wrestling at Canada Games
Nineteen-year-old Sophia Bechard is basking in her gold medal victory following a wrestling match at the Canada Summer Games in Niagara Falls.
-
After 40-plus years, Windsor paediatrician hangs up stethoscope
Dr. Mark Awuku has treated generations of families in Windsor throughout his 40-plus year career.
Barrie
-
Mohamad Lilo seeks bail after being charged in Elnaz Hajtamiri disappearance
Elnaz Hajtamiri's former boyfriend hopes to be granted bail after being charged with attempted murder and kidnapping in connection with her disappearance from a Wasaga Beach, Ont. home 216 days ago.
-
Diesel spill in Barrie's Kempenfelt Bay under investigation
The City of Barrie is monitoring the pond between the Tiffin Boat Launch and Southshore Centre after a diesel spill over the weekend.
-
Multiple dogs left in hot cars over weekend in Wasaga Beach: OPP
Police in Wasaga Beach say four dogs were left unattended in vehicles "during very hot temperatures" over the weekend, prompting a reminder from the OPP about the dangers and consequences of the mistreatment.
Northern Ontario
-
Parents will need a prescription for some children's liquid medication, SickKids warns
Parents of young children may need a prescription for over-the-counter fever and pain medication due to a shortage at some pharmacies, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is warning.
-
OPINION
OPINION | Economists are forecasting a recession in Canada, how should you prepare?
The next time the Bank of Canada raises interest rates on the scheduled date of September 7, 2022, it could potentially trigger a recession. Although there may be a chance that we don’t enter into a recession and the BoC is still hoping for a soft landing, it’s best to be prepared. Contributor Christopher Liew explains how.
-
New technology expected to improve school bus safety
With the return of classes just over three weeks away, back-to-school preparations are underway in northern Ontario, including mapping out bus routes, recruiting drivers and installing some new technology on buses.
Ottawa
-
Former Ottawa nurse in liver failure after accidental needle prick
Former Ottawa nurse Pam Hopkins-Dargavel is seriously ill. Her liver is failing because of an accidental needle prick 32 years ago. She is in desperate need of a liver transplant and a living donor could make all the difference.
-
Calabogie residents fighting to keep waterfront docks
Waterfront residents in Calabogie are fighting to keep their docks after the township ordered them removed.
-
Cost of living putting pressure on families despite slight decline in inflation rate
Despite some relief at the pumps last month, the high cost of living continues to squeeze Canadians’ pocketbooks.
Toronto
-
Ontario man gets massive surprise after winning lottery on first-ever ticket
A 24-year-old Ontario man who bought a lottery ticket for the first time says he has been left in complete shock after winning a massive prize.
-
Severe thunderstorm, 55 mm of rain set to hit parts of southern Ontario
A severe thunderstorm warning has ended for parts of Ontario forecast to see heavy rainfall amounts of around 55 mm on Tuesday night.
-
Parents will need a prescription for some children's liquid medication, SickKids warns
Parents of young children may need a prescription for over-the-counter fever and pain medication due to a shortage at some pharmacies, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is warning.
Montreal
-
Couple fears for safety after man hurls racist insults in front of their 8-year-old daughter
A family is concerned about their safety after they were berated outside of their home by a man who hurled racist abuse at them telling them to go back to Pakistan or India.
-
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault in class-action lawsuit
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, once considered a front-runner to become pope, has been accused of sexual assault and is among a list of clergy members and diocesan staff named in a class-action lawsuit against the archdiocese of Quebec. A woman identified as 'F.' in court documents tabled on Tuesday accused Ouellet of several incidents of unwanted touching.
-
No plans to impose obligatory public health measures this fall: Quebec health officials
Quebec health officials say there is no plan to impose obligatory public health measures come this fall as the province launches its most recent COVID-19 booster vaccination campaign, targeting people living in CHSLDs and private seniors' residences.
Atlantic
-
N.S. shooting inquiry: Advice given to witness worries former judge
A former Supreme Court of Canada judge working with the inquiry into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting says he's worried the federal Justice Department has been discouraging witnesses from being forthcoming with relevant evidence.
-
Health-care issues stem from cuts, decades of poor planning: emergency medicine expert
Long wait times, closed emergency departments and growing waitlists for family doctors have exposed the pressures facing the health-care system this summer – specifically on emergency medicine.
-
N.B. reports five new COVID-19-related deaths; hospital admissions stabilize
New Brunswick is reporting five more deaths related to COVID-19 in its weekly update.
Winnipeg
-
Calls to twin Trans-Canada Highway between Manitoba and Ontario grow
A man who lost two family members in a 2019 crash near the Manitoba-Ontario border is calling for Manitoba to twin the highway between the two provinces in an attempt to prevent a similar tragedy.
-
Search for B.C. man in Manitoba continues
The search for Keith Zajac, a 55-year-old resident of Squamish B.C., is entering its third week.
-
Parents hunt for deals as inflation expected to impact school supply prices
A recent survey from the Retail Council of Canada says many parents expect to pay more for school supplies this year.
Calgary
-
Provincial police proposal brings about quarrel and questions
Alberta's Official Opposition would see the United Conservative Party's pitch for a provincial police force cuffed and locked away.
-
Proposed provincial policing plan would bolster Alberta’s rural, remote detachments
An Alberta Provincial Police Service would see sworn officers currently working in administrative positions at larger detachments redeployed to front-line roles in smaller communities, according to a proposed plan released Tuesday.
-
Inflation dips, but experts wary of celebrating just yet
While Canada and Alberta's inflation rates have dropped from a record-high peak seen in June, not all consumer prices are falling with it.
Edmonton
-
'For Christ sake, they should slow down': Highway worker in critical condition after crash
A highway maintenance worker was taken to hospital after a crash on Monday evening.
-
Body of 14-year-old boy found in pond northwest of Edmonton
The body of the 14-year-old boy who drowned in a Whitecourt, Alta., pond on Sunday was recovered on Tuesday, RCMP told CTV News Edmonton.
-
Edmonton gondola needed better Indigenous consultation, councillor says
The sole city councillor to vote in support of a gondola across Edmonton's river valley says the outcome may have been different if there were better Indigenous consultation.
Vancouver
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Wolves apparently freed on purpose, Vancouver zoo says amid ongoing recapture efforts
The wolves that were found outside their enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo Tuesday appear to have been freed on purpose, according to officials.
-
Vehicle fire closes Hwy. 99 in both directions north of Whistler
Emergency crews are responding to a vehicle fire that closed Highway 99 in both directions north of Whistler, B.C., Tuesday afternoon.
-
'Lifetime ban' for former B.C. teacher convicted in historic sex assault case involving minors
A former elementary school teacher convicted of several sex crimes involving minors has agreed he will never again teach in British Columbia's K-12 system.