Frequently Asked Questions

• For the regular school year:
  • ILE classes are for any student registered in year 1 ELKP (JK) to Grade 8.
• For summer classes:
  • Students that have not started school during the previous regular school year are not eligible to participate until they begin in the following September (e.g. if a student does not start year 1 ELKP (JK) until the September after the summer program, then the student is not eligible to participate in the summer program).
  • Students who have graduated Grade 8 in June are not eligible to participate in the summer program. After graduation in June a student is eligible to participate in secondary summer school.

• The ILE program is free to any students enrolled.
• If you are asked to pay any fees, please let us know by sending an email through the link on the ILE program website.

• Students are not required to have a background in a language to enrol.

• Yes, if it is a different language and runs on a different day.
• Please fill in a separate registration form for each student in each language.
• Note: students may register in more than one language, but they cannot register in the same language on a different day.

• School year registration is available yearly from approximately mid-June to mid-August, then late registrations may be available for a limited time period depending on available space and class capacity.
• Summer Program registration is available yearly, typically during the month of May. Late registrations may be possible and would take place following the standard registration period.
• After the late registrations close, the waitlist will be reviewed and you will be notified if a space becomes available, the next registration period will open prior to the following session. Those wishing to register at that time will be required to submit a new registration during that period.
• It is encouraged that you register early to ensure your child’s placement in a class, once a class is full students will be placed on a waitlist.

• YES, we can look into adding more language options, please email your request through the link on the ILE program website.
• New languages are subject to the same requirements:
• A minimum of 23 students register for the language.
• Availability of a qualified instructor to lead the class.

• The ILE program follows a condensed version of the DSBN school year calendar and includes the month of July for the summer program.
• Class days/times are subject to change yearly. Classes are dependent on registration numbers and qualified instructors.
• During the school year
  • Classes run once per week for 2.5 hours
• During the summer months
  • Classes run 2.5 hours daily during the summer program
  • Classes may run on weekday mornings in July
• Classes
  • Do run on PA days
  • Do not run during the Winter Break and March break, or statutory holidays.

• Class locations are dependent on space availability and a range of program factors.
  • Classes are held in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
  • Classes run out of DSBN School locations.

• ILE classes require a minimum of 23 students to run.
• If a class does not reach this number, registered students will be placed on a waitlist while we continue to monitor registration

• While some classroom materials may be provided, students may occasionally be asked to bring in some of their own basic supplies.

The ILE program follows the direction of the DSBN. When the forecast calls for bad weather and unsafe road conditions, the DSBN and Niagara Student Transportation Services (NSTS) may decide to cancel buses or close schools.

• If schools are closed, ILE classes are cancelled.
• If buses are cancelled, but schools remain open, ILE classes will still run, a decision will be made if classes will run in person or virtually.
• Any decision to change classes due to inclement weather will be communicated as early as possible. Please note you will only receive communication if there are changes.

Visit DSBN’s Inclement Weather Guideline webpage to learn more.

Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that students are picked up promptly at the scheduled end time of the class. Timely pick-up is required to ensure student safety and to support appropriate supervision, dismissal procedures, and ensure compliance with the Community Use of Schools permit requirements.

Example:

If your student is in a class that operates 5:30-8:00, it is acceptable to:

• drop students off between 5:30-5:45.
• pick up students between 7:45-8:00.

If your student is in a class that operates 6:00-8:30, it is acceptable to:

• drop students off between 6:00-6:15.
• pick up students between 8:15-8:30.

Instructors are not able to provide supervision beyond the designated program end time.

Parents/guardians are expected to notify instructors in advance, where possible, if an emergency or unforeseen circumstance will delay pick-up.

In the event of a late pick up where no prior notice has been provided, instructors will follow established emergency pick-up procedures in accordance with board or program guidelines.

Repeated or persistent late pickups, including failure to follow emergency pick-up procedures, may result in administrative review. If the issue cannot be resolved despite communication and reasonable efforts, the program reserves the right to unregister the student.

• Please make sure to note any health concerns or allergies on the registration.
• Before classes begin, a medical form will be emailed to you to print and fill in. Please bring it to the first day of classes.

• Each classroom has a ratio of 1 Instructor to approximately 23-25 students.
• Please contact the ILE program Coordinator by sending an email to ILE@dsbn.org to discuss options for supporting your child.

Students are expected to demonstrate respectful and appropriate behaviour at all times while participating in the program. Behaviour that is disruptive, unsafe, or interferes with the learning environment will not be tolerated.

Instructors will work collaboratively with students, and where appropriate with families, to address and manage behavioural incidents through consistent and supportive interventions.

In cases where behavioural concerns are persistent or recurring and cannot be effectively managed despite reasonable efforts and interventions, the program reserves the right to unregister the student.

• The instructors will email class details before classes begin.
• If you do not hear from an instructor and you know classes have begun, please send an email through the link on the ILE program website with your students’ details, there may be an issue with your registration which could include:
  • The registration was not submitted.
  • The registration was not completed properly and could not be processed.
  • There is a waitlist for the language you registered for

Email us anytime at ILE@dsbn.org – we’re happy to help.