Special Interest Articles:

• Celebrating 125 years • Research-Language

exchanges produce significant impact on L2 learning

Dedicated to the professional development of Second language teachers

Strong advocacy, strong partnerships, strong leadership

Spring/Summer Volume 1, Issue 1

OMLTA

Individual Highlights:

Spring conference 2

Proclamation of Hispanic

Heritage Month 4

Revue de livres 6

Recipients of the

Helen G. Mitchell Award

As the school year winds down, the spring/summer season becomes a time to relax, enjoy the great weather and re-energize. It is also a time to reflect upon our learning and achievements, in order to prepare for the future and celebrate our accomplishments. Appropriately, the OMLTA Spring conference was an excellent opportunity for language educators to renew and re-energize. Les participants au congrès 2010 ont eu l’occasion de renouveler leurs habilités pédagogiques dans divers ateliers et ont découvert des nouveautés à la salle d’exposition. Karen Hume, reminded us of the importance of differentiated instruction to engage students through her informative and entertaining keynote speech.

Our spring conference celebrated excellence in teaching, remembering those whose contributions have been for many years and those who are new to the profession. Their dedication and enthusiasm promise a bright future for second language learners. OMLTA has many other reasons to celebrate this year, from our successful Fall and Spring conferences to gearing up for our 125th anniversary, The Road We’ve Travelled… The Road Ahead. Preparations are well under way and we look forward to an interesting, retrospective look at our past, as well as focusing on the direction we would like to move our organization into the future. We wish everyone a pleasant and relaxing summer and look forward to seeing you at the Fall conference in Niagara Falls.

Jan Miyata, Recipient of the Life Membership Award, with Peter David

Dear delegates,

Thank you to those who attended the 2010 OMLTA Spring Conference and for making this conference a great success.

The Spring Conference continues to experience growth and changes. This year there were more delegates than ever, a greater number of representatives from district boards and more representation from the ministry of education and universities. Thank you for your support, participation and recommendations while we make every effort to further refine and improve the conference and the experience of every delegate.

This year, we received a keynote address from Karen Hume, the well known Canadian leader in differentiated instruction; she inspired us with her strong message about the teacher beliefs and the process of change for individuals.

A big thank you to the Governor General of Canada the Honourable Michaelle Jean, for her encouragement to our association and our teachers; her support helps us to maintain the highest standard of professionalism and leadership among modern language teachers in our province.

We would like to thank the Minister of Education, Leona Dombrowsky, for her kind words and ongoing financial support of modern

Reflections from the Conference Chair

“In an era of increasing global interdependence, her recognition of the importance of modern language

Inspires our teachers’

Page 2 Spring conference

language learning in our province. In an era of increasing global interdependence, her recognition of the importance of modern language inspires our members to strive for the exemplary practice of modern language instruction.

Thank you to Pearson Education Canada for sponsoring the coffee breaks. We also appreciate the participation of the Goethe Institut and the Ontario Association of Teachers of German.

I would like to recognize all the faculties of education in helping us by encouraging the students to volunteer their time for the role of student monitors. Additionally, we are equally indebted to the presenters and student monitors for the job well done. Your presence and contributions set the tone for the 2010 Spring Conference.

We are extremely grateful to those individuals who contributed personally to the success of the conference.

Thank you to Heidi Locher and the planning committee, Dann Crandall, Mark Strobl, Sandra Dennis, Karla Torrente-Lepage and Wanda West-Gerber. Through events like the OMLTA spring and fall conferences, it is our hope that you are able to gather even more great ideas and strategies to take back to your classroom, where you will continue to have a lasting impact on your students, the future of tomorrow.

Faten Hanna

Conference Chair

OMLTA CELEBRATES 125 YEARS and counting…

The Board of Directors of the Ontario Modern Language Teachers Association-l’Association ontarienne des professeurs de langues vivantes is pleased to announce the upcoming OMLTA-AOPLV 125th anniversary celebration, which is scheduled for March 24-26th 2011, within the scope of the Spring Conference. This anniversary will be highlighted with the following theme On a fait du chemin… la route continue The Road We’ve Traveled… the Road Ahead.

The anniversary and the 2011 Spring Conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton – Toronto Airport. In keeping with this theme, several displays demonstrating our history will be part of the exhibits. We are therefore requesting that any

Page 3 The Celebration begins…

members, past and present, that have prizes, memorabilia, presenters gifts, photos, anything that relates to the history of our organization, to forward them to Heidi Locher, our administrative assistant at the coordinates within our website. We are planning to send all participants through the decades with themes, costumes, and music. Special guests are also expected to be part of the celebration. A 125th anniversary link will soon be added to our website www.omlta.org; it will highlight information, plans, and updates on a regular basis. We ask that you keep checking the website to stay informed about the events and your potential involvement in the 2011 celebration.

Special promotional buttons have been created. Some of them will be distributed participants in the Fall Conference: Languages, Une merveille mondiale/Languages a wonder of the world. Come join us in 2011! We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the long, impressive and eventful history of this fine organization. À bientôt!

OMLTA The Road We’ve Travelled…The Road Ahead

On a fait du chemin…la Route continue SPRING CONFERENCE

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON – TORONTO AIRPORT-March 24-26, 2010 Join us to celebrate our 125th anniversary

k

Proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month

All members of the Ontario Legislature unanimously

supported the decision to

proclaim April as Hispanic Heritage

Month.

Page 4 INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES-celebrating our heritage

In April of 2009, Mayor David Miller, recognizing the Hispanic community in Toronto as one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the city, officially proclaimed April as Hispanic Heritage Month. In April of this year, the Ontario legislature, following the example of Mayor Miller, resolved that April be declared as Hispanic Heritage month for the entire province. The legislation was recognized as giving residents of Ontario the opportunity to participate in various cultural and educational activities that strengthen diversity. It also recognized the important contributions that citizens of Hispanic Heritage have made to our province and country in music, art, literature, films, economics, science and medicine. The members of the Ontario Legislature unanimously supported this resolution. Hispanic Heritage Month provides Latin American communities the opportunity to showcase and share their culture and traditions with the rest of the province. This year many events and activities took place throughout the GTA, including the World Book and Cultural Diversity Day, presented by the Children’s Art Institute, under the auspices of The Consulate General of Peru in Toronto. For a full list of activities and to view the official documents, please visit the OMLTA website in the Member’s Only section.

We’re on the web!

www.omlta.org

This contest is open to all, and prizes will be given in three categories: grades 3-8, grades 9-12 and adults. Entries must be based on the topic “200 years ago” in commemoration of the bicentennial of the proclamation of independence of some Spanish-speaking countries. Essays are to be written in at least two languages, one of them needs to be English, French, or Spanish. For grades 4-8 the entries must be a short essay of up to 300 words and for grades 9-12 and adult’s essays must be at least 600 words in length. Essays should be typed; if they are handwritten, please ensure legibility. Submissions can be e-mailed to profesoreshispanos@gmail.com . They can also be sent by regular mail (don’t forget to keep a copy) to: Association of Hispanic-Canadian Teachers, 43 Georgina Gate, and Toronto, ON M1L 4V1. Winners will be contacted by Sept. 21st 2010. Please note that submissions could become part of a virtual anthology. For more information please contact us at profesoreshispanos@gmail.com, tel 416-453-7909

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Students must include a cover page with the following information:

- Name - Country of origin - Age - Address - Phone Number - School and grade - Teacher’s name

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS:

Sept. 19, 2010 The award ceremony will take place on Oct. 8th 2010 at Glendon College

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200 Years Ago...

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Celebración Cultural del Idioma Español

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AVIS… Un collectif de tomes… Pensée du Jour par Martin Laporte est pour des professeurs d’immersion qui ont un sens de l’humour… La série de Pensée du jour, écrite par Martin Laporte natif de l’est ontarien est une ressource amusante pour le professeur et … oui… pour les élèves avancés en compréhension de la langue canadienne-française. J’en ai fait le test avec des élèves de 11e et 12e immersion avec succès. Ces tomes permettent une lecture rapide, par exemple, le vendredi après-midi pour finir la classe avec un sourire. Les tomes (cinq en tout- jusqu’à date) sont forts amusants. Ils comprennent une série de livre, genre entrée de journal quotidien, avec des commentaires et opinions des plus comiques. Chaque entrée de journal comprend la pensée du jour. Cette dernière comprend habituellement un jeu de mots intéressant. En voici un extrait (tome ‘pas jaune’) : ‘Mieux vaut un nain compétent qu’un incompétent!’ ‘Il faut être cave… pour ne pas savoir ce que c’est un sous-sol.’ À vous de découvrir ce jeune écrivain des plus humoristiques de la province. Au plaisir de rire! Publié aux Éditions Sans Limites inc. et disponible dans plusieurs librairies locales, y-inclus la Librairie du Ciel Bleu à Sudbury, Ontario. L’ISBN du tome ‘pas jaune’ est 2-923312-02-3.

Book Review/Revue de livre

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English-French Exchanges Have a Significant Impact on Student’s Second Language Skills

Dr. Callie Mady, PhD, Nipissing University, recently completed research on the impact bilingual exchanges have on second language learners. The short term report entitled English-French School Group Exchanges in Canada and Their Impact demonstrates that participating in an exchange, even for a week, offers significant linguistic gains and increases language learner motivation. She confirms that time in an authentic second-language environment, as provided in the exchange, significantly complements classroom learning. The study also found that the exchange experience encouraged the vast majority of participants to set goals for further language improvement. The long-term impact report entitled English-French School Group Exchanges in Canada and Their Long Term Impact reveals that past exchange participants: have confidence in their language abilities, continue to use their second language, choose leisure activities that help to maintain their language, seek and find bilingual jobs, experience expanded educational and other opportunities, travel to French/English regions in Canada and elsewhere, and seek other cultural experiences. Dr. Mady concluded that exchanges are a very effective strategy of increasing second language skills and motivation. Indeed, the Commissioner of Official Languages, Graham Fraser, in his 2008-09 Annual Report also recommended exchanges an as effective strategy for language learning. The research studies provide strong evidence that exchanges are excellent strategies for improving student outcomes. The consistency in findings across language programs and years strongly supports the case for provision of an exchange experience for all Canadian students in senior elementary and secondary schools. The complete research reports can be found on the SEVEC web site www.sevec.ca. For over seventy years, SEVEC has been a recognized leader in the field of youth exchanges and experiential learning in Canada. In 2008-09, we facilitated bilingual exchanges for over 3,000 students across the country. SEVEC would be pleased to work with your school to have students participate in exchanges, improve their second language and further their language-learning progress by: Twinning schools Subsidizing travel costs with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage Providing an on-line guide to planning the exchange and curriculum support materials

developed in partnership with the Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers (CASLT) Ensuring standardized operating procedures for safe, secure learning experiences as well as

24 hour emergency service Providing financial assistance to students in need and insurance

For further information on the research studies or programs, contact info@sevec.ca or call 1 800 387-3832. Deadline for application is August 1, 2010! Written by Laurie Clement, Executive Director of SEVEC 300-950 Gladstone Ave., Ottawa, ON. K1Y 3E6 I

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Imagine if the only way you could get your breakfast in the morning was to ask for it in French. Or, imagine attending Geography classes in French. Even more difficult, imagine eating dinner with a French family and keeping up with their conversation! These challenges, among many others, are exactly what five St. Andrew’s College Middle School Students did for a week in Montreal, as they participated in an exchange with students from Collège Sainte-Anne de Lachine. Each boy was paired with a partner, who shared similar interests and character traits, and stayed, with him and his family for the week. Although the purpose of the trip was to improve their language skills as they attended classes and trips, they far surpassed their original goal, while communicating in French. They left with an unforgettable experience, new friendships, and an appreciation of the Québécoise culture. Our students attended classes, learned about Québécoise Folklore … en français! The boys were pleasantly surprised with how much French they understood and how quickly their language skills improved over the course of the week. Mme. D’Angelo, who participated in the exchange, stated: "What an exciting opportunity to observe the students you teach interact with Francophone peers in one of Canada's most cultural cities and historical provinces! It is authentic experiences like the French Exchange Program that instill a passion within our students; a true desire to want to speak the French language! I am very proud of their effort and ability to step beyond their comfort zone - félicitations!” We look forward to hosting our new friends from Collège Sainte Anne in May. Here, they will experience the community, attend classes, participate in athletics, and explore their artistic side with Middle School Art’s Day and attend plays. Congratulations to all five boys who participated in this exchange program. This will undoubtedly improve all aspects of their linguistic skills, and instil a greater appreciation for the French culture. St. Andrew’s College is an all-boys boarding and day school for grades 6-12 located in Aurora, ON... For more information on St. Andrew’s College, visit our website at www.sac.on.ca. Story by Whitney Elliott, Middle School French Teacher

Advocacy that works!!!

OMLTA has worked closely with the Ministry of Education to lobby for changes in secondary diploma

requirements, for French as a Second Language. The lobbying that the OMLTA has done has paid off!

FSL was added in the Category 1 diploma requirements section last year. Now, the Ministry has

added FSL in the Category 2 requirements section also! That means that Grades 10 and 11 French

satisfy diploma requirements!!!

Research in Action

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Page 9 of 3 The Faces of our conference

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WHY I TOOK FRENCH UNTIL GRADE TWELVE

I took French until Grade 12 because of my love for the language. French is truly a beautiful language, both when written and when spoken. Mastering the perfect French accent has been one of my goals since I was very young.

French has also been the perfect way to balance my other subjects at school, which are very demanding. In addition, I took French throughout high school because I understand the importance of speaking a second language, and how important that is to several future, potential employers.

I will be pursuing my French studies at university in the hopes that I can one day take part in an exchange at another university in France, Switzerland, or Belgium.

I have enjoyed every moment of my French classes here at Pickering College, and will apply all the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have had in my coming years at university.

Alexandra Keludjian

I chose to take French from grade 1 to grade 12, because I enjoyed it. I suppose I had an advantage over many of the other students, because I was enrolled in French Immersion from the 1st grade until the 10th grade. When I switched the Pickering College I continued in regular French classes, and found it just as challenging if not more difficult. Although I found myself fluent in the language, the grammar we learned was far beyond anything I’d ever done. It was a challenge, and although by times it may not have seemed that way, I enjoyed it very much. Sometimes I didn’t know why I was spending my time taking French, but in the 8th grade my family took us to France. Both my sister and I could communicate easily with the locals, and I felt important because my parents needed me for communication. I felt like their personal translator. I have visited Montreal many times, and I love the city. Although I’m going to Queen’s for university, one day I hope to be able to work and live in Montreal where the French I’ve learned would be essential. Language is the key to the world, and I feel that speaking French will give me an advantage over many people and give me opportunities.

Hanna Loeppky I decided to continue pursuing my study of French in Grade 12 for several reasons. Firstly I began, for the first time, to develop the ability to think in French when watching a French movie or listening to French T.V, etc. My comprehension ability grew in leaps and bounds in Grade Eleven, and I wanted to try and expand and build on this ability as much as possible. The ability to (albeit for a short period of time) think in another language fascinated me. Secondly, and more importantly, I have been committed to attending university at the Royal Military College for several years now. One of the requirements of earning a degree from RMC is complete bilingualism in English and French. Whether I want to or not I will have to be bilingual to succeed at my university of choice. Therefore, coming into grade twelve, I decided that taking grade 12 French would help develop the foundation in comprehension and speaking ability necessary to achieve bilingualism in the following four years. In hindsight I can say with some certainty that this was a smart decision, as I was accepted to the Royal Military College over the March break of this year, and will shortly be at the mercy of several French-Canadian drill sergeants as I undergo second language training the summer between my first and second year of university.

Carter Powis

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Page 11 Student Musings

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To me, the ability to communicate in another language is a valuable asset in all respects. Knowing only one language, I feel, limits you and your potential to impact others. One of the reasons that I have chosen to take French throughout high school is to be able to interact and communicate with a more comprehensive range of people. In developing new relationships and meeting new people, we gain new opportunities for learning and growth. French is our second official language, and I think it’s important to recognize, engage in and appreciate the French language and culture present within our own country. Speaking French also eases travel when in French-speaking countries by eliminating the stress of language barriers, leading to a more positive and productive experience in the country. Understanding the language also means the chance to better appreciate French expressions, drama, movies, jokes and music; things that often lose their impact and meaning when translated. In addition, not only have I been able to learn vocabulary and grammar unique to the French language, but in comparing and contrasting them to English, I’ve developed more insight into aspects of my native language as well. The ability to speak another language also opens up an entirely new realm of career possibilities and is often a skill highly regarded by employers. In Canada, being able to say that you are bilingual often gives you an upper hand when applying for jobs, and is a necessity if you would like to work in the government. Lastly, I’ve taken French for four years because French has always been one of my favourite subjects and I have a general interest in the language, I find a beauty in the language and the way it sounds and is spoken, and I have a great teacher.

Imaan Kara

Prize Winners-Spring Conference 2010 Alana Harms, Wilfrid Laurier University Aliha Phillips, Toronto District School Board Allison Ryan, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board Angela Young, Nipissing University Bernadine Verstraeten, Ontario Christian Teachers Assoc. Beverly Kukhta-Jackson, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Bob Abrey, Durham District School Board Bozica Sajatovic, Dufferin Peel Catholic School Board Carm Casalena,Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board Chris L Rees, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Christina Schilling, Upper Grand District School Board Dani Morrison, Toronto Catholic District School Board Daniel Dionne, Ottawa Catholic District School Board Dave Wehrman, OISE Denise Tremblay, Peel District School Board Diane Picard, Greater Essex County District School Board Elaine Marentette, Thames Valley District School Board Elizabeth Bereas, University of Western Emma Squire-Smith, Western University Leena Philipose, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board Lise Turbide Bibeau, The Northwest Catholic District School Board Lorraine Millaire, Toronto District School Board Lynette McLeod, Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board Mallory Burton, Brock University Mark Strobl, Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Masha Cirovic, Wilfrid Laurier University

Student Musings cont’d

Gail Roussy, Upper Grand District School Board Geoff Collins, Durham District School Board Grace van Niejenhuis, Private- Durham Christian High School Hanaa Dabbous, Toronto District School Board Hedy Gagnon, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Hélène Wyskup, Ottawa Catholic District School Board Hilary Appleton, Upper Grand District School Board Jean Kay, Peel District School Board Jen Rankin, Lambton Kent District School Board Jinny Chow, Peel District School Board Jo Sajatovic, Toronto Catholic District School Board Julia Fralick, Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board Katharine Wehrmann, Peel District School

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Melissa Raposo, Niagara University Michael Phillips, Toronto District School Board Michèle Coutellier, Ottawa Catholic District School Board Rhéal Allain, Université d’Ottawa Rochelle Guimond, Durham Catholic District School Board Rosa Cipparone, Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board Sally Warburton, Toronto District School Board Sarah Haanstra, Upper Grand District School Board Sarah Tonner, OISE Stathoula Paleski, Waterloo Region District School Board Tina Brant, University of Western Tina Difrancesco, Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board Valerie Pike, CASLT Department of Education NL Von Ranclin, Lambton Kent District School Board

Exhibitors/Publishers 2010 OMLTA Spring Conference Prize List

Exhibitor

Prize

ACPI

2 bags of Promo material, membership for one year

AIM language learning

Teaching Kit appropriate to Gr. Level of Winner

Alliance Francaise of Toronto

Course at Alliance Francaise value $400

Aquila Communications

Aquila French Readers

Apprentissage Illimité Inc

Amuse-toi bien game

B& B Publishing

Ontario Maps

Barrons Publishing

Dictionary

Cahiers d’activités-Normand Gaudreault

Three activity books

Can. Parents for French (CPF)

CPF Ontario Portfolio

Canadian Education Exchange Foundation

Travel bag

Centre Franco Ontarien de Ressources

Pédagogiques

Juste pour lire reader

Editions À Reproduire

Two series of Collection Être.

Editions Marie France ltée

Two sets of readers

Educorock Productions Inc

Two CDs

Ellison Travel & Tours

Hard cover book, “Montreal the Lights of my city” Two $25 Bon appétit gift cards

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Embassy of Spain – Education office

Spanish book

EMC/Paradigm Publishing

Readers-books

Free the Children/Me to We

Set of 5 library books signed by Craig Kielburger

French For the Future

Classroom set of French magnets

Girol Spanish Books

Spanish Book

Guerin editeur

Readers for the elementary panel

Harper Collins

Books

Huronia Historical Parks

Specialty gift basket

ISE

ISE Backpack and bottle of wine

Learning Spirit/Grammaire Sous La Main

Gift certificate

Les Editions CEC

Books, readers, kit

Les editions RDL

Verb wheel

Lula Music and Arts Centre

Dinner and show tickets for 2

Messageries ADP Cle International

Book

Musique Jacquot and Languages 4 Real

DVD

Myosotis Presse

Le Myosotis Dictionary

Nadaclair Language Technologies

1 yr subscription

Nelson Education/Duval

Strategies for Success Teacher’s Kit

Oxford University Press

Two readers

Pearson Education

Making Connections Literacy Resource

Pearson – ERPI

Reader series

Perspectives Eduscho Ltd

Several promo bags and water bottles; two computer bags

Prologue

Resource

Rigodon and Mariposa in the Schools

CDs

RK Publishing

Series of readers

Rosetta Stone

Three gift certificates

Scholastic Canada

A Science book Two Big Book kits

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SEVEC

Cloth bag, playing cards, mug

Sonsuh Educational Supplies Inc

Gift Basket

Teachers Discovery

Five foot Eiffel Tower

The Children’s Bookstore

Great French bag and poster

The Resource Centre

Book/CD

Tralco – Lingo Fun

DVD and activity book

Watermelon Works

Les sons français game

‘CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL PRIZE WINNERS’

Many thanks to our Exhibitors for their generous contributions. You helped make our conference a great success.

Contact Us at:

Heidi Locher, Administrative Assistant 17A-218 Silvercreek Parkway N., Suite 123

Guelph, ON N1H 8E8

Tel: 519-763-2099 Fax: 519-763-3987

Email:omlta@omlta.org

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