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continued from p.5 jections show the Grades 1-2-3 class in the coming year will have 12 students. This has happened at Milton's Martin Street Public School, too. Blackwell said while the board was fortunate to have a great teacher who created a positive experience for the students, the situation is not ideal and could result in challenges when it comes to socialization, gender balance and more. "We think that cohort gets to the point that it is so small, there may be some opportunities kids are missing," Blackwell said. The associate director said the board could maintain two-grade splits, even in small classrooms, but this has financial implications. "We're funded for about 22 students for a teacher. If you're teaching one class of 11 kids to one teacher, somewhere else you're going to have to pick up a higher population," Blackwell said. Blackwell noted there are parents who will want their children at their neighbourhood school despite small class numbers. Others will prefer a larger class option and still others will demand the French Immersion program be capped. HFFINS is suggesting French Immersion boundaries more closely align with Englishtrack boundaries. "We'd like to see the boundaries get back to what they should be. Boundaries for French Immersion are three-to-four times bigger than English boundaries," Wilson said. This results in the busing in and out of students. The mother of three has two children in core School board reviewing input from survey sent out to parents English programming, while her youngest is in French Immersion. In Milton, these children are able to attend the same school, whereas in Oakville, where there are French Immersion-only schools, many siblings don't have that option. "We don't like what the board is doing. It divides our community. It makes parents choose French Immersion at the school if it becomes exclusive to French Immersion. They're going to choose that, maybe it's not the best for their kids, but it's the closest school," Wilson said. "I don't see why there (are) schools that are exclusive, only offering an optional program within a neighbourhood." Wilson said HFFINS is trying to get the word out about the issue, saying most parents the group has spoken to aren't aware the recommendations are being discussed. This is especially the case in Halton Hills, Burlington and Milton, she said, because parents haven't yet experienced single-track French Immersion schools, like Oakville parents have. However, the board decision will affect all schools, she said, because when dual track schools are converted to French Immersion-only , there will be an influx of students at English-track schools. Wilson wants people to know the group is not against French Immersion, but it wants to protect the English program's viability. "We think it's an optional program that should be capped to ensure the viability for both programs, but ultimately it's an English board so the core English program should be offered at all schools," she said. Blackwell said the board would consider the issue from educational, financial, social and academic perspectives. A school board team is currently reading through parent input via a survey that went out near to the end of the school year. The director 9 | Wednesday, August 21, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com will report to the board in October. Parents can then delegate to the board. A decision is expected in November. For more information, visit www.hdsb.ca, or contact HFFINS at hffins@gmail.com, www.face book.com/ward4oakville or @HFFINS (Twitter). on selected merchandise continues! Sidewalk Sale per m or unit & up! 5 DAYS ONLY! TUES.-SAT., AUG.20-24 MEMBERS PREVIEW FALL'13 & SAVE OUR REG. PRICES ON ALMOST EVERYTHING IN THE STORE! Members' 40% off discount valid Aug.20-24 only, on in-stock merchandise only, excluding special purchases, promotional items & yarn. Not valid with any other discounts. Where Members' normal every day discount is 50%, Members save 50%. Not a Member? Not a problem! Join now and enjoy a full year of benefits and savings! Details in-store! MISSISSAUGA: 3015 WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD. (N.W. side @ Dundas) 905-828-9966 BURLINGTON: 3515 FAIRVIEW ST. 905-639-2516 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! www.fabricland.ca FREE burgers, hot dogs & cake for our valued customers Saturday August 24th from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm It's our Birthday Bash! We Are Celebrating 21 Fantastic Years In Oakville Birthday Wine & Beer Sale Starting Friday, August 16th to Sunday, August 25th *Closed Mondays Only 5 Days Left! 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