A day at Ode
From the front door to the last bell
The day has the same shape every time, so children know what comes next, whatever the language.
- 8:00
Step 1: Arrival
A teacher stands at the front door and says bonjour. Coats and backpacks go on the hooks in the hall.
- 8:20
Step 2: Morning gathering
The whole school meets for a few minutes in French: a song, the day's date and the weather. A class takes a turn leading each week.
- 8:45
Step 3: Morning lessons
Math, science and social studies, mostly in French in the early grades, with a snack break halfway.
- 11:45
Step 4: Lunch
A lunch packed at home, or a hot lunch ordered by the month. Teachers sit at the tables and talk in French with whoever wants to.
- 12:30
Step 5: Outdoors
Recess in the yard, with teachers on every side.
- 1:00
Step 6: English block
Reading groups, spelling and writing in English, in a quiet room with a teacher in every group.
- 2:15
Step 7: Art, music and projects
Singing, drawing, clay and the yearly project, in French or English by grade.
- 3:15
Step 8: Dismissal
A teacher walks each child to the front door. Extended care runs until 5:30 p.m. for families who need it.
Lunch
A table where French is spoken, and no one is made to
Lunch is the quietest hour for a child who is new to French. Teachers sit at each table and talk about ordinary things, such as the weather, the food and the weekend, and children join in when they are ready. A lunch from home is fine, and the office has a list of caterers who serve hot lunches by the month.
Afternoons
Music, projects and a long recess
After the English block the rooms open up. Children sing in the music room, work on the project of the year, or take their turn at the long recess on the field, with teachers watching from every side.
Come for a morning
A visit day follows this schedule, from the front door to lunch.