The International and Indigenous Languages Elementary Program (IILE) has been offered for over 20 years with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.  Students in JK to Grade 8 may learn a new language or experience the culture and traditions of their heritage language.  Learning two languages is the best tool to help children do better in school.  Studies also show that children with two or more languages, have stronger bonds with parents; have better communication skills and readiness for school.  Studies also show that children are better at reading and writing; are more creative; have a sharper memory; are better at solving problems; have a chance to make more friends and find better jobs later in life.  

WHO:  Students in grades JK - Grade 8 (open to children in all school boards). Registrations throughout the year are always welcome!

WHEN: Saturdays, 9 - 11:30 am, September 30, 2023 to May 11, 2024, excluding holiday weekends

WHAT: Current languages offered: Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Mandarin, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Arabic.
Looking to add: Ojibwe / Anishinaabemowin,  Cantonese, Assyrian, German, Greek.  
Other languages considered on request.

WHERE: The 2023-2024 IILE program will be offered Online with the possibility of some face to face classes.  


IILE program starts for students online Saturday, September 30th, 2023.
The IILE 2023-2024 calendar showing all dates students will be attending  online or inperson will be posted in the next couple of weeks.


Tentative face to face class dates are as follows and may be subject to change: