2022 DELF Cancellation

Attn:  Families of secondary students and all secondary students

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is proud of the range of French as a Second Language (FSL) programs that are offered to students. As we strive to recognize students’ accomplishments in FSL programs, the DDSB, in cooperation with the Ontario DELF Centre, previously offered on an annual basis the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF), an international accreditation from the government of France. 

Although this accreditation can be completed by any person, at any time, it is promoted to students who are enrolled in at least one grade 12 French credit in Ontario. Over the past few years, DDSB has met some challenges with offering the DELF. In 2020, due to COVID-19 related school closures and again in 2021, due to COVID-19 complications, opportunities to complete the DELF were not available through many boards, including DDSB.

DDSB anticipated a return to the usual practice of offering the DELF to students in May of 2022, however due to a variety of ongoing challenges at this time, it is not possible for the DELF to proceed in DDSB schools. As we continue to be challenged by COVID-19 related staff shortages, the significant work of preparing to hire and train DELF examiners and correcteurs has been impacted and we are unable to successfully administer the highly regulated DELF examinations with the available staff. Many other boards are facing similar situations.

We know that this will come as disappointing news to all involved, particularly to the families and students who were expecting a return to the DELF in 2022 and who have already registered and started preparing. We understand how valued the DELF is to students and families and are offering an alternate option to achieve the DELF certification in 2022.

Any student who registered for the May 2022 DELF in DDSB will qualify to complete the exam at one of the locations overseen by the Alliance Française. The closest location to Durham Region is in North York. Students who complete the DELF at an Alliance Francaise location will be eligible for a reimbursement of 50% of the examination fees. Details about the reimbursement process will be shared as soon as it is confirmed, including financial assistance for those who may need it, but staff wanted to share this information with families today so that students can explore registration for the DELF externally without delay. To register for the DELF, families can visit the Alliance Francaise website  for a schedule of available upcoming examination dates by location and section of the exam.

We understand how much work students and staff have undertaken in advance of completing the DELF and are pleased that students will have the opportunity to complete the DELF in 2022. Going forward each year, DDSB staff are exploring the possibility of offering the DELF on a twice a year basis in November and again in the spring, in order to manage the number of staff who will need to be hired and trained to support exam administration.

Sincerely,

Durham District School Board