Ecole Secondaire Mark R Isfeld Secondary

About

École Secondaire Mark R. Isfeld Secondary is located at 1551 Lerwick Rd, Courtenay, BC V9N 9B5. The school describes itself as a dual-track secondary school serving Grades 8–12 and is the only school in School District 71 offering secondary-level French Immersion. The French Immersion program is designed for non-French speaking students to develop high proficiency in both French and English, with coursework aligned to the BC curriculum.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (Comox Valley)

Education language: Mark R. Isfeld is a dual-track school offering both an English program and a French Immersion program (Grades 8–12). In French Immersion, multiple subjects are taught in French (including science, math, social studies, and language arts), alongside learning in English as part of the dual-language goal. The school emphasizes a French-speaking classroom culture for immersion students.

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: 7-12

Phone: 250 334-2428

Email: isfeld@sd71.bc.ca

Principal: Brian Mcaskill

Education Languages

Mark R. Isfeld is a dual-track school offering both an English program and a French Immersion program (Grades 8–12). In French Immersion, multiple subjects are taught in French (including science, math, social studies, and language arts), alongside learning in English as part of the dual-language goal. The school emphasizes a French-speaking classroom culture for immersion students.

Programs and Services

Student support / counselling services The school counselling team provides personal counselling and a range of academic supports, including course selection, career and post-secondary planning, scholarship/bursary information, and help with study and organization skills. Counselling also offers family consultation/support, referrals to community resources, and classroom/parent presentations, with stated confidentiality expectations. Athletics and extracurricular sports French Immersion supports and enrichment French Immersion includes extra help options such as a Tuesday-morning homework club supported by Grade 12 French Immersion students and a French Immersion educational assistant. The program may also offer francophone cultural events and activities (e.g., Souper de Noel, Journée de la Francophonie, Concours d’art oratoire, and more) to build connection to francophone culture.

• Volleyball
• Field Hockey
• Soccer
• Aquatics
• Cross-Country Running
• Football
• Rugby
• Basketball
• Wrestling
• Track and Field
• Golf
• Disc Golf
• Curling
• Gymnastics
• Skiing
• Snowboarding

School Culture and Expectations

French Immersion classes emphasize a French-speaking culture, with the expectation that students consistently speak French with peers and teachers. In athletics, students are held to expectations around commitment, dedication, sportsmanship, and fair play, and the program highlights respect for teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents. The athletics philosophy also emphasizes inclusive participation and skill development at younger grade levels, with increasing commitment expectations through junior and senior levels.

Enrollment

The school website directs families to register through the district: “Go to SD71 Registration.” French Immersion is described as a program of choice; students who withdraw prior to or during Grade 8 may be required to attend their catchment school.