Around 70 Chinook’s Edge students in Grades 8 to 12 recently took part in a French Immersion event.
According to Chinook's Edge, on March 27, they joined students from three other school divisions to learn more about French language and culture.
“The purpose of the event is to give French students the chance to engage in French language speaking, to learn more about French culture and language, and to get to know other French Speakers,” says Marie-Astrid Detharet, French Immersion Coordinator, Chinook’s Edge School Division.
“The French for the future forum was a huge success,” says Melanie Hillier, French Immersion teacher at École Olds High School. “We often experience linguistic insecurity when it comes to speaking a second language. It was so great to see students of all levels stepping out of their comfort zone and interacting with different people in French.”
The French for the Future Forum receives federal funding. A total of 330 kids from Red Deer's École La Prairie School, Red Deer Public Schools, Red Deer Catholic Regional School Division, and Chinook's Edge attended. Students from Chinook's Edge School attended the conference, including École Fox Run School, École H.J. Cody School, École Deer Meadow School, and École Olds High School.
Grade 8 Fox Run student Addy S. says, “The day kinda gave me a new perspective on using French. It was so amazing and I loved the music so much. It just made a big difference, especially to have it in French. I feel like it inspired me to listen to more French music that can help me in my career as a musician. The event was amazing, and I am so lucky I came.”
The one-day event featured various activities, including an improvisation workshop, line dancing, Zumba, card games, arts, face painting, a trivia obstacle course, a French café, and a Sports Hall of Fame. Students also enjoyed a performance by the guest artist, 2 Moods.
Grade 11 French student from École H.J. Cody School, Orlo D., says, “To be honest, I didn't know what I was expecting because I'm new to the FSL program. So I don't super know a lot of French. But coming here, it was such an open environment, and everyone here is here because of the same reason, to learn about French culture. And so it's nice to see so many different schools getting together. It's a great experience.
According to Chinook's Edge, the conference was funded by French for the Future and organized by Canadian Parents for French. Students were able to attend, thanks to provincial funding from the Official Languages in Education Program, which helped with transportation costs and substitute teachers.
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