F.R. Haythorne Junior High students venture down the Breakneck Stairs in Quebec City during a past trip to Eastern Canada.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students across the Division are packing their suitcases and practicing their French language skills to prepare for their journey to Eastern Canada. Several schools have trips out east planned this spring, including Sherwood Heights Junior High and F.R. Haythorne Junior High. Sherwood Heights has Ottawa on their itinerary, while F.R. Haythorne students will visit Trois-Rivieres—both schools are travelling to Montreal and Quebec City.

“I’m excited to explore francophone cities, meet new people and see cool things,” says Natalia Alas Thornton, a Grade 9 student at Sherwood Heights Junior High. “And put my years of French Immersion to good use, of course!”

Several highlights from the Sherwood Heights trip include tours through the streets of Montreal and Quebec City, a visit to Montmorency Falls, and adventures to the Canadian Museum of History and the National Gallery of Canada. They’ll also take a guided tour of Ottawa and venture to Parliament Hill.

Meanwhile, F.R. Haythorne students will visit the Notre-Dame Basilica and see the one-of-a-kind light and architecture show AURA, ride the Montreal Ferris Wheel at nighttime, learn about diverse ecosystems at the Biodome and live the life of an 1800s convict and soldier at the Plains of Abraham.

“Students experience the French language in an authentic way the classroom can’t replicate,” says Crystal Getschel, a French teacher at F.R. Haythorne Junior High. “Seeing the trees where the maple syrup is tapped while you eat a traditional Quebecois meal and walk down cobblestone streets takes you back in time. And exploring places like the Plains of Abraham visually reinforces students’ understanding of Canadian history. They remember this trip for the rest of their lives—and with so many spectacular locations, it’s easy to understand why.”

National trips to Eastern Canada allow students to discover another cultural side of the country, experiencing unique traditions, cuisine and customs. “This is an amazing opportunity,” says Turaiya Naidoo, another Grade 9 student at Sherwood Heights Junior High. “Getting to explore and understand more about French Canadian culture will be such a gift—our class is lucky to have this incredible experience together.”

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,460 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902