Sherwood Heights Junior High students tour Jacques-Cartier Square during their trip to Eastern Canada.
Sherwood Park, AB. — Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students across the Division took flight to rich cultural experiences in Eastern Canada. Several schools ventured on trips this spring, including Ardrossan Junior Senior High, F.R. Haythorne Junior High and Sherwood Heights Junior High. “The trip to Quebec was a great experience that improved my knowledge of French-Canadian culture,” says Abby Herbert, a Grade 9 student at Ardrossan Junior Senior High. “It was very interesting to see how different things there are from Alberta.”
From April 30 to May 5, Sherwood Heights students travelled to Montreal and Quebec City. During an action-packed six days, students toured the cities and gazed at the awe-inspiring architecture, including Jacques-Cartier Square, Château Frontenac and Place Royale. Students got a bird’s eye view at the Capital Observatory and delved into another time at the Montreal Archeology Museum and the Plains of Abraham.
During the May long weekend, Ardrossan Junior Senior and F.R. Haythorne travelled to Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec City. The schools had many spectacular stops. Both groups visited the ByWard Market to shop for souvenirs, took photos at the massive Montmorency Falls and toured the Notre-Dame Basilica alongside the incredible light and architecture show AURA.
Ardrossan students learned about Canadian history at the Supreme Court of Canada, Canadian War Museum and National Gallery of Canada. Biology took the front seat at Montreal’s Biodome and Botanical Garden, and students journeyed to Wendake to take a guided tour of the Village Huron—a portrait of First Nations life past, present and future.
Meanwhile, F.R. Haythorne students discovered the sophisticated art of coin production at the Royal Canadian Mint, rode the Montreal Ferris Wheel and snacked on maple taffy at Trois-Rivière’s Chez Dany Cabane à Sucre. Students also explored the Quartier Petit Champlain—the oldest shopping district in North America. Today, it showcases the talents of local artisans and is the location of the Breakneck Stairs and Wall of History.
National trips to Eastern Canada allow students to discover another cultural side of the country, experiencing unique traditions, cuisine and customs. “Having gone from French immersion student to teacher, this trip put into perspective the importance of making sure French stays alive in our country, in our communities and in our schools,” says Mitchell Cooper, a teacher at Ardrossan Junior Senior. “Immersing students in culture and language—as they were in Quebec—is key to their understanding and appreciation.”
From language immersion to sporting events and musical performances, national and international trips schools plan across EIPS focus on curricular connections, relationship-building and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,750 students in 42 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, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902