Vive la Francophonie: EIPS Celebrates a Month Dedicated to French Language and Culture

Mireille Moquin, a Franco-Albertan singer, songwriter and actress, performed music for French Immersion students at Ardrossan Junior Senior High.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Throughout the month of March, many Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) staff and students are travelling outdoors and taking part in French-Canadian traditions to celebrate Alberta Francophonie Month. French Immersion schools across the Division are holding all kinds of activities rooted in francophone cultures—from Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie to Carnaval.

“We celebrate Francophonie Month at our school because we believe it’s important for French Immersion students to connect with French-Canadian culture as part of learning the language,” says Elizabeth Booij, a French Immersion teacher at Ardrossan Junior Senior High. “We provide students the opportunity to experience live French-Canadian music and theatre, helping them appreciate the beauty of French beyond the classroom.”

Les Rendez-vous de la Francophonie is an annual festival celebrated nationwide to honour the French language and francophone cultures from March 1-31. Through a host of lesson plans and activities focused on francophone cultures, the French language and the benefits of being bilingual in Canada, EIPS students are experiencing first-hand francophone traditions. Some of this year’s highlights include performances by francophone singers, musicians, actors, dancers and comedians. Schools are also hosting winter carnivals—similar to the Carnaval de Quebec—featuring special appearances from Bonhomme, the Carnaval mascot, sleigh rides; ice sculpting; sled races and food tastings with traditional French-Canadian dishes such as tire d’érable—hot maple syrup drizzled and hardened on snow.

Additionally, schools will participate in International Francophonie Day—an annual event celebrated globally to promote the French language and francophone culture. “By offering students the chance to engage in French cultural experiences, we deepen their understanding of the privilege of being bilingual,” adds Booij. “Students appreciate the chance to celebrate French as we approach International Francophonie Day on March 20.”

All six of EIPS’ French Immersion schools are taking part in Alberta Francophonie Month—Ardrossan Elementary, Ardrossan Junior Senior High, École Campbelltown, École Parc Élémentaire, Heritage Hills Elementary and Sherwood Heights Junior High. While the official month of Francophonie wraps up March 31, French Immersion schools in EIPS continue to provide students with rich francophone cultural experiences throughout the school year.

For specific details about activities and events, contact schools directly.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,950 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.

–30–

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