Heather Latter
The local chapter of the Canadian Parents for French, in conjunction with the Northwest Catholic District School Board, are inviting families to attend a French event—“Rencontre & Raconter”—this Tuesday (Jan. 19) from 4:30-7 p.m. at St. Michael’s School.
“It’s an evening of food, games, stories, prizes, and more,” enthused Aimee Matheson, who is president of the newly-established chapter.
She explained the CPF organization offers plenty of resources and assistance for parents, and also provides funding for community events to support the French Immersion program.
With sponsorship also from the local Catholic board, which is an associate member of the new chapter, Matheson said the group decided to host the event as a way to introduce parents to it.
“We want to give French Immersion students a chance to use their French outside of the classroom,” she explained.
Matheson added it’s also an opportunity for those interested in the French Immersion program to learn more about it and ask any questions they might have.
“It will be a fun night,” she remarked.
“We’re going to have different activity tables that families can go around to and get stamps, and then there will be a draw.”
Matheson said one of the tables will showcase different apps and technology available for French students.
“We want to help support the parents,” she stressed, noting not all parents have a strong French background.
“But there really are tons of resources for parents.”
The event is free of change and also includes dinner.
“We’ve had a lot of good feedback about it so we’re expecting a good turnout,” said Matheson, adding the chapter is planning to hold events such as this through the school year.
“We want to get French out in the community,” she reasoned.
The French Immersion program was reinstated at St. Michael’s School here last fall after the local Catholic board decided in 2006 to begin phasing it out due to a lack of enrolment and the area’s overall declining population.
And Matheson said the program, which has an SK and a Grade 1 class, is going very well.
“It’s amazing how much they [the students] are learning so quickly,” she enthused.
“They are really picking it up.”
