French Students in Quebec

We have a group of grade 7 students who are currently participating in the North Vancouver School District’s Quebec 2012 trip. Thanks to a staff member at our school board, I was able to get a glimpse into their first days by tracking them on their blog (Quebec 2012). We have a dozen students who have joined this District trip, and I can see many of them in the photos posted there.

Things have changed for French Immersion students over the last few years. More and more schools are moving away from any over night field trips (with Outdoor School being the exception). Parents of younger students may not be aware that Cleveland has not done a grade 7 over night trip for two years (this being year two).

The District has recognized that many schools have stopped offering the traditional year end trip to Quebec, but responded to interest of parents by creating a District trip. This year, thanks to a few teacher volunteers, and the organizational abilities of staff at our Leo Marshall Curriculum Centre, 60 grade 7 students were able to experience this trip. From the photos, there seem to be many happy kids.

Immersion into a completely French environment can be daunting for some, but I believe, based on what I have heard from our students over the year, that they will do very well. Some students will be surprised by how good their French is. Some will gain confidence speaking it when they return. Some are already confident enough, but that may be another story.

I have never been to Auberge (where the group is staying), but the images do bring back memories from my days growing up in Quebec. New leaes are starting to come out on the trees, and it looks warm right now.

I look forward to hearing all about their trip when they return, and I trust that they will have some awesome stories for us.

Take care.