Mai oui! French is alive in Airdrie
This Thursday night, the Quebec-based musical group Folklofolie will be performing at Ecole Edwards Elementary School at Jensen Drive in Airdrie. It’s a must-see for not only French speakers in Airdrie but for parents of French immersion students in the community.
Folklofolie is a duo hailing from Gatineau, who promise an evening of fun, folk music and unforgettable family experience. This concert is being organized by the Airdrie chapter of the Canadian Parents for French in conjunction with Ecole Edwards as part of the school’s French culture week.
President of the Airdrie CPF chapter says that the group brings in some kind of French arts group at least once a year. Erin Quiring explains that learning French at school is wonderful, but to have stories and music outside of the classroom truly helps student’s proficiency with the French language and opens up new avenues to explore the culture.
She adds that audience members don’t need to be from a French immersion family to enjoy the Jan 28. show.
Folklofolie will have three shows on Thursday night, with the final public performance at 6:30 p.m. at the school. Admission is just $2 at the doors to the gymnasium in the school. Patrons can arrive any time after 6 p.m.
About CPF
This national organization is volunteer-run with chapters across Canada. The goal is to support parents of children learning in a French environment. With French as an important piece of Canada’s culture, the organization also promotes the value of French as a second language, stressing the learning opportunities for students in the community.
French Immersion in Airdrie
Starting at the Kindergarten level, an immersion program is for students with no prior skills in French to learn to read and write in the language and to be exposed to a new culture within the Alberta curriculum. Up to Grade 2, students learn in French with comprehensive English instruction following from Grades 3 to 12. That includes many of the activities surrounding class time, such as band, choir, theatre and dance. With the addition of activities such as French Culture Week, students are given a very well-rounded French experience.
Ecole Des Petit Amis: This preschool for 3 and 4 year-olds opened in 2013 and is the only pre-kindergarten program in Airdrie. The philosophy of the preschool is that children learn at their own pace and in their own unique way. Qualified staff lay the foundation of skills in the French language through songs, stories and games.
Our Lady Queen of Peace: This school is the only Catholic French immersion school in Airdrie, offering instruction in K-Grade 8.
Ecole Edward Elementary: Offering French instruction for K-Grade 4
Ecole Airdrie Middle: Offering French instruction for Grades 5 to 8
George McDougall High School: Offering French instruction for Grades 9-12
Ecole Francophone d’Airdrie: This school is complete immersion and is recommended only for fully fluent children.
Those wanting more information on French in Airdrie can visit the CPF Facebook page or the Rockyview School Division website.