Twenty-two high school students from the Upper Grand District School Board travelled to St. Donat, Quebec, for four days of immersion in Francophone culture and language.
The students are enrolled in core French, extended and immersion French programs at Wellington Heights SS, Erin DHS, Norwell SS, Centre Wellington DHS, Centennial CVI and Guelph CVI. Teacher chaperones were Teresa Katerberg, of Erin, Joel Eidt, from Norwell, and Christina Schilling, curriculum leader.
While in St. Donat, students were part of a contingent of 197 students from eight other school boards across Ontario participating in an annual program run by Perspectives Eduscho Ltd. St. Donat is a small, picturesque town in the heart of the Laurentians, about an hour and a half north of Montreal.
Exceptional weather contributed to the trip. Activities included cross country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, and snowboarding, as well as “la glissade” (tubing) and numerous outdoor games.
Imagine all of that in a snowfall of 30cm. That was followed by a temporary deep freeze of minus-25 to minus-30 degrees. Conditions were absolutely perfect. Indoor activities included workshops in music, ecology, and Québecois culture – all “en français.”
The students were recognized by Perspectives staff for their participation and enthusiasm. They were respectful, courteous and enthusiastic.
Immersing oneself in a different language environment takes courage and deepens the experiences taught in the classroom.
