Appreciation for teachers, students and parents highlighted a ceremony last week to celebrate 30 years of French immersion in Flin Flon.
Canadian Parents for French (CPF) members introduced each French teacher, calling them to the podium at the RH Channing Auditorium to accept a small gift.
CPF member Leslie Fernandes followed Alain Lachapelle’s French version of the introduction in English as six teachers were acknowledged.
Melanie Larouche, the kindergarten and Grade 1 immersion teacher at École McIsaac School, was first to be congratulated on her hard work.
The short introduction brought tears to the Quebec native’s eyes as she recently celebrated 11 years in the community.
Larouche accepted her small gift with only a few words: “Thank you for trusting me with your kids.”
The remaining speeches were similar as all honoured teachers gave thanks to the parents, students and fellow teachers for the trust, support and encouragement to carry the immersion program forward.
Following Larouche, Lucie Frederick was called upon for her five years of teaching in the program.
Teacher Jocelyn Enns celebrated 26 years with the Flin Flon School Division this year. She currently teaches French to grades 3 and 4 students.
Rett Sapergia is one of many success stories from the immersion program. He was in the beginning class three decades ago and now teaches grades 5 and 6 at McIsaac.
Natalie Milligan, the French teacher at Hapnot Collegiate, said there wouldn’t be a program had it not been started three decades ago by Sylvie Dufour.
Dufour, a teacher and vice-principal at McIsaac, was the final teacher to be acknowledged.
She was congratulated on her hard work to get the immersion program to where it is today – thriving.
Following the awards, students were called to the front of the hall as French entertainer Marie-Josée Clément performed children’s songs as they danced and played games.
