It may not have been Paris, France, but students at Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School were still treated to a cultural Parisian experience during a vibrant two-day French Café event.
Organized by the school's French teachers, consisting of Linda Morgante, Elisa Jagdeo, and Dylan Swan, the event was designed to create an authentic and engaging French-language experience for the entire school community. The gymnasium was transformed with French-themed décor, music, student-led activities, and a variety of French treats, creating an atmosphere that brought language learning to life.
The French Café provided students with meaningful opportunities to use their French skills in real-world situations. Throughout the event, students greeted guests, provided directions, ordered food, served customers, and engaged in casual conversation, allowing them to interact in French with peers, staff, and visitors. These authentic experiences encouraged students to take risks, build confidence, and recognize the value of French as a tool for communication beyond the classroom.
Students from Full-Day Kindergarten through Grade 8 were invited to participate in the café experience, embracing the opportunity to celebrate Francophone culture while practicing their language skills.
“A major highlight of the event was having members of our community’s Parish, St. Ann’s Ancaster, join us,” said Jagdeo.
“They shared their talents with a surprise, live accordion performance, which really added to the ambiance of the day, and by truly connecting positively with our students; conversing in French and leading the way on the dance floor,” added Morgante.
The event also provided leadership opportunities for older students, particularly those in Grade 8, who took on a variety of roles to help make the French Café a success.
“We believe students left the French Café with a greater appreciation of the French language and Francophone culture. For our Grade 8 students especially, who took on a variety of leadership roles including chefs, servers, photographers, raffle coordinators, and face painters, the hope is this experience highlights the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and service.”
Grade 8 students reflected on the value of learning French and the opportunities that come with speaking more than one language.
Aria Pagliari shared, “Teachers really make learning French a fun experience for all of us, learning about different cultures and what we haven't experienced before in our lives.”
“When you speak another language, it's good to have because you can experience new things, like meeting new people,” added Renee Brown.
Highlighting the practical benefits of bilingualism, Audriana Qurbashi noted that “Learning a second language opens more doors and opportunities, especially since French is the second language in Canada.”
“We hope that our students will have fond memories of the French Café, just as thousands of other Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District Board students have over the years,” said Swan.
“Most importantly, we want all our students to remember that learning a language can be enjoyable, meaningful, and a useful asset living in a bilingual country.”
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