Elbow Valley Elementary School celebrated French Culture Week with music, dance, and sweat treats.
The annual commemoration is a chance for French Immersion schools across Canada to show their spirit and heritage through a number of themed days.
Rocky View County's Elbow Valley is a dual-track school, meaning both English language and French Immersion programs are offered.
Principal Simon Pols said their goal is to ensure all students participate in activities that are inclusive and connected to the curriculum, regardless of their program.
"This event has been a tradition for well over 20 years, as we believe it is important to recognize the French language and various aspects of French culture," Pols explained. "One-third of our students are immersed in learning French, and our Grade 4 English students are also beginning to learn French as part of their regular curriculum."
Many other schools with dual-track or French programs organize similar events throughout the year, though it is not mandatory. Pols noted that the week-long festivities have a specific French theme that changes every year.
"This year, we chose to focus on the Acadians. Last year, our theme was the Métis, and the year before that, we highlighted French Canadians from Québec," Pols explained. "Next year, we are considering exploring French-speaking countries in Africa and connecting it to Black History Month."
French Culture Week kicked off on Monday, Feb. 24 with Folklofolie, a duo who performs classic French Canadian songs.
On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the school held what's called a "Le Grand Tintamare" parade, making plenty of noise to celebrate and raise awareness that the Acadians remain a vibrant part of Canada.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, Elbow Valley's Kindergarten teacher led a sing-along.
"We're also commemorating Pink Shirt Day (Wednesday) by promoting kindness and respect for differences, including culture and language," Pols added, since the day corresponded with the annual anti-bulling campaign on Feb. 26.
A photo booth was set up and every student received a sticker that says "Vive la gentillesse," which translates to "Love Live Kindness."
"Our wonderful parent volunteers came in to bake "les pets-de-sœurs," a traditional dessert made from leftover pie crust, cinnamon, sugar, and butter," Pols continued.
On Thursday, Feb.27, staff challenged the entire school to a loose parts challenge, where students created the Acadian flag using materials found in their classrooms.
Finally, on Friday, students indulged in "la tire," a maple syrup treat made by boiling sap past the point where it would form maple syrup and then rolling it over ice to form a type of taffy.
"We hope that all students develop an appreciation for the diversity of French cultures, recognize and respect differences, and embrace inclusivity," Pols added.
March 20th additionally marks International Francophonie Day across the world, which will see further celebrations in French Immersion schools across Canada.
Rocky View School District offers French Immersion in 14 different schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Elbow Valley Elementary is located in Springbank.
