“Welcome, bienvenue, youkoso!” These were the International greetings that family members heard when they came to visit their children within Mme Proulx and Mme Dutrisac’s Gr. 1/2 and Gr.3 French Immersion classes at St. Anne School in Hanmer. The primary students recognize different cultures daily within the dual-track Catholic Board School, so studying cultures in different countries around the world just seemed like an extension of their everyday routines. The children had worked on individual projects for the country of their choice. A final culminating activity was the presentation and sharing of an International meal. The children sent invitations to their families.

On the day of the meal, parents, grandparents and even some younger brothers and sisters joined in the festivities. They were greeted by students dressed in authentic kimonos (brought over from Japan by a relative of Mme Proulx) as well as a pathway of flags from foreign locations around the world. The primary children sang songs in English, French, and Japanese to their guests. After the singing, both students and their families enjoyed a variety of foods representing the different countries. When asked about the afternoon, Gr. 2 student, Alexandra Tremblay said, “It felt good to present to our families. They were happy for us because we had done a really good job with our projects. Our parents were glad to come to school.”

Judging by the small amount of leftovers, the projects, singing, the costumes and the food were all big hits! These French Immersion students really know how to make guests at their school feel welcome in any language. Way to go Angels!

From left to right, Gr. 1 students Alexis Marshall, Hailey M’Aughey, Lincoln McCourt, and Alexandra Tremblay get ready to greet family at St. Anne School in Hanmer. The students are dressed in authentic kimonos as part of an International Day celebration that highlighted their efforts in learning about countries around the world.

Victoria Dawson, a Gr.1 student at St. Anne School, hopes that her efforts will reward her with a few gold nuggets. After spending the day at Dynamic Earth with her classmates participating in many mining activities, including a trip underground, Victoria tried her hand at one of the earliest forms of searching for minerals, panning for gold. When asked what she might do if she actually found gold, this young student within the Sudbury Catholic Board said, ” First I would show it to my teacher and friends, then I would take it home and give it to my mom for her birthday.” The primary and some junior students at St. Anne School in Hanmer enjoyed their visit to one of Sudbury’s most famous tourist attractions and learning center. It gave them a good opportunity to learn about mining in the past. Comments such as,”My poppa, my dad, or my mom works in the mine,” helped the children to make connections with the jobs many of their parents and grandparents participate in on a daily basis. A great learning day was had by all!