THUNDER BAY — More than 200 students took part in Lakehead Public Schools’ third annual Carnaval d’Hiver at the Claude E. Garton Public School on Thursday.
The event offered Grade 7 and 8 students the chance to learn about French-Canadian culture and participate in various culture-focused activities.
Whitney Lundstrom, a Lakehead Public Schools French Immersion resource teacher, said carnaval is one of the French cultural pieces the board tries to bring in for students in French Immersion.
“I think for us at Lakehead Public Schools, it’s really important for us to provide authentic tasks and activities for kids in French Immersion so that they understand a little bit more about the French culture but as well are able to use their skills with oral communication listening comprehension,” said Lundstrom.
Some of these tasks and activities included a set callé dance, outdoor stations and a cultural lunch for students to enjoy together.
Students made the meal at Hammarskjold High School’s culinary program, which the students visited to cook chilli, sugar tarts and tea biscuits.
“Our 7, 8 students from Elsie MacGill, Gron Morgan, as well as Claude Garton, are all working together today to ring in the end of winter, so students are kind of immersing themselves in authentic French activities while being outside,” said Lundstrom.
During the day, she said students would visit six different centres.
For these outdoor stations, she explained they chose French cultural activities such as snowshoeing, snow sculptures, tobogganing and hockey.
There was also a tug-of-war battle and Club Francophone provided maple cones for the students to taste.
“Students were mixed into groups so that they can use their French oral communication skills to enjoy the activities but also work together as a group,” said Lundstrom.
She explained when they do authentic tasks and activities for students in French, they find that students are more willing to engage.
She added that being outside, taking in some of the activities they’re already familiar with, brings a sense of confidence for them to be able to communicate.
“It just really brings a beautiful sense of community, both the Francophone community but as well as our community at Lakehead Public Schools and students just really look forward to this day,” said Lundstrom.
