A celebration of French
By Chris Simon

Goodfellow Public School students recently participated in a Winter carnival, to celebrate similar festivities taking place in Quebec. The carnival also had a French theme. Kids raced sleds, played snow soccer and received candy from Bonhomme du Goodfellow, among other activities.

Tres bien!

Over 500 students celebrated Quebec City's annual Winter Carnival a bit closer to home Thursday. They danced to French music, ate pancakes, drank hot chocolate and played several outdoor sports like soccer and sled racing, during Goodfellow Public School's first Winter Carnival celebration.

"It's part of our character education program," said Goodfellow principal David Brownlee. "It promotes leadership with intermediate (age) our kids. And it's part of our overall school improvement plan by building a positive and caring school environment.

"French is the driving force, but there's other huge benefits to it."

Others say the event helped students learn about French Canadian culture in a fun and entertaining environment.

The students also participated in walrus and snow in a bucket races and golf.

"It's been great. The weather's cooperating, the kids are being excellent," said French teacher Sonia Prim.

Many of the games also help build camaraderie and character among students, since the kids were divided into groups ranging from Grade 1 to 8, she said.

"The Grade 8s are being leaders of their teams, it's a lot of community building," she said.

The school's French teachers decided to organize the event as a way to promote the language. Earlier this school year, Goodfellow began hosting extended French classes.

"It's helping promote French Canadian culture," said Prim. "As a French teacher, I know it's important. French is a life skill, and we wanted to show kids that French is an important part of their school day.

"We're definitely trying to show French in a positive light and show it's exciting to learn."

Photos by Chris Simon