April 29: French Immersion students participate in French for the Future

Grade 11 and 12 French Immersion students from Rainbow Schools will explore the importance of French in their personal, cultural and professional lives when they participate in the French For the Future Conference (Le français pour l’avenir) this week. The conference will take place at Laurentian University’s Alphonse-Raymond Building on Tuesday, April 29th, 2008 from 9 am to 1:30 pm.

"This one-day event was created by professors, students and community volunteers to pay tribute to students in French Immersion and to those who study mainly in French," says teacher Gary McKinny, Co-ordinator of French Second Language Programs for Rainbow District School Board.  "The event will bring French Immersion students together with their Francophone peers in a French-language setting. This will enable our students to engage and interact in their second language through dynamic discussions and presentations."

As part of the conference, bilingual professionals from the Greater Sudbury area will lead workshops demonstrating the importance of bilingualism in their everyday work.  Students will also share their thoughts on learning a second language during an afternoon plenary session.

Founded in 1997 by John Ralston Saul, French for the Future is a national non-profit association that organizes a series of French-language conferences for high school students.

The conference forges linguistic and cultural links among students enrolled in French Immersion and French programs. It also gives students an opportunity to reflect on the many benefits of being bilingual, including career possibilities.

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Media Contact:

Gary McKinny, Co-ordinator, French Second Language Programs,
Rainbow District School Board, 523-3308, ext. 8239.