APE News

_ CAMPBELL RIVER

We’ve certainly been busy since our last meeting! In
February we held our second annual Carnaval breakfast—a
traditional breakfast with folk music and even a visit from the
Carnaval king and queen—all shared with our families and our
new immersion program friends. A huge thanks to Mrs. Korpela
for organizing this event and congratulations to our volunteer
cooks and waiters. You made the event a real success! Without
your support, this would not have been possible.

In March, to properly end our final week before the spring
break, we had a terrific opportunity to view the French-language
version of the film, Pinocchio, starring Roberto Benini. The
film was a complete success, and an ideal chance to combine
the school communities of the immersion program with
francophonie. A heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Blais for organizing
this event.

A few of our parents had the wonderful idea of starting a
young journalists club. We have already published our first issue
of FrancoFUNique. I must say, it’s amazing! We would
especially like to acknowledge the assistance of a number of
moms: Thanks to Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Simard-Yard, Mrs. Robert,
and Mrs. Lauzon.

° RICHMOND

Our school was extremely proud to host the finalists for
the PGL Dictée final for the Vancouver Island region. Our
congratulations to all of the contestants and bravo to the finalists!

Our students also keep up with what’s going on in the art
world. Everyone had an opportunity to meet an extraordinary
musician, Mr. Rick Scott, during his visit to Campbell River.
Songs, stories, discovering new instruments—the students are
still talking about it! To learn more about /a francophonie, we
also had the immense pleasure of welcoming Congolese
storyteller Mr. Jean Pierre, who took us on an exciting adventure
in Africa, complete with interactive games and music.

Preparations are well under way to end the year on a high
note. Each class is preparing an end-of-year spectacle of music
and songs, along with a play, Petit Jésus de Campbell River,
starring the “big kids’ class,” grades 4, 5 and 6.

As you can see, we stay very busy in our little corner of
this province. For the future, there’s a tombola, a lawn bowling
tournament, and many other projects to keep us occupied. Once
again, thanks to all of our parent volunteers and extraordinary
staff. Your work is greatly appreciated!

Maria Stinchcombe, APE vice-president

The auction at the Richmond Centre on March 8 and 9 was a huge success. So
was our open house, which resulted in the registration of 14 new students for next
year. We continue to work on several issues, particularly recruiting and fundraising.
Our efforts include the monthly daycare evening at the Richmond Inn, hot dog day
(in conjunction with the Diefenbaker School PAC), a bottle drive by the children, the

Salmon Festival, and many other events.

We have also invited the francophone community to join us in inaugurating our
school’s new name, Des Navigateurs, on June 21, 2003, at our end-of-year picnic at
Boundary Bay. (In case of rain, the picnic will be postponed until June 28). The
program includes a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, baseball, etc. Come

one, come all!

Comox VALLEY

ii i Se?

Nancy Asselin, APE secretary

Speech Arts Competition

Thanks to the help of our Grade 3-4 teacher, Mr. Jean-
Francois Provencher, students in grades 3 to 6 of the
francophone and immersion programs were able to showcase
their talents at the Speech Arts Competition on April 16.

For two weeks leading up to the big day, students learned
to prepare an outline and write an essay on a subject of their
choice. To succeed, everyone had to dedicate considerable time
and effort. The Grade 3-4 class even had a visit and some help
from the Grade 9 students of the Campbell River francophone
program. We certainly appreciated the help!

Next came the practice—at home and at school. Students
had to memorize their speeches and present them in class in
front of their friends, teachers, and parents. The finalists spoke
in front of the judges, teachers, parents, and students.
Congratulations to our winners: Audrey Monette, Soleil Rainville
and Jonah Lachapelle, Grade 3; Rochelle Fortier, Adam Thibault
and Mélissa L’ Heureux-Haché, Grade 4; Julien Gagnon, Grade
5; and Tehshang Couture, Grade 6. Thank you, all, for your
wonderful presentations!

Rock Fortier, APE president

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