Highlighting the importance of the French language and culture, École Monseigneur Blaise Morand celebrated French Immersion Week, Feb. 7 to 11, in style.
Part of the Catholic school system, EMBM is the only elementary school in North Battleford offering French Immersion.
In preparation for the week, students of all ages worked on projects, which were presented to the school during an assembly Tuesday morning.
The students also watched a rap music video by Tante Caroline in which children sang and danced the virtues of French pride across the country.
EMBM principal, Theo Masich, said the school spirit soars in the lead-up to French Immersion Week, as it is a school tradition to plan special events throughout the week.
"They're all excited about presenting their little poems and they're asking questions, trying to find out what the activities will be," said Masich.
The students weren't disappointed, as the week included a fun day at Table Mountain and a Maple Syrup Sunday held, a tad unconventionally, on a Thursday.
Masich said there are a number of benefits to French Immersion students.
"We're part of a country that has two official languages, so it's a passport in our country and it's a passport around the world," said Masich, adding being able to speak French enables students to communicate in different parts of the world.
French is an official language in 31 countries including Belgium, Switzerland, Togo, Tahiti, France and, of course, Canada.
He also said learning another language helps students appreciate diversity and cultural differences, as well as carrying with it a number of scientifically proven cognitive benefits.
"It creates all kinds of neural pathways," said Masich.
And finally, "it's fun."
