French at Akiva

The end of the first part of the school year always coincides with the holiday season or with « le temps des fêtes » as the Quebec expression says. For us, it’s also a time for the Enlightenment and the wealth of donuts soaked in oil. Now, this year, more than any other, we have something to celebrate and rejoice as we look back at our last three months of French learning at Akiva.

In kindergarten, students presented a Chanukkah show, seamlessly performed in three languages. In grade 1, students transitioned well to a whole new level of learning and we now have students enthusiastically singing Quebec songs in French.

Grade 5 students presented an exceptional television news program, unique to Montreal schools, that included French writing, singing, and performing. And what about in grades 2, 3, 4 and 6 – you say?  Although the students have not yet presented shows, they have still made great strides in their French learning. In these classes, learning in French is at the center of their day. In grades 4 and 6, students are busy preparing for the ministry exams. In grade 2 and 3, the teachers raise the bar for learning a little more each day and deploy the latest pedagogical strategies – all supported by the continued professional training that is offered each month with Dr. Isabelle Montésinos-Gelet from the University of Montreal. The French department has never been more proud to be a central part of the Akiva learning and all the teachers join me in wishing you a relaxing winter break.