Carnaval d’hiver à Westgate!

On February 7 and 8, 2024, Westgate School hosted Carnaval d’hiver, our version of the French-Canadian winter tradition Carnaval de Québec. Over these two days, students and teachers engaged in various French-Canadian traditions such as sledding, snow-shoeing, playing wooden spoons, learning the Métis Jig, and other activities that had us enjoying the winter weather outdoors! We also participated in cultural presentations by storyteller Roger Dallaire, who shared stories, songs, and dances unique to Franco-Albertan communities. No Carnaval celebration would be complete without a special treat of tire d’érable and of course a visit from Bonhomme Carnaval!

Our French club students from Réunis en Francophonie worked hard in the previous weeks preparing this celebration. We were so happy to be able to host our French club counterparts from Bishop Pinkham and Western Canada High School as our second meet-up of 100 students in our cross-school collaborative OLEP-funded project (OLEP - Official Languages in Education Programs). This project aims to connect students to their feeder school, allowing them to see the through-line of opportunities afforded by continuing their education in the CBE French Immersion program. Westgate students were eager and proud to show off the activities they had planned and all students participated enthusiastically and en français!

To wrap up our celebration, Westgate School Parent Society hosted an evening event to spread the Carnaval spirit with the greater Westgate school community. Together, families enjoyed winter activities, Food Trucks, a crêpe and hot chocolate station, Francophone music, and a visit with Bonhomme! Westgate parents donated supplies and their time to ensure the festivities could be experienced by students with their families.

Our Westgate community loves bringing this French-Canadian tradition to our school. We’re already looking forward to next year’s festivities! Joyeux Carnaval à tous!