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Summer in French

Summer in French

In this edition of Express ACCENT, discover the vibrant range of French-language summer activities offered across the province! From summer camps and outdoor adventures to community gatherings and recreational programs for all ages, this session will highlight inspiring initiatives and resources that help students continue learning and thriving in French throughout the summer.

While summer can sometimes create a disconnect from the French language, it also holds the potential to be a meaningful time for cultural and identity-building experiences. As parents, educators, and community leaders, we all have a role to play in supporting youth in their linguistic development.

To explore this further, we’re pleased to welcome Geneviève Savard, a teacher in a Francophone minority setting, and Nicol Garzon from the Royal Alberta Museum. Together, they’ll share their insights and practical ideas for helping young people stay connected to the French language during the summer months.

  • Date: May 7, 2025
  • Time: 3:45 PM
  • Virtual panel on Zoom

 

Panelists

 

Nicol Garzon, Coordonnatrice d'apprentissage, Programmes en français au Musée royal de l'Alberta / Learning Coordinator, French Programs, Department of Engagement & Education at the Royal Alberta Museum

Nicol Garzon, Coordonnatrice d'apprentissage, Programmes en français au Musée royal de l'Alberta / Learning Coordinator, French Programs, Department of Engagement & Education at the Royal Alberta Museum

Since September 2024, the Royal Alberta Museum has strengthened its commitment to the Francophone community by incorporating French into its school programs and various gallery activities. This enhancement, which builds on existing bilingual signage, increases accessibility for Alberta’s Francophone and Francophile audiences.

In the same spirit of offering French-language experiences year-round, the museum is proud to launch—for the very first time—two summer camps entirely in French. These camps aim to spark children’s curiosity through engaging, hands-on activities rooted in both human and natural history.

Nicol Garzon from the Royal Alberta Museum will share their journey and insights as part of the panel highlighting initiatives that help keep youth engaged in French over the summer months. A wonderful opportunity to support Francophone vitality beyond the classroom!

Geneviève Savard, enseignante à Grande Prairie et présidente de la Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta (FPFA) /  Teacher in Grande Prairie and president, of the Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta (FPFA)

Geneviève Savard, enseignante à Grande Prairie et présidente de la Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta (FPFA) / Teacher in Grande Prairie and president, of the Fédération des parents francophones de l’Alberta (FPFA)

A dedicated teacher and passionate advocate for Francophone life in a minority context, Geneviève draws on her experience as a community leader and school-community liaison to create vibrant spaces where young people can thrive in French beyond the classroom. As a mother of two teenagers, she firmly believes that language is something to be lived as much as it is learned.

In this presentation, Geneviève will share her expertise as an educator in a Francophone minority setting to highlight the importance of keeping students engaged in French-language activities throughout the summer. She will offer practical strategies to encourage participation in summertime initiatives that support students’ linguistic and cultural development.

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