Visual presentation(bilingual version)

Table of ContentPreaching by Example, page 4Danica, daughter of Marily and RobertDavid, son of Steve and ThreseSieg, father of Jolne and KellyBrad, father of KevinTalking About What Really Matters, page 6Jenna, daughter of MelElla, daughter of SofiaJohn, father of Nathalie, Joel and AlexMarilyn, mother of Danica and FranoisSpeak French? What For? page 8Eric, son of Steve and LiseStphanie, daughter of Benot and Misty(B)Lydia, mother of BrigitteBen, father of Jannie and JustinClaude, father of EricHome is Where French is, page 10Cedric, son of Kevin and CelesteAlain, son of Hank and AimeLesley, mother of DerrickLisette, mother of Michelle and Thomas(B)Creating Your Own Traditions, page 12Paul, son of RobertMisty, mother of Stphanie and Kyle(B)Phil, father of Jonathan, Anglique and JulienKeith, father of Chantal and RichardFrench Culture on the Menu, page 14Paul, son of Robert (B)Kayla, daughter of Marie-Anne and James (B)Gil, father of Jonas, Bailey, Cameron and CathieWayne, father of Hunter and MarkMaking the Right Decisions, page 16Janelle, daughter of Steve and Thrse(B)Marc, son of Gilles and Claudine (B)Conrad, father of Michel and Jasmine(B)Keith, father of Chantal and RichardChoosing a School, page 18Zachary, son of Dan and Julie (B)Stphanie, daughter of Jean-Claude (B)Berverly, mother of Alexandre and JessicaKen, father of SylvieDealing with Social Pressures, page 20Ella, daughter of Judith and HarryJoselle, daughter of Patricia (B)Michelle, mother of Sean (B)Conrad, father of Michel and Jasmine(B)Moments that Change Ones Life, page 22Paul, son of Robert (B)Allan, son of Beth and GilbertPaulette, mother of Karine and Malika(B)Ben, father of Jannie and JustinHeroes and Role Models, page 24Meaghan, daughter of Colette and KevinJanelle, daughter of Steve and Thrse(B)Stphanie, daughter of Jean-Claude (B)Nicola, father of Yannik and SophieCharles, father of Kyle and Philip (B)Fitting in as a non-Francophone, page 26Allan, son of Beth and Gilbert (B)Kristian, son of Gisle and BruceKen, father of SylvieCarla, mother of Lethia and ZoNicola, father of Yannik and SophieOpening up to French, page 28Louis-Philippe, son of Mandy and GraldAmielle, daughter of Glenn and Denise(B)Keith, father of Chantal and RichardRita, mother of JennyJoanna, mother of Catherine and PaulDreaming Big for the Future, page 30Stphanie and Marcelle (B)Janelle and Paul (B)Lydia, mother of Mireille and DanielMeaghan and Rene-Claude (B)

Leading By Example Table of contentWhat simple things do you do to show you value French language and culture?

Table of contentWhen I was learning to read, my mom, who didnt speak French, always mentioned how French words and phrases were so pleasing and evocative. It made me want to learn more and share new words with her. Now that I am older, my mom and I appreciate French music and films. (Danica, daughter of Marilyn and Robert)What simple things do you do to show you value French language and culture?

Table of contentMy dad is the one who showed me to appreciate my French culture. Our tradition was to go out for dinner where service was available in French. Dad would make a point of learning a few new French words every time. He still orders in French whenever he can. (David, son of Steve and Thrse)What simple things do you do to show you value French language and culture?

Table of contentWhen the kids were younger, I learned to speak French with them. As they got older, their French got way better than mine, but I kept at it at my own pace. (Sieg, father of Jolne and Kelly)What simple things do you do to show you value French language and culture?

Table of contentGoing with my son to parent-teacher evenings is a must for me. At the start of the meeting, the teachers will speak English, but Ill insist they speak French. I can understand quite a bit. Then Ill give my son a nudge so that he knows its important he hears his teachers comments in French. (Brad, father of Kevin)What simple things do you do to show you value French language and culture?

Talking about What Really Matters Table of contentWhat do you value in the French language and culture?

Table of contentAfter my parents split up, my dad made a point of telling us to keep speaking French among ourselves at home. French is not his first language. I was kind of shocked. It showed me that he cared about us keeping our French culture. (Jenna, daughter of Mel)What do you value in the French language and culture?

Table of contentMy mother is European and she has a different way of talking about language and culture. One day, my French friends and I were speaking English. Well my mother doesnt preach, she tells stories. She talked about when she was young and how she also loved American pop cultureand how she also learned to love her culture and its richness. I realize now that it was important to hear her talk about what makes us who we are. (Ella, daughter of Sofia)What do you value in the French language and culture?

Table of contentMaybe the best thing I can do is to tell my kids how proud I am that they attend a French school and have French culture. I am proud of my French family and feel richer for it! (John, father of Nathalie, Joel and Alex)What do you value in the French language and culture?

Table of contentI was in the hospital with our first born when we decided that our kids would speak French. My husband spoke French to them all the time. And I did what I had to do. I learned. I asked for support. I asked questions. We had many talks about French with the kids. Sure, it took some work and commitment, but everything worthwhile in life comes with a price. Now, they are learning a third language. (Marilyn, mother of Danica and Franois) What do you value in the French language and culture?

Speaking French? What For? Table of contentWhat aspects of your life do you experience in French?

Table of contentI grew up playing sports in an English-dominated community. Francophones are always the first to become good friends on a team because of the extra language they share. It is also great for yelling out game plans that your opponents cant understand. (Eric, son of Steve and Lise)What aspects of your life do you experience in French?

Table of contentThe French language, especially in Canada, is a super career builder. It also gives me more options with regards to my education and allows me to meet tons of hip people. (Stphanie, daughter of Benot and Misty)What aspects of your life do you experience in French? Parler franais, cest spcial. Je rencontre plein de gens qui le parlent. Et oui, cest un super aide-carrire. (Stphanie, fille de Benot et de Misty)

Table of contentAll this talk about learning French to help you find a better job is all right. But it is Sooo much more than that, it is about having more ways to express yourself and about understanding different ways of seeing the world. For example: The French equivalent of the expression killing time is flner, which, by definition, is strolling around without hurry, surrendering to what a moment has to offer . Take your pick! (Lydia, mother of Brigitte)What aspects of your life do you experience in French?

Table of contentI say French is the language of cool people: Lady Gaga, Feist, the Beatles! The songs are greater when you understand the French blurbs that most people cant. (Ben, father of Jannie and Justin)What aspects of your life do you experience in French?

Table of contentIn Europe, people have no qualms about speaking at least three languages. I dont see why we have so much trouble with two in Canada. (Claude, father of Eric)What aspects of your life do you experience in French?

Home is Where French is Table of contentWhat do you do that makes your family comfortable with the French language?

Table of contentMy English-speaking father is the one who will set things straight especially if he hears us answer in English to my mom or start speaking Frenglish. Hell yell out: OH NO YOU DONT, NOT IN THIS HOUSEHOLD! (Cedric, son of Kevin and Celeste)What do you do that makes your family comfortable with the French language?

Table of contentI am angry at my parents for speaking to each other in English all the time even though they want us to speak French. Dad says its because he feels more comfortable in English. Well, if he wanted me to feel comfortable speaking my first languagewhich was also hiswouldnt we have been better off making a habit of speaking French at home? (Alain, son of Hank and Aime)What do you do that makes your family comfortable with the French language?

Table of contentI dont understand why Francophones would not want to speak French to their children. I have to work hard to learn it. (Lesley, mother of Derrick)What do you do that makes your family comfortable with the French language?

Table of contentSpeaking a language is not enough to identify with a culture. Our teens need to be living at least part of their significant experiences at home in French, so that French becomes part of who they are and how they express themselves. (Lisette, mother of Michelle and Thomas)What do you do that makes your family comfortable with the French language?Il ne suffit pas de parler une langue pour sidentifier la culture. Il faut que nos jeunes vivent des choses avec leur cur et leurs tripes pour que a devienne une partie de qui ils sont. (Lisette, mre de Sandra et de Thomas)

Creating your Own Traditions Table of contentWhat traditions, habits or routines could you experience in French in your home?

Table of contentWeekly family activities are what I remember best. Going to Franco-Fun Volleyball Night, for example, is where I met a bunch of friends and other people to play and have fun with. They are my community. (Paul, son of Robert)What traditions, habits or routines could you experience in French in your home?

Table of contentAt our house, suppertime is French time. My husband starts off the conversation by asking the kids what they learned that dayin French. It is small things like this that get the kids, and their parents, thinking and articulating their thoughts in French. If you do just a little bit every day... (Misty, mother of Stphanie and Kyle)What traditions, habits or routines could you experience in French in your home? lheure du souper, autour de la table, mon pre insistait pour parler de ce quon avait appris pendant la journe, pis a, en franais. Jme rends compte que cest une des choses qui mont aide penser en franais: sagit den faire un ptit peu tous les jours. (Stphanie, fille de Benot et de Misty)

Table of contentWe have always tried to have fun with French in my family. The kids nicknamed me FrancoPhil. We invented games that we play in Frenchof course they have an edge. To this day, in the pool, the kids dont play Marco Polo, they play Franco Polo. (Phil, father of Jonathan, Anglique and Julien)What traditions, habits or routines could you experience in French in your home?

Table of contentWhen making travel plans, we choose a country or a region in Canada where French is spoken. The kids are so much better than us at surfing the Net to help us choose our destination. Travelling and meeting people is the best way for me to learn the language and better understand the culture. My son has become my interpreter and met new Francophone friends he keeps in touch with. (Keith, father of Chantal and Richard)What traditions, habits or routines could you experience in French in your home?

French Culture On the Menu Table of contentWhat makes you want to be part of it?

Table of contentI used to hate watching movies in French. The lipsync was so distracting. Since weve started watching REAL French films in school, I am starting to get into them more and more. They arent like the American ones. They have their own humor, they are very different visually. I like them. (Paul, son of Robert)What makes you want to be part of it? Les films franais en langue originale quon regardait pendant le secondaire mont vraiment montr quel point des films franais peuvent tre drles et intressants; auparavant, je navais vu que des traductions. Japprends que cest trs diffrent, cest comme dcouvrir un autre cinma. (Paul, fils de Robert)

Table of contentFrench music CDs in my Christmas stocking? Sure, Ill give them a listen(Kayla, daughter of Marie-Anne and James)What makes you want to be part of it? Des CD de musique franaise dans mon bas de Nol? OK, je veux bien essayer (Kayla, fille de Marie-Anne)

Table of contentI try to lead by example and regularly watch a French movie with the family. French movies are so different from the mainstream American movies. And there are just no excuses: subtitles are a charm. (Gil, father of Jonas, Bailey, Cameron and Cathie)What makes you want to be part of it?

Table of contentWhen the kids were younger, I thought culture was le rveillon at Christmas or eating croissants. Then I was transfered for work and we lived in a French-speaking country for a few years. Thats when it hit me: if we want our kids to actually FEEL like Francophones, we must expose them to French contemporary culture. Now, weve made sure that the kids can experience their culture as often as possible through cds, shows, dance club, improvisation and social activities in French. What would have happened if I hadnt had this opportunity? (Wayne, father of Hunter and Mark)What makes you want to be part of it?

Making the Right Decisions Table of contentWhen it comes to French language, in what situations can parents help their teens make the right decision?

Table of contentMy father sat down with me to help me find MY reasons to be part of the French community. It showed me that he trusted me since he was letting me make my own choices. How awesome that parents can guide us without having to tell us what to do! (Janelle, daughter of Steve and Thrse) When it comes to French language, in what situations can parents help their teens make the right decision? Jai trouv a gnial quand mon pre sest assis avec moi pour maider trouver et comprendre les raisons MES raisons dtre francophone. Il ma montr quil avait confiance en moi plus que jen ai en moi-mme en me laissant faire mes propres choix. Les parents devraient tous aider, diriger et guider leur ado, sans imposer leurs ides. (Janelle, fille de Steve et de Thrse)

Table of contentMy parents judge me without trying to understand whats really going on in my life, or in my head If they hear me speak English with my Francophone friends, they make their regular speech, but never listen to what I have to say. (Marc, son of Gilles and Claudine)When it comes to French language, in what situations can parents help their teens make the right decision? Je trouve que mes parents me jugent souvent sans chercher comprendre ce qui se passe vraiment chez moi. Sils mentendent parler anglais avec mes amis, ils me font la morale, mais ils ncoutent pas ce que jai dire. (Marc, fils de Gilles et de Claudine)

Table of contentIts my job as a parent to show my children to base their decisions on their values. Making the right choice for themselves, whether it is about language and identity or about other choices in life, means they need to know what they want and find ways to get it. (Conrad, father of Michel and Jasmine)When it comes to French language, in what situations can parents help their teens make the right decision? On ne rend pas service nos jeunes en leur donnant du tout cuit, il faut les faire rflchir. Avoir un sens de soi et de son rapport face aux autres, aux situations de la vie, cest la base de lidentit, selon moi. Cest mon boulot de parent damener mon jeune comprendre ses valeurs et les bases de ses choix. Faire des choix clairs, surtout au sujet de la langue, a se fait quand on comprend les options et les consquences. a sapprend. (Conrad, pre de Michel et de Jasmine)

Table of contentThere are so many things we leave to chance with our children. They say kids learn by osmosisI dont think values and culture should be one of them. I am so glad we have been having regular talks with our teens about how valuable it is to have French culture and language. Now that our son is in a serious relationship with a wonderful girl in immersion school, it is important that we talk about the near future: When it comes to language and culture, what choices are they making now that will affect their future? (Keith, father of Chantal and Richard)When it comes to French language, in what situations can parents help their teens make the right decision?

Choosing a School Table of contentWhat questions would you ask the French high school principal to help you choose the right school? Parents? Students?

Table of contentWhen it was time to pick a high school, I wanted to go to an English school. My parents sent me to a full-out Francophone school. I thought they just wanted to impose it on me. In the end, they were right. I hadnt stopped for one minute to think that I might end up being really happy that they sent me there. They just wanted what was best for me. (Zachary, son of Dan and Julie)What questions would you ask the French high school principal to help you choose the right school? Parents? Students? la fin de mon primaire, mes parents mont envoy lcole compltement francophone... Je pensais quils voulaient juste mimposer a pour montrer que ctait eux qui menaient. Puis finalement yont eu raison. Je souponnais pas que jallais finir par tre aussi content de leur choix. Ils voulaient ce quil y a de mieux pour moi. (Zachary, fils de Dan et de Julie)

Table of contentMy three best friends went to an English school. When my dad told me that I couldnt follow them, I thought I would die But after merely a month or two, I felt completely at home in my Francophone high school. Man, when youre in Grade 7, you dont know whats best for you. You NEED parents to guide you! (Stphanie, daughter of Jean-Claude)What questions would you ask the French high school principal to help you choose the right school? Parents? Students? Mes amies sont alles au secondaire anglophone. Dans ma tte, il fallait absolument que je les suive, mais mon pre ma pas laiss le choix dtudier en franais. Pour moi, ctait la fin du monde! Mais aprs deux ptits mois, je me sentais bien chez moi lcole francophone. Quand tes en 7e anne, tu sais pas ce qui est bon pour toi. Tas besoin que tes parents te guident. (Stphanie, fille de Jean-Claude)

Table of contentMy job is to reassure my parents that we are making the right choices. It is well known that learning two or more languages activates different parts of the brain. In French school, the kids have the potential to be strong in both French and English AND build ties to both of their cultures. (Beverly, mother of Alexandre and Jessica) What questions would you ask the French high school principal to help you choose the right school? Parents? Students?

Table of contentMy oldest daughter graduated from the French school system and is now in university. I am relieved to know that she has had no trouble adjusting to studying sciences in English. (Ken, father of Sylvie)What questions would you ask the French high school principal to help you choose the right school? Parents? Students?

Dealing with Social Pressures Table of contentIn what situations did you feel compelled to speak English even though you had the opportunity to speak French? How did you feel? What did you want for yourself in this situation?

Table of contentOften, my sister and I will alternate languages, speak Frenglish, I guess. My parents have warned us though about Frenglish not being an actual language They try to keep it light when they reinforce that we need to be good in both languages. They encourage us to speak one at a time and speak French as often as possible so it stays natural. (Ella, daughter of Judith and Harry)In what situations did you feel compelled to speak English even though you had the opportunity to speak French? How did you feel? What did you want for yourself in this situation?

Table of contentThere are a few times when my mom came downstairs and told me and my friends to speak French. Sooo embarrassing! I wished she hadnt done it in front of my friends. (Joselle, daughter of Patricia)In what situations did you feel compelled to speak English even though you had the opportunity to speak French? How did you feel? What did you want for yourself in this situation? Cest arriv souvent que ma mre est descendue dans le sous-sol quand jtais avec mes amis pour nous dire de parler en franais. Tellement embarrassant... Les parents ne devraient jamais faire a, tengueuler devant tes amis. (Joselle, fille de Patricia)

Table of contentI must admit I have set opinions on the respect my teens should have for their French culture. I am trying to be more open-minded and have a heart-to-heart talk with them about it. It helps me better understand the reality of being French in school and especially socially. Walk a mile in their shoes, I suppose. I find he and I both have a better understanding of what we want when it comes to building his French identity. (Michelle, mother of Sean)In what situations did you feel compelled to speak English even though you had the opportunity to speak French? How did you feel? What did you want for yourself in this situation? Des fois, jai des ides bien arrtes sur la question du franais. Mais en parlant avec mon ado, a mamne mieux comprendre ce que cest dessayer de vivre en franais son ge. (Michelle, mre de Sean)

Table of contentFor me, when your childrens friends are around, you need to be yourself without compromising your principles. Ill speak French with them and ask about their families, their activities. The very least I can do is to say bonjour, merci, la prochaine and to speak French with my children. (Conrad, father of Michel and Jasmine)In what situations did you feel compelled to speak English even though you had the opportunity to speak French? How did you feel? What did you want for yourself in this situation? Selon moi, faut tre naturel devant les amis tout en ne marchant pas sur ses principes. Je jase en franais sur toutes sortes de sujets avec les jeunes. (Conrad, pre de Michel et de Jasmine)

Moments That Changes Ones Life Table of contentTalk about life-changing experiences where you gained confidence, energy and pride as a Francophone.

Table of contentJeux de la francophonie / Francophone games: where I met my best friends that live all over the country. It rocks! Funnyit is so much more natural for me to chat in French with them than with my other friends. (Paul, son of Robert)Talk about life-changing experiences where you gained confidence, energy and pride as a Francophone. Jeux de la francophonie: jy ai rencontr mes meilleurs amis de partout au Canada! On dirait que cest plus facile pour moi de chatter en franais avec ceux-l. (Paul, fils de Robert)

Table of contentWhen I was younger, my French community would organize an annual celebration for the pre Nol, the real Santa who spoke French. Now, of course, I dont believe anymore but I like to be part of it. Its still a matter of tradition and the whole thing started so the Francophone community could celebrate in French. (Allan, son of Beth and Gilbert)Talk about life-changing experiences where you gained confidence, energy and pride as a Francophone.

Table of contentMy 14-year-old daughter returned from French leadership camp completely transformed. She raved about her new friends from all over, about the super Francophone music and about her desire to participate again so she could be among kids happy to be Francophone. This was THE experience that showed her how French is important to herTheyre moments that strike you like lightning. (Paulette, mother of Karine and Malika)Talk about life-changing experiences where you gained confidence, energy and pride as a Francophone. Jai vu ma fille de 14 ans revenir dun camp de leadership francophone compltement transforme. Elle a parl de ses nouveaux amis de partout, de la super musique francophone et de son dsir de refaire lexprience pour vivre sa fiert francophone. Le dclic pour elle: la dcouverte de nouvelles passions, de nouvelles possibilits. Le franais, cest des liens du cur. (Paulette, mre de Karine et Malika)

Table of contentI find my kids have so many opportunities in French school to participate in student exchanges, extracurricular cultural activities and sports, and leadership training. Of course Ill drive them! It is the least I can do to make these experiences happen. They need positive social experiences in French. Its important for them to also see how widespread the Francophonie actually is. My wife and I try to keep informed about programs and events. The school is also very helpful in keeping families informed. (Ben, father of Jannie and Dustin)Talk about life-changing experiences where you gained confidence, energy and pride as a Francophone.

Heroes and Role Models Table of contentWhat are the things you do that make your family proud of you for valuing French language and culture?

Table of contentMy parents could talk to me about speaking French until they were blue in the face, it was during high school that I finally understood that I wanted to have a strong French identity. What flicked the cultural switch for me? Meeting other teens taking part in French youth activities where I felt alive and I belonged. (Meaghan, daughter of Colette and Kevin)What are the things you do that make your family proud of you for valuing French language and culture?

Table of contentMy buddies speak English even if they know how to speak French. Its hard for me to be different. What was good for me was that I found role models: just cool, inspiring, dedicated guys for whom speaking French comes just as naturally as breathing. (Janelle, daughter of Steve and Thrse)What are the things you do that make your family proud of you for valuing French language and culture? Ma gang damis parle en anglais mme sils peuvent parler en franais. Cest trs difficile contourner. Au moment o jai ralis que je voulais parler franais davantage, jai dcid de me trouver des modles : des personnes inspirantes, cools, ddies. Ctait des jeunes qui voulaient sengager, comme moi! (Janelle, fille de Steve et de Thrse)

Table of contentI discovered French music with Jean Leloup and Renaud. Sure, the melodies are good, but the lyrics! Sooo cool, its poetry and music combined. How did music help my French? First, my pronunciation, my accent much better. Second, I owe Jean Leloup for most of my vocabulary. (Stphanie, daughter of Jean-Claude)What are the things you do that make your family proud of you for valuing French language and culture? Jai deux chansonniers prfrs: Jean Leloup et Renaud. Ce qui ma accroche, cest dabord les mlodies de leurs chansons, mais bien vite je chantais avec eux les paroles. Les textes de Jean Leloup sont ingnieux... cest de la posie en chanson. Renaud est encore plus spcial cause du drle de jargon franais de France quil utilise, qui maccroche beaucoup! Je leur dois une belle part de mon vocabulaire. (Stphanie, fille de Jean-Claude)

Table of contentThe best role models? I think it is those people who are passionate about their heritage and the treasures and stories of their culture. Age, culture and creed are not as important as the passion and the strong identity they express. (Nicola, father of Yannik and Sophie)What are the things you do that make your family proud of you for valuing French language and culture?

Table of contentThose who can have a positive influence on our youth are the young adults who still know what it is like to grow up in French and maybe with two or three cultures! My teens talk about the local Francophone athletes they met. They are role models for their strength of character, for their dedication to what they do, and for making French a part of their daily lives. (Charles, father of Kyle and Philip)What are the things you do that make your family proud of you for valuing French language and culture? Ceux qui ont la plus grande influence sur nos ados, ce sont des jeunes adultes qui ont plus dexprience queux, mais qui sont encore proches de la ralit des ados. Mes ados parlent souvent des athltes de la rgion quils ont rencontrs et qui ont fait des choix pour que le franais fasse partie de leur vie. (Charles, pre de Kyle et de Philip)

Fitting in as a Non-Francophone Table of contentWhat simple actions do you take to help make French more dynamic in your environment?

Table of contentThe first time my volleyball team had its picture in the weekly French newspaper, my father bought 30 copies and sent them out to the whole family. (Allan, son of Gilbert and Beth) What simple actions do you take to help make French more dynamic in your environment? La premire fois que mon quipe de ballon-volant a eu sa photo dans le journal francophone de la province, mon pre a achet 30 copies et a envoy a toute la famille. (Allan, fils de Beth et de Gilbert)

Table of contentI really didnt expect to be hired at the municipal pool for a summer job. But I was hired because of my French. The manager said that more people in the community were asking for swimming lessons in French. I remembered my mother asking for French lessons when I was small, and now it was up to me to deliver the goods! (Kristian, son of Gisle and Bruce)What simple actions do you take to help make French more dynamic in your environment?

Table of contentWho wouldnt be proud to be part of a wonderful culture that is so welcoming, they let an old unilingual schmuk like me be part of it. I pitch in at school events when I can. I dont mind getting up at six to flip French crpes! I manage with the French I have and I am not worried. If I dont understand, there are about 400 kids who are happy to interpret for me. They love it. Gives them a reason to be bilingual. (Ken, father of Sylvie)What simple actions do you take to help make French more dynamic in your environment?

Table of contentI thought of putting together a calendar of French events for the community. Im Anglophone and Im into building Web sites. Now that the site is up, people send me the information in French, or my teenage daughters help me translate and proofread for quality. Its a good project to do together and Im happy to be helpful. (Carla, mother of Lethia and Zo)What simple actions do you take to help make French more dynamic in your environment?

Table of contentI am grateful to be welcomed as a member of the school committee. But by all means, meetings need to be held in French. Thats why we are here! Ill ask questions, participate where I can. Ill sell tickets and set up tables! My part is to help make things work for the school and thats in French, sil vous plait! (Nicola, father of Yannik and Sophie) What simple actions do you take to help make French more dynamic in your environment?

Opening Up to French Table of contentWhat opportunities do you have to promote French language and culture?

Table of contentI participated regularly in Francofun Fridays during my years in junior high and high school. The club was organized for teens by the older kids and adults. We had a blast playing sports and games, we had movie nights, cooking lessons... and to me it was all pretty natural that all of it took place in French. (Louis-Philippe, son of Mandy and Grald) What opportunities do you have to promote French language and culture?

Table of contentI realized that I took it for granted that I needed to speak English everywhere I went. Then at the very least I decided to say bonjour! and merci! ... just to let people know that I speak French. (Amielle, daughter of Glenn and Denise)What opportunities do you have to promote French language and culture? Jai ralis que je parlais en anglais partout sans savoir si je pouvais me faire servir en franais. Au minimum, je dis bonjour et merci juste pour quon sache que moi, jparle franais. (Amielle, fille de Glenn et de Denise)

Table of contentLearning French in class has changed the way I see my childrens culture. I relate more to the cultural aspects in the community. I have learned language skills and also so much about French-speaking Canadians. I didnt know there were so many people outside Qubec who spoke French! (Keith, father of Chantal and Richard)What opportunities do you have to promote French language and culture?

Table of contentFrancophones could ask for services in French more often. Its not so hard. You say bonjour and youll find out who speaks French. My daughter has started doing it. (Rita, mother of Jenny)What opportunities do you have to promote French language and culture?

Table of contentI would like Francophones to understand that if we want bilingualism to work, they need to speak French so much more. Lche pas la patate! Please speak French more often to us. (Joanna, mother of Catherine and Paul)What opportunities do you have to promote French language and culture?

Dreaming Big for the Future Table of contentWhat actions can you take today to make sure French has a special place throughout your life?

Table of contentI dream of working in a Canadian embassy in a foreign country. (Stphanie, daughter of Jean-Claude)I dream that my grand-children will sing together in French. (Marcelle, mother of Jennifer and Robert)What actions can you take today to make sure French has a special place throughout your life? Moi, je rve que mes petits-enfants et moi pourrons chanter ensemble en franais. (Marcelle, mre de Jennifer et de Robert)Moi, je rve de travailler dans une ambassade canadienne dans un pays tranger. (Stphanie, fille de Jean-Claude)

Table of contentI dream of setting up a business that is environmentally friendly and French friendly! (Janelle, daughter of Steve and Thrse)What actions can you take today to make sure French has a special place throughout your life? Moi, je rve que mes enfants vivent en franais dans une communaut dynamique. (Paul, fils de Robert)I dream that my kids will have as much support from the community as I had. (Paul, son of Robert)Moi, je rve de monter un commerce o ce sera normal de parler franais. (Janelle, fille de Steve et de Thrse)

Table of contentI dream that our children will see, feel, taste and hear how more vibrant, compassionate and creative human beings they are because of their strong ties to their French and English cultures. (Lydia, mother of Mireille and Daniel)What actions can you take today to make sure French has a special place throughout your life?

Table of contentI dream of teaching French to as many people as possible. (Meaghan, daughter of Colette and Kevin)What actions can you take today to make sure French has a special place throughout your life? Moi, je rve de faire apprendre le franais autant de monde que possible. (Meaghan, fille de Colette et de Kevin)I dream of backpacking through Europe. (Rene-Claude, daughter of Lucille and Warren)