As parents, all you want is to ensure your child receives the best possible education. You hope they develop the skills and foundational building blocks to think critically, understand theories and formulas and gain the knowledge to grow and succeed.
But what about the rest?
While templated learning is crucial in helping students formulate and maintain structure, pursuing a more comprehensive strategy that also highlights the importance of culture and community helps nurture children into becoming well-rounded, compassionate and caring adults.
This approach of prioritizing empathy, emotional intelligence, cultural appreciation and education drives both the École Beausoleil and École Victor-Brodeur schools in Victoria.
Members of the 47 public schools of School District 93, also known as Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), these elementary and secondary Francophone schools follow the B.C. curriculum while also offering a francophone education that instills a recognition and appreciation of Francophone cultural identity. This approach provides children with a deeper understanding of their culture, community and themselves. These schools also integrate Indigenous teachings into their practices, enriching the students' learning experience.
Fostering Francophone education
It is important to note that École Beausoleil and École Victor-Brodeur offer a Francophone education, not French immersion. While this distinction may seem minor, it actually features significantly in how the curriculum is structured.
Each school extends beyond teaching French by empowering students with the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge necessary to succeed in a globalized world while still preserving their traditional roots. It aims to promote students’ unique identities in the broader Francophone community.
In other words, what makes schools in the CSF stand apart from others, particularly École Beausoleil and École Victor-Brodeur, is a deep, personal commitment to fostering a strong sense of belonging amongst students by providing a francophone education in a minority setting.
This method fosters an inclusive environment where students receive appropriate support and where Francophone culture and identity are celebrated and nurtured. Pursuing this approach to education also helps parents and students develop close relationships over the years.
The Francophone community in Victoria is close-knit and highly engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. Parents associations are quite active, with families and dedicated school staff organizing several community events, including leadership camps, inter-school tournaments and more while creating an environment based on mutual respect and support.
CSF encourages this community engagement and pairs it with personalized student monitoring to ensure optimal academic and personal development.
Authenticity, appreciation and academics
Beyond community-based extracurricular events, CSF francophone public schools also promote sociocultural activities, such as inviting guest speakers and artists and going on field trips.
In addition to experiencing their Francophonie, students have the chance to interact with Francophone organizations closely associated with the schools, as well, while also interacting with other communities to develop a more global perspective that celebrates diversity and teaches students the values of inclusion and continuing to broaden their horizons.
For instance, École Beausoleil offers a nature-focused program where outdoor classroom teachings are prioritized. The morning welcome encourages play, connection and physical activity before classes begin.
“We are very proud of the environment we are creating, in Beausoleil, in partnership with our multicultural community and with the tremendous support of our parents, overseen by a fantastic and dynamic APÉ,” says Paule Breton, the principal of École Beausoleil.
While elementary school may seem like a time for establishing foundations and instilling the basics, the CSF believes that beginning students’ Francophone education should start sooner rather than later. To support children in their Francophone education, it offers programs for children of all ages, including those under a year up to age five, to participate in numerous activities in French alongside passionate, specialized educators.
Parents and children also share privileged moments together to promote learning through play in a lively and stimulating Francophone environment. Additionally, students have access to francization services, which help those less proficient in the language develop their skills more quickly.
Arguably the best part is that Kindergarten admissions at the CSF have no waiting list. All eligible students are accepted.
To learn more about the École Beausoleil and École Victor-Brodeur, visit frenchlanguageschoolsbritishcolumbia.ca/beausoleil or frenchlanguageschoolsbritishcolumbia.ca/victor-brodeur.
N’attendez plus, inscrivez-votre enfant dès maintenant dans une des écoles du CSF!
