CPF Magazine Winter 2025 Issue

Magazine
CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
$6.95 • FREE FOR MEMBERS
GIVE YOUR
FRENCH A BOOST
FROM HOME
WINTER 2025
Celebrating
Francophone
Cultures &
Bilingualism
EXPLORE FRENCH
THROUGH AN
EXCHANGE PROGRAM
LET'S HAVE FUN
WHILE LEARNING
FRENCH GRAMMAR

CPF Member
Benefits
Canadian Parents for French (CPF) is a national network powered
by people like you who value access to French language learning
opportunities for all youth in Canada.
1
Advocacy CPF amplifies the voices of
thousands across Canada, advocating for
expanded French language opportunities.
Our influence spans from local school boards
to federal government levels, shaping policies and
enhancing French instruction across the country.
2
Research
CPF stays at the forefront
of French as a Second Language research,
helping to understand program effectiveness,
identify gaps, and promote the lifelong
benefits of official bilingualism.
3
Publications
& Information
Stay informed with CPF’s comprehensive
resources, including the CPF Magazine,
engaging social media updates, and various
publications like policy briefs, posters, resources
and videos.
4
Events,
Learning & Networking
Join us at events such as Concours d’art
oratoire, FSL Awareness Breakfast, and
numerous Branch and Chapter events.
Explore real-life learning opportunities, like summer
camps and virtual French programs too.
5Tools & Resources
CPF offers a wealth of French language
support resources for parents, students, and
educators. Whether you need information
on French language learning, support for your child’s
studies, or tools to enhance your school’s French
language programs, CPF is a go-to resource.
6
Member Savings & Discounts
CPF has connected with incredible
organizations like Bayard Jeunesse Canada,
Les 400 Coups and Watermelon Works, who
support our mission and want to offer our members
some amazing discounts!
7
Awards,
8
Additional
Bursaries
& Recognition
CPF celebrates volunteers, educators,
and students nationwide with various
awards and bursaries.
Membership Services
Gain access to research reports, find volunteer
opportunities, and receive support from
CPF National, Branches, Chapters and Teams.
Need more reasons to JOIN?
When you join CPF you become a member of your provincial/territorial Branch and of CPF nationally.
You also have the opportunity to join, help support, or establish a local CPF Chapter or Team in your community.
Joining is FREE and easy. JOIN US ONLINE TODAY.
cpfnational
CanadianParentsForFrench
Canadian Parents for French
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.

Magazine
CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
WINTER 2025
www.cpf.ca
CONTRIBUTORS
Nicole Thibault, Mira Rose Savran,
Heather Cavanagh and other authors
and organizations as noted in their articles.
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Mira Rose Savran
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Stripe Graphics Ltd.
PRINTING
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Canadian Parents for French
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(613) 235-1481, www.cpf.ca
Advertising: Cathy Stone
Canadian Parents for French
Email: advertise@cpf.ca
CPF Magazine is published three times per
year for members of Canadian Parents for
French. Our readership includes parents
of students learning French as a second
language, French language teachers,
school board or district staff, and provincial,
territorial and federal government staff
responsible for official languages education.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
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contact Canadian Parents for French
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publication may not be reproduced
without permission.
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Return undeliverable mail to Canadian
Parents for French at the address above.
To become an online subscriber, email
cpf.magazine@cpf.ca. For an online version
of this issue, visit www.cpf.ca.
WINTER 2025
Table of Contents
FEATURES
3 Fostering an Inclusive Culture in French Immersion
Settings in Quebec
10 Introducing MetaLingo
REGULAR ARTICLES
2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
6 CPF PARTNERS
Your French With the OLP-PLO
Explore Immersion Programs!
8 CPF PARTNERS
Ottawa 2025 Local Forum: Celebrate Bilingualism
and Francophone Cultures
12 CPF PROGRAMS
Supporting Students Throughout Their
FSL Journey: CPF Virtual French Tutoring
14 CPF PROJECTS
Laughing Your Way Through French Grammar
Meet the J'le savais Video Series!
16 CPF NETWORK
Les Rencontres Professionnelles : The Perfect
Webinar for Future Bilingual Professionals
18 CPF PROJECTS
Online French for Parents Courses
20 KEY CPF CONTACTS ACROSS CANADA
21 CPF YOUTH ACTIVITY
Canadian Parents for French is a nationwide, research-informed, volunteer organization
that promotes and creates opportunities to learn and use French for all those who
call Canada home.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Bonjour! and welcome to the first issue
of 2025! We’re starting the year with a renewed
sense of excitement and optimism for French second
language learners across Canada. The past year has
brought incredible opportunities for collaboration
across the CPF Network and with new and longstanding
partners. Together, we are witnessing innovation and
growth, and we’re thrilled to share some of that with
you in this issue.
We share the benefits of the longstanding Explore
Program, which continues to provide immersive
French language opportunities for high school and
university students across the country. MetaLingo’s
Virtual Learning initiative has been a game-changer
for students and teachers alike, offering accessible, interactive
French learning resources that make language acquisition both fun
and effective. In addition, French for the Future’s Local Forums are
continuing to bring together high school students, educators, and
community members, fostering dialogue and building new pathways
for the next generation of Francophone citizens.
A new and exciting project from CPF BC & Yukon is also featured.
Their collaboration with the improv group, Improtéine, has resulted in
a series of hilarious and insightful videos that explore language learning
through comedy and creativity. These videos are sure to be a crowd
favorite and a great way to engage students with
the particularities of learning French in a relaxed and
entertaining format.
At CPF, we remain committed to advocating
for equitable access to French second language
learning and ensuring that every student in
Canada has the opportunity to learn and thrive in
both official languages. As we look ahead, we are
grateful for the ongoing dedication and energy
from all corners of our network—whether it's
through local volunteer efforts, new partnerships,
or exciting projects. Together, we’re making a
difference. We encourage you to dive into this
issue, share the insights with your community,
and continue to stay. engaged with CPF through your local Branch
or Chapter. Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you—
whether you have feedback on our ongoing work, or simply want
to connect with others who are passionate about French second
language education.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, full of opportunities to grow,
learn, and support the French language learning community in
Canada. Take care, and we look forward to what we can accomplish
together in 2025! n
KATE ASHLEY CPF NATIONAL PRESIDENT
CPF Member’s Corner WINTER 2025
Thank You for Supporting Canadian Parents for
French’s Sixth Annual GivingTuesday Campaign!
GivingTuesday 2024 in Canada was an extraordinary
celebration of generosity, raising $16.2 million for Canadian
charities—a remarkable 19% increase from 2023.
Embracing Joyful Philanthropy! Our goal was to raise $10,000
for the Mary Joyce Booth Fund. While we did not reach our
contribution goal, we did achieve significant milestones with
a 25% increase in the number of donors from last year to this
year, and donations received from across the country – your
participation and support make all the difference!
Honoring Dr. Mary Joyce Booth This year’s campaign honored
the legacy of Dr. Mary Joyce Booth, a trailblazing French language
educator whose endowment established the Mary Joyce Booth
Fund – More French S.V.P.! Since its inception in 2010, this fund
has provided essential support for programs such as summer
camps, student exchanges, cultural activities, and educational
scholarships. These initiatives have enriched the lives of countless
Canadian youth, fostering a love for French and bilingualism.
Your Support Matters More Than Ever With CPF’s recent
transition to a free membership system, your donations have
become more critical than ever. They enable us to expand French
second language learning opportunities nationwide, ensuring
that more Canadian youth can experience the joy and benefits
of bilingual education.
How You Can Help While GivingTuesday 2024 has come to a
close, it’s not too late to make a difference! Here are some ways
you can continue to support CPF:
• Donate Today: Visit our donation page to contribute. Gifts of
$20 or more qualify for a tax receipt. cpf.ca/en/donate-tocanadian-parents-for-french
• Monthly Giving: Consider setting up smaller monthly gifts to
help CPF plan ahead and sustain our programs year-round.
• Volunteer: Share your time and skills to support our mission
of inspiring the next generation of bilingual Canadians.
Thank You Together, we can create a brighter future for Canadian
youth, enriched by the gift of language and culture. Thank you
for your ongoing support and for helping us make GivingTuesday
2024 a day to remember. Your generosity fuels our mission and
brings us closer to a Canada where French learning thrives and
impact lives. Merci bien !
2 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

Fostering an Inclusive
Culture in French
Immersion Settings
in Quebec
French immersion environments offer a unique
opportunity for young anglophone learners to
acquire a second language in an immersive context.
BY KATHERINE DIVOLIS FSL INSTRUCTOR, FORMER CONSULTANT AT THE MEQ
DAWSON COLLEGE AND LESTER B PEARSON SCHOOL BOARD, MONTREAL, QUEBEC
continued...
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 3

This article highlights best practices for immersion
teachers in kindergarten that can help foster an
inclusive culture by promoting French as a second
language, and ensuring that all children feel welcomed,
valued, seen, accepted and recognized for who they are.
Understanding the Preschool
Cycle Program
In September of 2021, the new Preschool Cycle Program was
implemented in Quebec kindergarten classrooms. First and
foremost, it aims to foster the global development of all children
and to take preventive action to meet their needs. (Ministère
de l'Éducation, 2021). It also emphasizes the necessity of
creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every
child feels valued and respected as it highlights the importance
of recognizing the diversity of the children and their families.
Best Practices for Fostering
an Inclusive Culture
1
Create a Welcoming Environment
A welcoming classroom environment is crucial in
helping children feel comfortable as they learn to
navigate a new language. Classroom organization
is just one of the three orientations of the Preschool Cycle
Program, but it is an essential component to consider when
thinking about the layout of the classroom but also about the
material and resources that we as teachers put in place to
create a welcoming space. Teachers may display bilingual
pictograms, use visual aids, incorporate students' native
languages and cultures into the classroom decor and activities,
and carefully select picture books that represent the school
community. Sharing through story not only helps students
feel represented but also eases the transition into a Frenchspeaking
environment.
2
Differentiated
Instruction
Differentiated instruction is vital in addressing the
varied proficiency levels of students in a French
immersion setting. Teachers can employ a range
of instructional strategies, such as:
• Small Group Instruction: Tailoring activities to
different groups based on their language abilities.
• Scaffolded Learning: Providing additional support
and gradually removing it as students become
more proficient.
• Use of Manipulatives and Visuals: Enhancing understanding
through visual aids and hands-on materials.
These strategies ensure that each child receives the
appropriate level of challenge and support, promoting both
confidence and competence in their language skills.
3
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
Inclusion in an immersion setting extends beyond
language to cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Teachers can:
• Integrate Multicultural Content: Incorporate stories, songs,
and traditions from various cultures.
• Celebrate Diversity: Acknowledge and celebrate cultural
events and holidays from the students' backgrounds.
• Encourage Peer Learning: Facilitate activities where
students can share their cultural heritage with classmates.
By fostering an appreciation for diversity, teachers help
students develop a broader worldview and mutual respect.
4
Parental Involvement
Engaging parents in the immersion process
is essential. Schools may opt to:
• Communicate Regularly: Keep parents informed about ways
they can support language learning at home.
• Offer Workshops: Provide sessions on how parents can help
with language development, even if they do not speak French.
• Involve Parents in School and Classroom Activities:
Encourage parents to participate in classroom events and
share aspects of their culture and language.
Parental involvement strengthens the support system
for the child and reinforces the learning taking place in
the classroom.
5
Focus on Social-Emotional Learning
Schools in Quebec have been underscoring the
importance of social-emotional learning (SEL).
Teachers are choosing to:
• Promote Cooperative Learning: Use group activities
to build teamwork and communication skills.
• Teach Empathy and Respect: Incorporate lessons on
empathy, respect, and kindness, essential for a
harmonious classroom environment.
• Provide a Safe Space for Expression: Ensure that
students feel safe expressing their thoughts and feelings,
which is particularly important for those who may struggle
with a new language.
SEL helps create a nurturing environment where
students feel emotionally supported and more willing
to take risks in their language learning.
4 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

Conclusion
Creating an inclusive culture in French immersion kindergarten
settings requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both
the linguistic and socio-emotional needs of anglophone learners.
By following the fundamental basics of the Preschool Cycle
Program and by implementing best practices such as differentiated
instruction, cultural sensitivity, parental involvement, and
a focus on social-emotional learning, teachers can foster an
environment where all students feel valued and supported. This
inclusive stance promotes positive and meaningful educational
experiences for every child. n
References
Ministère de l'Éducation. (2021). Preschool Cycle Program.
Government of Quebec.
This article provides a comprehensive overview
of strategies that immersion teachers, educators
as well as the school team can employ to foster
an inclusive culture, ensuring that all children,
particularly anglophone learners, thrive in a
French immersion setting.
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 5

CPF PARTNERS
Learn to speak or improve
your French with the OLP-PLO
Explore immersion programs!
Imagine refining your French-speaking skills while making new friends and
experiencing a different local culture and way of life in another part of Canada.
That’s Explore. Explore is an intensive, government-funded immersion program
offered during the spring and summer in exciting locations across the country.
The sessions are taught at accredited institutions and students live on campus
or with local host families.
Learn more: https://englishfrench.ca/explore
My Experience with the Youth Explore Program
Hannah Green
My name is Hannah Green, I am
15 years old, going into grade 10,
and this is my amazing experience
in the Explore Official Languages
Program in Moncton.
Being a part of this program has
been a wonderful experience, I met
many amazing people and new lifelong
friends who are so kind, funny,
silly, and overall astounding individuals.
The program was very inclusive
of everyone.
The best part of the program
was having the opportunity to meet
so many new people from across
Canada. I stayed at the University of
Moncton, immersed in French with
two roommates whom I grew to
adore; one of them is an extraordinary
piano player whilst the other is the
most kind and empathetic person you
will ever meet. These are just two of
the friends I made in the program but
there are many others, all of them
lovely, amazing, and unique people.
This program is an amazing place to
make new friends and meet incredible
individuals who will change your life.
Some things that surprised me
about the program was how balanced
the schedules were and how good the
environment was. The schedules had
a very good balance of school, activities,
and free time, all of which are
very important for young teenagers to
have. There was always enough time
for kids to spend relaxing whilst still
having time to socialise and do work.
I also was surprised by how great the
surroundings were and despite being
a learning environment, it didn’t feel
like there was a massive amount of
pressure to get things done. Instead,
the program gave us time to work at
our own pace.
Some advice I have for anyone
looking to participate in the program;
you shouldn’t be afraid of getting
out there and talking to other people
even if it scares you, this is a fresh
start! Bring snacks! You’re going to be
hungry after a long day of activities so
bring some extra snacks to pack your
cupboard.
6 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

CPF PARTNERS
My Experience with the Explore Program for adults
Sandhya Mylabathula
As a bilingual science communicator/educator/researcher/
entrepreneur, my ability to speak French has allowed
me to connect with my audiences at a much deeper
level. Even though I now work in French, I only recently
became bilingual! I grew up taking core French classes
and connected with the language from the first day. I
never had the chance to enter a French immersion
program, but my love for the language was still sparkling.
Library books and cooking in French helped…but it was
not enough.
Enter the Explore program! I started the program
partway through my PhD, at Université Laval in Québec
City, and it was life-changing! At the adult level, we
receive university credits, participate in cultural activities,
and still have free time. The professors were amazing – I
still use what I learned in phonetics in my teaching today
– and the program itself was incredibly well thought out
and impeccably delivered. The animateurs/animatrices
were supportive and often expanded my learning. But
perhaps the most amazing was the way it facilitated
making lifelong friends. By the end of the program, I did
not want to leave! As I returned to my research and other
responsibilities, I decided that that was not the end: I
ended up doing the Explore programme 5 times – 3 times
in Québec City, once in Montréal, and once online during
the pandemic. Each time I moved up a level or two and
over time the Explore program helped me build a solid
base, improve my skills, and increase my confidence and
ability to use my French in various settings, not just in
the classroom. For example, I ended up participating in a
francophone Three Minute Thesis competition as the only
anglophone and won a prize. More recently, I became
an ambassador of La francophonie of the Americas –
something that would never have happened without the
skills I built through Explore. But even with these fantastic
experiences, post-programme it was sadly too easy to lose
much of my skills, due to lack of practice and contact with
the language. I also found it tricky sometimes coming
from a majority anglophone community. But this was still
positive, as it inspired me to create my own program of
linguistic and cultural exchanges that was instrumental
in me finding ways to keep up and continue to polish
my skills. I created my own opportunities and this year
I made it an official program that others can use too
(melondohlala.ca)!
These meaningful experiences through the Explore
program will stay with me forever. I will always be grateful
for them and for the many people who helped me to get
to this point in my ongoing French journey. I would also
add that it is never too late to learn! Many programs will
accept anyone of any age – there were 50-something and
80-something year olds in my programs, and they were
inspiring. Go into the program open to new and challenging
experiences, challenge yourself everyday, and of course,
don’t forget to have fun! n
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 7

CPF PARTNERS
OTTAWA 2025
LOCAL FORUM:
CELEBRATE BILINGUALISM
AND FRANCOPHONE
CULTURES
8 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

CPF PARTNERS
PARTICIPATE IN OUR LOCAL FORUMS
– FRENCH FOR THE FUTURE
french-future.org/programs/local-forums
Building on the success of 2024, the Ottawa Local Forum will return
in 2025 with another great program. This year's event is expected to
welcome between 200 and 250 students, once again at the University
of Ottawa. A series of enriching and fun workshops will cover topics
such as the arts, travel, social action, and more.
In 2024, the Ottawa Local Forum
brought together over 200 students
from five local schools for a day of
learning, creativity and exchange.
Held at the University of Ottawa,
the event showcased the dynamism of
francophone culture and the professional
value of bilingualism through fun
workshops, exciting performances
and thought-provoking discussions – all
in French!
Participants were able to choose
two workshops from a wide range of
activities, from photography and debates
to storytelling and interactive games –
there was a workshop for everyone! The
day was made even more memorable
by Amélie Trottier's speech and Hughie
Batherson's comedy show, which had
the audience in stitches. Feedback
from participants was overwhelmingly
positive, highlighting the event's impact
on strengthening community ties and
celebrating bilingualism.
Building on the success of 2024, the
Ottawa Local Forum will return in 2025
with another great program. This year's
event is expected to welcome between
200 and 250 students, once again at the
University of Ottawa. A series of enriching
and fun workshops will cover topics such
as the arts, travel, social action, and
more. The participation of organizations
such as CPF, the Ottawa Art Gallery, St.
Paul's University and the French Embassy
promises to teach young people even
more about the local Francophonie. The
day will begin with motivational keynote
speeches and end with a memorable
performance at the closing ceremony -
details of the upcoming featured artist
are eagerly awaited.
The Ottawa Local Forum is part
of a series of Local Forums held in
over fifteen cities across Canada that
welcome thousands of students from
grades 9 to 12 each year. These daylong
events bring together Francophone
students to connect, learn and celebrate
Francophone cultures. The days are free
to all participants, including lunch, and
are designed to highlight the cultural
and professional benefits of bilingualism
while fostering dialogue among students
with a variety of experiences with the
French language.
The Ottawa Forum local is a
showcase for bilingualism and
francophone culture, encouraging
young people to express themselves
and build relationships through a full
day in French. n
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 9

Introducing
METALINGO
Why MetaLingo:
MetaLingo offers
interactive online learning.
.......
From collaborative learning
activities to personalized
homework help, your child will
build strong social-emotional
skills while being immersed in
a gamified 3D classroom.
Tailored by
Live Tutors:
Our live tutors are
available every
Monday - Thursday
from 5 pm - 8 pm EST.
FREE Access for All
Families in
Registered School
Boards:
MetaLingo believes in the
power of accessible education.
If your school board is
registered, enjoy the benefits of
quality language learning
without any financial constraints
– MetaLingo is entirely FREE for
all families.
They understand the
unique needs of each
learner.
10 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

Start Early,
Ages 2-15:
MetaLingo is tailored for ages
7 -15 years old (Big Learners)
2-6 years old (Little Learners)
Research-
Backed Benefits:
Research shows that early exposure
to a second language enhances
cognitive skills including problemsolving,
creativity, and critical
thinking. Studies indicate that
bilingual children often demonstrate
superior multitasking abilities and
heightened cognitive flexibility.
Register Today
for FREE!
For inquiries, contact us at
support@metalingo.ca
How to Access
MetaLingo:
Visit https://metalingo.ca
Click "Register" to kickstart
your child's language
journey effortlessly.
Participate: Log in during
program hours for live
tutoring sessions.
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 11

CPF PROGRAMS
Supporting Students
Throughout Their
FSL Journey
CPF Virtual
French Tutoring
12 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

CPF PROGRAMS
The Canadian Parents for French
Virtual Tutoring program was
created for parents who made a
commitment to have their children learn
French. The program provides students
from 5 to 14 years of age with additional
support for their FSL learning journey.
The program offers children the
opportunity to engage in one-on-one
sessions with a volunteer Frenchspeaking
tutor for one hour each week.
This service is provided at a cost of $40,
with bursaries and subsidies available
to help families in need. Full and partial
scholarships are also offered to those
who require financial assistance. Sessions
are conducted virtually, so participants
will need access to a computer, camera,
microphone, and a stable internet
connection to fully benefit from the
tutoring experience. The program is open
to members across Canada.
Tutors come to each lesson prepared
with a variety of fun-filled activities that
are both engaging and instructional on
a specific, interesting topic! Students
will work on activities that will focus on
reading, writing, speaking, and listening in
French. If there is spare time in the onehour
session, students can ask for help
on their French homework. The lessons
do not follow a set rigid curriculum,
our tutors make decisions based on the
participants and their level, which allows
more interaction and adaptation in the
virtual classrooms.
The benefits of this program are
endless, as it exposes students to a
variety of French accents and offers
informal and friendly conversational
support. It promotes bilingualism
among Canadian youth, helping to build
their confidence and resilience while
providing a fun and safe way for your
child to improve their French skills. Our
Winter 2025 Virtual Tutoring program
is taking place between January 20th
and March 17th, 2025. You can join our
communication list to receive updates
regarding registration on our website.
Here are some parent testimonials
that demonstrate the endless benefits of
the program!
My child had a chance to be
exposed to extra hours of French
every week with the convenience of
staying home. I was very happy to see my
child really enjoyed the program and was
looking forward to each session.
Affordable tutoring program,
friendly tutors, great exposure
to a variety of topics and vocabulary.
Good fit for my child who needs more
opportunities to converse in French.
Our kids really enjoyed the sessions,
and their confidence grows each
time. We do not have anyone in the family
that speaks French, and we want our kids
to learn it. I find it is very hard to help
them learn, and it becomes frustrating for
everyone. The tutoring program has been
the most valuable resource in helping our
children to learn French.
Thank you so much for another
wonderful session. It was truly
well-organized. Thank you to both
program organizers and incredible
volunteers for your dedication and
hard work. Words cannot describe how
appreciative we as parents felt about your
wonderful support towards our children.
I want to assure you that you are truly
making a difference in many children's
learning journeys.
We are proud to have a diverse group
of French speaking volunteers, residing in
all ten provinces and who represent over
16 countries of origin before coming to
call Canada home! CPF tutors are at least
15 years old and fluent in both English
and French.
We are always looking for qualified
and energetic volunteers to help us
with our tutoring program! Anyone over
14 years old can apply to be a French
tutor and/or content creator with CPF.
Those under 18 will need a guardian’s
permission. All tutors are vetted through
an interview process. We ask that
volunteers dedicate a minimum of 1-2
hours per week towards tutoring, or
content creating. If you’re bilingual or a
francophone and ready for a meaningful,
rewarding experience, we’d love it if
you applied! The program offers high
school students an opportunity to build
their required 40 hours of community
involvement while helping other students
follow in their bilingual footsteps!
Please take a moment to read the
following volunteer testimonials before
joining our amazing community of
volunteers!
Practicing my French on a regular
basis is a huge plus since I'm
in a minority French environment. It
makes me so happy to see the kids gain
confidence speaking and learning French!
A highlight is the flexible hours.
Since I am in grade 11, I have less
flexibility in my schedule because it is
mostly reserved for school. The flexible
hours allow me to focus on schoolwork
while giving back to my community
through promoting French language
learning for kids.
The most rewarding aspect was
observing children grasp
challenging concepts they had previously
struggled with, and recognizing the
impact of my tutoring in facilitating their
learning and progress.
Volunteering as a tutor for children
is an amazing experience, providing
the opportunity to share language and
culture in such a positive way. Seeing
the kids grow in their language skills
makes the whole experience genuinely
fulfilling. n
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 13

CPF PROJECTS
Laughing Your
Way Through
French Grammar
Meet the
J'le savais
Video Series!
Let’s face it: learning grammar in a second
language can be tricky. But what if learning
French grammar rules could be . . . fun?
14 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

CPF PROJECTS
J’le
savais
T
he Canadian Parents for French
BC & Yukon Branch has teamed
up with the hilarious improv
troupe Improtéine to create
J'le savais, a video series where comedy
meets conjugations, and grammar gets a
much-needed glow-up.
If you’re helping to raise a French
immersion student, you’ve probably seen
them go from enthusiastic bonjours to
tackling the language’s unique rules and
exceptions. That’s where this new resource
comes in, with an eight-part video series
to transform grammar learning into pure
entertainment.
Each bite-sized episode (around 2
to 3.5 minutes) takes a French grammar
rule—such as the infamous double “L”
pronunciation or the puzzle of adjective
placement—and turns it into a hilarious,
easy-to-remember skit. Improtéine’s
performers bring these grammar rules
to life in a way that’s fresh, funny, and
downright memorable, making each
episode feel less like “schoolwork” and
more like a good laugh with friends. The
best part? The entire series, funded by the
Government of Canada, is now available on
YouTube, ready for binge-watching!
Among the many memorable moments
from the series, Improtéine tackles “les
faux-amis” with a restaurant scene that’s
equal parts educational and hilarious.
Imagine Nadia and Vincent trying to
navigate a bilingual menu, only for words
like “entrée” and “pain” to throw them
into comical confusion. And for the lesson
on the gender of countries? The team
brings out a surprising twist: a death metal
medley! Stéphane and Nadia take students
on a headbanging journey, comically
cracking eggs as they shout out exceptions.
But there’s more than just laughs
behind J'le savais. CPF knows that
connecting students with the language in a
relatable way can make a big difference in
how they learn and engage. And because
each episode makes the language come
alive, students are able to grasp complex
grammar concepts with ease—and have fun
while doing it. To top it off, CPF has created
downloadable fact sheets for each episode,
so you and your teen can dive even deeper
into the grammar (or keep those cheat
sheets handy for a quick refresher!).
So, here’s your chance to see what
all the excitement is about. Watch a few
episodes with your teen and see how
French grammar can be surprisingly
entertaining. Hit that subscribe button on
CPF BC & Yukon’s YouTube channel and join
us in celebrating French language learning
that’s as dynamic as it is educational.
Head over to the CPF BC & Yukon
website or YouTube channel to catch
J'le savais and start enjoying grammar in a
whole new way! n
bc-yk.cpf.ca/en/jle-savais
J'le savais : Our French
Grammar Video Series
– Canadian Parents for
French British Columbia
& Yukon
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 15

CPF NETWORK
The Perfect Webinar for Future
Bilingual Professionals
CPF National was pleased to work with the Second Languages Council,
a special interest council of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teacher
Association in creating a wonderful bilingual virtual experience for high
school students.
Les Rencontres Professionnelles was offered as
a live webinar series that took place between January to
May 2024, featuring bilingual professionals from around the
globe working in the Atlantic provinces sharing about their
careers and home countries in French! Each of the nine
sessions were offered in French and recorded to be
posted to share on the CPF National Website, Where Are
They Now?
Initially French classes between grades 7 to 12 across
Newfoundland & Labrador were invited to join us, and then
the invitation was extended across Canada. Students from
Saskatchewan took up the offer and joined the learning about
how bilingualism has opened pathways and benefitted the
careers of our presenters.
The nine presenters featured spanned a wide variety of
career paths that engaged attendees by highlighting how
French - English bilingualism impacted both their personal
and professional lives, and responded to questions about
these careers during an interactive Q&A session.
• Ryan Furlong – High School Teacher
• William Henault - Art Therapist
• Jordan Wright – Lead for 2025 Canada Games,
Memorial University
• Anahareo Doelle – Artistic Director, iFLY and
Wonderbolt Circus Productions
• Coline Tisserand – Journalist
• Louise Moyes – Dancer and Choreographer
• Xavier Georges – Film/TV Producer
• Mary Barry – Singer, Songwriter, Voice Artist
• Stacey Rehel – Conservation Marine Biologist
16 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

CPF NETWORK
... featured guest speakers brought diverse
personal and professional experiences to
share as it relates to EN-FR bilingualism ...
Presenters covered topics such as travel or experiences
with French beyond school, responsibilities, and types
of work obligations, educational paths, how they use
French in their role, opportunities to maintain their level
of French. They denoted the challenges brought on with
language education, along with tips on how to overcome
them: linguistic (in)security; types of French, expectations
of others, opportunities to practice and use with others;
oral versus written communication, and tips & lessons
learned to maintain their level of French.
Teachers/students showed special appreciation as
featured guest speakers brought diverse personal and
professional experiences to share related to EN-FR
bilingualism (ex: marine biologist, aerial arts director,
film/TV producer, art therapist, etc.). The event featured
a plethora of personal/professional backgrounds, and
this diversity fostered a high level of engagement. n
To access the presentations, visit the
Where Are They Now? website:
https://wherearetheynow.ca/othernotable-french-speakers
Université d’Ottawa | University of Ottawa
FRENCH IMMERSION
at uOttawa
The next step in
bilingual education!
• French immersion available in 75 undergraduate programs
• All FSL students are eligible
• Special courses to make the transition to bilingual
university studies
• An extra $1,000 per year for studying bilingually
• An authentic bilingual environment in Canada’s capital
immersion@uOttawa.ca
www.immersion.uOttawa.ca
This program is jointly funded by the Government of Newfoundland
and Labrador and by the Government of Canada.
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 17

CPF PROJECTS
Online French for
Parents Courses
BY TRISH ROGNVALDSON CPF ALBERTA & NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
18 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

CPF PROJECTS
Helping Parents and
Guardians Support
Their Children in French
Immersion and FSL
We have come a long way in the virtual classroom
space since COVID-19. Parents, caregivers and
even grandparents can navigate and access virtual
classrooms with ease from all over the country. This has
opened up many doors to those that may live in remote
locations or have busy schedules that require flexibility.
CPF is proud to be able to offer its members
multiple options to learn and practice French online.
The majority of parents that enroll their children in
French Immersion do not speak French. This can be
very challenging when making the decision of enrolling
children into an immersion program if they are not
fluent in French themselves. Having access to multiple
online French courses helps to ease this apprehension.
Learning even the basics of French will give them the
confidence to support and guide their child(ren) in their
French language learning journey.
Learning French virtually alongside your children
has layered benefits. When parents show an interest
in learning French, it can increase their confidence
and inspire their children to be motivated to learn.
You become a role model and will discover additional
resources through your online learning communities.
Your shared learning journey will open the door to
exploring cultural aspects like carnivals, cuisine, and
maybe even travel.
For the self-directed learner, CPF has developed an
Enhanced Self-Guided French for Parents (levels 1, 2
and 3). Participants appreciate the flexibility of working
on course material when it best suits their schedule
while having access to a facilitator should they need
assistance. Audio files and worksheets are provided
each week, and 2 virtual meetups are scheduled so that
participants can practice with one another online. Upon
completion, participants receive a certificate and are
encouraged to continue. Our French for Parents classes
run multiple times throughout the year.
For parents that prefer a static class each week, we
have a Virtual 1-hour, online class (levels 1, 2 and 3)
with a facilitator each week for 6 weeks (each level). Class sizes
are limited to maximize participation and engagement. Both
programs incorporate an aspect significant to CPF - “How to
support your child in French Immersion.”
By utilizing our virtual French for Parents Courses, parents can
actively participate in their child's language learning journey and
help to foster a lifelong appreciation for the French language. n
To learn more and to register visit
ab.cpf.ca/en/learning-french-lessons
French for Parents
Enhanced Self-Guided
Levels 1, 2 and 3
Interested?
Register now!
CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025 19

KEY CPF CONTACTS ACROSS CANADA
Network Office
1104 - 170 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5
T: 613.235.1481
cpf@cpf.ca cpf.ca
Quebec & Nunavut
204-661 Rose of Lima St, Montreal, QC H4C 2L7
infoqcnu@cpf.ca qc-nu.cpf.ca
British Columbia & Yukon
227-1555 W 7th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1S1
T: 778.329.9115 TF: 1.800.665.1222 (in BC & Yukon only)
info@cpf.bc.ca bc-yk.cpf.ca
Alberta
211-15120 104 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 0R5
T: 780.433.7311
cpfab@ab.cpf.ca
ab.cpf.ca
Northwest Territories
cpfnwt@nwt.cpf.ca nwt.cpf.ca
Saskatchewan
303-115 2nd Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2B1
T: 306.244.6151 TF: 1.800.561.6151 (in Saskatchewan only)
cpfsask@sasktel.net sk.cpf.ca
Manitoba
101-475 Provencher Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 4A7
T: 204.222.6537 TF: 1.877.737.7036 (in Manitoba only)
cpfmb@cpfmb.com mb.cpf.ca
Ontario
103-2055 Dundas St. E., Mississauga, ON L4X 1M2
T: 905.366.1012 TF: 1.800.667.0594 (in Ontario only)
info@on.cpf.ca on.cpf.ca
Nova Scotia
8 Flamingo Dr., Halifax, NS B3M 4N8
T: 902.453.2048 TF: 1.877.273.5233 (in Nova Scotia only)
cpf@ns.cpf.ca ns.cpf.ca
New Brunswick
cpf@ns.cpf.ca nb.cpf.ca
Prince Edward Island
PO Box 2785, Charlottetown, PE CIA 8C4
T: 902.368.3703 ed@cpfpei.pe.ca pei.cpf.ca
Newfoundland & Labrador
PO Box 8601, Stn A, St. John’s, NL A1B 3P2
T: 709.579.1776 ed@cpfnl.ca nl.cpf.ca
TF: 1.877.576.1776 (in Newfoundland & Labrador only)
Your child is learning French.
You can too!
Register online!
• Spring session deadline: Apr. 7
In-person & distance learning options.
Registration starts March 7 th .
Our learner-centred
course material
uses communicative
and theme-based
approaches to
provide a highly
interesting
language learning
experience.
Learn more at ustboniface.ca/educationplus
20 CPF MAGAZINE WINTER 2025

MOTS CROISÉS :
Les vêtements d’hiver
Winter Clothes / Ukiumut Annuraat / ᐅᑭᐅᒧᑦ ᐊᓐᓄᕌᑦ
DÉFI : Dans la grille, insère au bon endroit le mot français
correspondant à chaque mot anglais et inuktitut.
CPF YOUTH ACTIVITY
Covered By Your Grace Pantone 7489C
Fugaz One
P A N T A L O N S D E N E I G E
#231F20
HORIZONTAL
4. Neck warmer / Qungasiijariikkuti / ᖁᖓᓰᔭᕇᒃᑯᑎ
6. Slippers / Kamillaarutiit / ᑲᒥᓪᓛᕈᑏᑦ
8. Hat / Nasaq / ᓇᓴᖅ
9. Blanket / Qipik / ᕿᐱᒃ
11. Snow pants / Silapaaq / ᓯᓚᐹᖅ
13. Mittens / Pualuuk / ᐳᐊᓘᒃ
VERTICAL
1. Shawl / Tuimiutaq / ᑐᐃᒥᐅᑕᖅ
2. Scarf / Qungasiruq / ᖁᖓᓯᕈᖅ
3. Boots / Kamialuuk / ᑲᒥᐊᓘᒃ
5. Socks / Aliqsiarutik / ᐊᓕᖅᓯᐊᕈᑎᒃ
7. Ski goggles / Iggaaujaak / ᐃᒡᒑᐅᔮᒃ
9. Sweater / Uviniruq / ᐅᕕᓂᕈᖅ
10. Coat / Qulittaujaq / ᖁᓕᑦᑕᐅᔭᖅ
12. Gloves / Aggaak / ᐊᒡᒑᒃ
1. écharpe 2. foulard 3. bottes 4. cache-cou 5. chaussettes 6. pantoufles
7. lunettes de ski 8. chapeau 9. horizontal: couverture 9. vertical: chandail
10. manteau 11. pantalons de neige 12. gants 13. mitaines

$3,000
FSL bursaries to help
students pursue their
postsecondary studies in
French
Learn more: