CPF Magazine Fall 2025 Issue

FALL 2025
Magazine
CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
$6.95 • FREE FOR MEMBERS
CELEBRATING
CANADA’S
YOUNG POETS
SHAPING THE
FUTURE OF
FSL TEACHERS
PAST LESSONS,
FUTURE VISION:
A CPF LEADER
REFLECTS
Join. Volunteer.
Donate. Be the
Change with CPF
ANNIVERSARY
of CONCOURS
D’ART ORATOIRE

FALL 2025
Magazine
CANADIAN PARENTS FOR FRENCH
FALL 2025
www.cpf.ca
CONTRIBUTORS
Derrek Bentley, Heather Cavanagh,
Meri Karakhanyan and other authors
and organizations as noted in their articles.
EDITORIAL MANAGER
Mira Rose Savran
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Stripe Graphics Ltd.
PRINTING
Laudable Print Solutions
SUBMISSIONS
Canadian Parents for French
1104 - 170 Laurier Ave. W.
Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5
(613) 235-1481, www.cpf.ca
Advertising: Heather Cavanagh
Canadian Parents for French
Email: hcavanagh@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.
Editorial material contained in this
publication may not be reproduced
without permission.
To become an online subscriber, email
cpf.magazine@cpf.ca. For an online version
of this issue, visit www.cpf.ca.
Table of Contents
FEATURES
3 Multiple Paths Lead to Support for Present and
Future French as a Second Language Teachers
6 CPF Veteran Looks Back...and Forward
10 Stronger Together: CPF Hosts 49th National AGM
and Strategic Leader Networking Event in Ottawa
12 Get Involved with Canadian Parents for French:
Join, Volunteer, Donate.
REGULAR ARTICLES
2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MEMBER'S CORNER
8 CPF BRANCHES
Celebrating 40 Years of French Public
Speaking Excellence
14 CPF PROJECTS
O’POÉSIE, A National Celebration of Youth,
Language, and the Power of Poetry
17 CPF CHAPTERS
Celebrating 25 Years of CPF in Hamilton, Ontario
19 CPF PROGRAMS
French Can Support Dreams of Postsecondary Studies!
21 KEY CPF CONTACTS ACROSS CANADA
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
As we welcome the Fall edition of the
CPF Magazine, I want to take a moment
to thank you—our members, volunteers,
and partners—for your continued commitment to
French second and additional language education
across Canada.
Autumn marks both a season of reflection and
fresh beginnings. With students returning to
classrooms, we are reminded of the importance of
creating strong, supportive environments where
every child has the opportunity to learn and thrive
in French. This back-to-school period is not only
an exciting time for families, but also a critical
reminder of why our collective efforts matter so deeply.
This fall, CPF remains dedicated to advancing equitable access
to quality French programs. Whether through community
initiatives, national advocacy, or resources
for families, our work together continues to
strengthen Canada’s future through official
languages.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I extend
heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support
and engagement. Your energy, your voice,
and your dedication are what make CPF a
truly national network. Together, we ensure
that every season brings new opportunities
for students to discover the joy of learning in
French. n
Best wishes for a successful school year,
KATE ASHLEY
CPF NATIONAL PRESIDENT
CPF Members’ Corner
Explore Our Evolving Online Home
Our Canadian Parents for French website has a fresh new look — and it’s still a work in progress! We’ve redesigned the site to make
it easier to navigate, mobile-friendly, and more useful for our members. As we continue to update and add content, you’ll see even
more resources and opportunities appear over the coming months.
Already, you can find activities to practice French at home, information about volunteer opportunities for students, and quick links
to your provincial branch. We know some pages are still being polished, so if you run into a missing link or can’t find what you’re
looking for, please reach out — your feedback helps us improve.
We invite you to explore, bookmark your favourite pages, and check back often. This is your online home for resources, inspiration,
and community—where Canadian Parents for French connects us all.
START HERE: Explore the New Navigation on Our Website
New Tabs: We’ve reorganized our content to make it easier to find the activities, resources,
and information you need.
ADVOCATE Access research on FSL education and learn about our advocacy activities.
PARTICIPATE Discover programs, tips, and events designed to bring more French into your everyday life.
LEARN Explore resources ranging from family activities to info sheets for parents and caregivers, plus
classroom projects and supports for educators.
GET INVOLVED Find out how to volunteer, donate, or become a member. Discover how you (or your teen!)
can get involved and make a difference.
2 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

Multiple Paths Lead to
Support for Present and
Future French as a Second
Language Teachers
BY ROBERT GRANT PHD CANDIDATE, UOTTAWA
AND CALLIE MADY PROFESSOR, NIPISSING UNIVERSITY
continued...
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 3

Professional collaboration inspires pathways
Often it takes communities to address concerns. Federal and
provincial governments, Faculties of Education, Boards of
Education, French as a second language (FSL) teachers and
teacher candidates have come together in hopes of improving
FSL teacher induction and retention.
This unique need for support is evidenced, in part, by FSL
teacher exodus from the profession. In fact, Canadian Parents
for French ([CPF], 2024) shared that 26% of FSL teachers leave
the profession within their first five years of service. Recently,
the Governments of Canada and Ontario have provided funding
opportunities to encourage initiatives to address FSL teacher
induction and retention.
In this magazine article, we briefly contextualize the FSL teacher
shortage, provide insight into Nipissing University’s initiatives,
and discuss the implications that such projects hold for present
and future FSL teachers.
Why such funding? Why now?
A brief background on the FSL teacher shortage
The FSL teacher shortage is a challenge impacting educational
stakeholders across Canada. Although some studies show FSL
teachers as committed and passionate educators, many still
want to leave the field (Arnett et al., 2023).
Many factors contribute to these feelings (Grant & Mady,
2024; Jack & Nyman, 2019; Kazuba et al., 2024; Knouzi &
Mady, 2014): isolation from others in the school, concerns over
linguistic proficiency and confidence, and lack of community.
This funding supports the provision of time and space, both
virtual and in-person, and the development of professional
development opportunities to address the identified needs
of both present and future FSL teachers.
By targeting FSL teachers’ pointed concerns, our hope,
combined with the work of other Faculties of Education,
is that we begin to narrow the FSL teacher shortage gap.
Nipissing University Funding Initiatives
In 2023-24, thanks to the financial support of the Government
of Ontario and the Government of Canada under the Canada-
Ontario Agreement on Minority Language Education and
Second Official Language Instruction, Nipissing University
created projects to support FSL teacher induction and retention
by providing professional development opportunities in French
to teachers and teacher candidates that allowed educators
to not only maintain/enhance their language skills but also
enhance their pedagogical skills within online and in-person
professional communities.
Exploration of the results showed that the participating FSL
teachers and teacher candidates gained confidence in their
abilities to support students and had plans to continue their
own language maintenance/enhancement in the future.
Building on the success of these projects, and thanks to
additional support from the Governments of Canada and
Ontario, in 2024-2026, Nipissing University continues to
support FSL teachers and teacher candidates maintaining
some of the previously successful work while also creating
new opportunities.
In addition to having the option of taking an additional
course offered in French, FSL teacher candidates are offered
professional development sessions in French according to
their needs as well as support during their placements.
Beyond the FSL foci additional qualification courses previously
created: Reading Part I, Adapting Curriculum for Second
Language Learners, and Teaching in a French immersion
Setting developed last year and offered in French, practicing
FSL teachers will soon be able to take newly created FSL focused
additional qualification courses offered in French: Special
Education, and Reading Part II, and Reading, Specialist.
These initiatives aim to address FSL teachers’ desire to
maintain/enhance their language and pedagogical skills
in community from their initial teacher preparation
throughout their careers.
4 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

What does this mean for CPF
(and the future of FSL education)
Given CPF’s acute interest in promoting and sustaining the
health of FSL programs across the country, this funding
contributes to the mission to create opportunities for FSL
learning and engagement.
We also believe that this funding will demystify and unravel
some structural barriers of FSL teaching, so as to bolster teacher
induction and retention. Indeed, with this targeted support to
meet the unique needs of FSL teachers, we hope that more
FSL teachers will feel supported and valued in their roles.
Conclusion
In light of the grant received from the Governments of Canada
and Ontario, several new initiatives have sprouted with the goal
of creating a more sustainable future for FSL teachers in Ontario
and beyond.
These initiatives have been inspired by listening to the voices
and concerns of future and present FSL teachers. Moving from
dialogue to actionable and concrete change is made possible
through this grant and has the potential to make great strides
toward combatting the omnipresent FSL teacher shortage. n
References
Arnott, S., Smith, C. W., Battistuzzi, A., Culligan, K., Dicks, J., Kristmanson, P., Masson, M., Spiliotopoulos, V., & Wernicke, M. (2023). Identifying requirements and gaps
in French as a second language (FSL) teacher education: Recommendations and guidelines (Research report). Canadian Association of Second Language Teachers.
Canadian Parents for French. (2024). More than words. https://cpf.ca/en/morethanwords/
Grant, R., & Mady, C. (2024). Teacher confidence in meeting students’ needs in French as a second language classes. Exceptionality Education International, 3(2), 56-74.
https://doi.org/10.5206/eei.v34i2.17262.
Jack, D., & Nyman, J. (2019). Meeting labour market needs for French as a second language instruction in Ontario. American Journal of Educational Research, 7(7),
428-438. https://doi. org/10.12691/education-7-7-1
Kaszuba, A., Mady, C., & Jarvis, D. Exploring the use of communities of practice as professional development for French as a second language teacher.
Canadian Journal of Applied Linguistics. Advanced Online Publication.
Knouzi, I., & Mady, C. (2014). Voices of resilience from the bottom rungs: The stories of three elementary core French teachers in Ontario.
Alberta Journal of Educational Research, 60(1), 62-80.
MAKE
FRENCH
PART OF
YOUR
CHILD’S
DAY
Visit the Parents’ Hub — and spread the word to other families!
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 5

6 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

CPF Veteran
Looks Back...
and Forward
It’s exactly 40 years ago now that I completed my two-year term as National
President of CPF—I’m clearly qualified as one of the Ancients of the parental
movement to increase French language learning in Canada.
BY STEWART GOODINGS
It’s exactly 40 years ago now that I completed my two-year
term as National President of CPF—I’m clearly qualified as
one of the Ancients of the parental movement to increase
French language learning in Canada.
It’s been a very long time since I attended a CPF meeting, so the
invitation a few months ago came as a surprise. I was invited to
attend a meeting of parents as they tried to revive the Comox
Valley chapter. It all seemed so familiar: a school classroom in
the evening, a bunch of lively mothers, with a couple of teachers
too. While several decades had flown by since my first involvement
with a local chapter in Victoria, the energy and enthusiasm
in the Comox group were eerily the same. Everyone offered their
own story of wanting their children to learn French, then they
willingly took on the tasks of building membership, liaising with
the local school board, and organizing events to build chapter
morale. I was so proud to see this spirit and to realize that the
organization so many of us had helped to create was indeed
alive and well in my neck of the woods.
A couple of months later, the BC Branch invited me to take
part as a resource person in a Zoom call with representatives
of several chapters in BC. This time, the focus was more on
advocacy as well as issues like busing for French immersion
students. I shared a few stories from the past and tried to
encourage the participants to believe in their ability and
power to influence school boards and the provincial
Ministry of Education, and not to forget building alliances with
Francophone parent and teacher groups. It felt good to be back
“in the trenches” even for an hour or so with determined and
positive CPF volunteers.
Earlier this year, I was invited to an evening for local Comox
Valley students to present their speeches as part of CPF’s
Concours d’art oratoire. It was heartening to watch and listen to
young people sharing their thoughts en français about a wide
variety of topics. And it was especially thrilling for me as it was
during my term as National President that the Concours became
a national project. Still going strong, after 40 years, and a continuing
inspiration for young students all over Canada to show
off their fluency in, and commitment to the French language.
These recent experiences with the local level of CPF have been
a wonderful reminder of how important the three levels of the
organization are: the National Board with its focus on advocacy
and liaison with the Federal Government, the Provincial/Territorial
Branches for their attention to the Ministries of Education, and
the local Chapters for the parent power which is so essential in
strengthening French language services in the schools.
So, from this Ancient to all the current activists in CPF,
congratulations for so successfully growing this peoples’
movement which some of us worked so hard to get going
many, many years ago! n
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 7

CPF BRANCHES
Celebrating
40 Years of
French Public
Speaking
Excellence
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, CPF Ontario
—in partnership with the Ontario
Modern Language Teachers’
Association (OMLTA/AOPLV)
—hosted the 40th edition of the
Concours d’art oratoire
Provincial at York University’s
Glendon Campus in Toronto.
ANNIVERSARY
of CONCOURS
D’ART ORATOIRE
8 CPF MAGAZINE SUMMER FALL 20252018

CPF BRANCHES
This milestone event gathered finalists
from French as a Second Language
(FSL) programs across Ontario to
showcase their public speaking skills and
highlight the impact of FSL education.
CPF Ontario gratefully acknowledges
the financial support of the Government
of Canada (Department of Canadian
Heritage, Enhancement of Official
Languages Branch) and the Government
of Ontario (Ministry of Education), which
enables students from across the province
to participate.
This year, 157 finalists from Grades
9–12, representing twelve school
boards, competed in Traditional and
Impromptu divisions across Core French,
Extended French, French Immersion, and
Francophone categories. Students delivered
thoughtful speeches to panels of judges,
demonstrating confidence, language
proficiency, and personal expression.
CPF Ontario’s Impromptu Concours,
along with its in-class educator resources,
supports thousands of FSL students each
year (Grades 4 and up) and aligns with the
CEFR (Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages). These resources
help teachers strengthen students’ realworld
language skills, engage them in
authentic communication, and prepare
them for provincial competition.
By participating in the Concours,
students practice real-world
communication by preparing and
delivering speeches while applying
listening, speaking, and critical thinking
skills. They demonstrate progressive
language skills through tasks structured
to match CEFR levels, supporting learners
from beginner to advanced. Prepared and
Impromptu speaking fosters spontaneous
communication, helping students
develop fluency and confidence. Teachers
integrate Concours preparation into the
FSL curriculum, connecting classroom
learning to practical use.
To ensure equitable participation,
travel subsidies were provided to finalists
traveling from northern, rural, and other
remote regions outside the Greater
Toronto Area.
The 40th Concours also marked 25
years of partnership with York University’s
Glendon Campus, a bilingual hub of
excellence. CPF Ontario’s collaboration
with OMLTA/AOPLV, which began with
the provincial expansion of the Concours
in 1985, continues to empower both
FSL educators and students. Each year,
OMLTA/AOPLV helps recruit more than
50 provincial officials (judges), ensuring
smooth event operations. The Concours
also relies on the dedication of over
65 high school youth volunteers.
The Concours ran in two sessions—
morning for Grades 9–10 and afternoon
for Grades 11–12 and featured opening
ceremonies, student speeches in
Traditional and Impromptu divisions,
live musical performances by Mike Ford
and the Sultans of String, exhibitors in
the Concours Hub at York Dining Hall,
and award ceremonies with scholarship
announcements.
All 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners
received cash prizes. Grades 11–12
winners were also eligible for
post-secondary scholarships and
bursaries, including:
• Glendon Campus, York University
– $7,000
• University of Ottawa – $4,000
• Université de Hearst – $4,000
• Collège Boréal – $1,500
• La Cité – $1,500
First-place winners in the Traditional
division (Grades 11–12) advanced to the
CPF National Concours, representing
Ontario. At the 2025 National Finals,
Ontario students excelled in all categories
(details at cpfconcours.ca/winners).
Teachers note that the Concours
translates classroom learning into realworld
application while fostering pride
and accomplishment. Students report
increased confidence, stronger French
communication skills, and meaningful
peer connections.
The success of the 40th Concours
reinforces CPF Ontario’s mission to
support youth in learning and using
French with confidence, creativity,
and purpose. Next year, CPF Ontario
aims to engage more students, expand
participation, and continue providing
resources that enhance classroom
learning and professional growth. CPF
Ontario is proud to collaborate with
school boards, educators, and families
in communities across Ontario, ensuring
the Concours remains a celebrated
annual event.
For more information:
Stéphanie Filippi
Project Manager,
CPF Ontario
E: sfilippi@on.cpf.ca
T: 905-366-1012 ext. 2
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 9

CPF HOSTS 49TH NATIONAL AGM AND STRATEGIC
LEADER NETWORKING EVENT IN OTTAWA
From July 10 to 13, 2025, Canadian Parents for French
welcomed Branch leaders and staff from across the country
to Ottawa for the annual Leader Networking Event (LNE)—a
pivotal gathering that brings together the CPF Network to reflect,
collaborate, and plan for the future. The event culminated with
the 49th National Annual General Meeting, held on Friday,
July 11, hosted in a hybrid format with both in-person and
virtual participation via Zoom.
The 2025 AGM marked an important milestone as CPF
continues its forward-looking transformation—focused on
strengthening governance, fostering renewal, and deepening
its impact across the country. It also signaled a collective
recommitment to CPF’s mission to promote and create
opportunities for youth to learn and use French.
A Turning Point Year
In her address to members, Dr. Kate Ashley, CPF National
President, reflected on the past year as a “turning point” for
the organization:
“ To all our members, supporters, and partners—thank you for
believing in the importance of official language bilingualism and
in CPF’s role in advancing it. We are not done changing, and
that is something to celebrate. This year was shaped by renewal,
resolution, and recommitment. We focused on rebuilding trust and
creating a healthier working culture across the Network. The future
of Canadian Parents for French is bright, bold, and better together.”
From Reach to Relevance
The CEO Report, delivered by Nicole Thibault, outgoing Network
CEO, offered a comprehensive look at CPF Network operations.
Nicole highlighted achievements over the past year and her
decade of leadership, calling this year a “culmination of effort,
innovation, and renewed commitment.”
Among the highlights:
• Digital Memberships: CPF removed membership fees,
launching free CPF memberships to make the organization
more accessible and inclusive.
• Program Innovation: The Network focused on meeting
families where they are—delivering flexible, responsive
programs shaped by local needs.
• Public Outreach & Advocacy: CPF released an updated French
immersion Fact Sheet in collaboration with Statistics Canada and
was honoured to testify before the House of Commons Standing
Committee on Official Languages, underscoring CPF’s growing
influence in national language policy.
CPF also closed the year with 34 active partnerships, advancing
official language bilingualism through strategic collaboration.
Governance and Board Renewal
In addition to annual reporting and discussion, the AGM addressed
key financial and governance business. The voting delegates
approved the 2024–2025 audited financial statements, appointed
the auditor for 2025–2026, and ratified both board elections and
officer nominations.
The 2025–26 CPF National Board of Directors
includes:
• Kate Ashley (NS) – President
• Sarah Fedoration (AB) – Vice-President
• Ryan Orgera (ON) – Treasurer
• Malika Yoh (QC) – Director
• Amy Boudreau (NB) – Director
• Candace Newman (ON) – Director
Departing board members Diane Tijman, Isabelle
LeVert-Chiasson and Salma Al-Saquaf were recognized
with deep thanks for their service, leadership, and dedication
to CPF’s mission.
A Network Gathering with Purpose
The Leadership Networking Event is an annual strategic
governance retreat designed to align and energize the CPF network
leadership. This year’s event offered space for collaborative
planning, idea exchange, and learning, with a focus on shaping
priorities for the coming year.
With our 50th anniversary on the horizon in 2027, CPF
remains grounded in its founding values—collaboration,
innovation, and community—and energized by a national
network of members, volunteers, and partners building a more
bilingual and multilingual Canada. n
10 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

Service Recognition Award Ceremony Annual General Meeting Diane Tijman & Kate Ashley
Recognition and Thanks to Departing Board Members Executive Director’s Report Service Recognition Award Ceremony
A strong, leadership team
Kate Ashley
President
Sarah Fedoration
Vice President
Ryan Orgero
Treasurer
Malika Yoh
Director
Candace Newman
Director
Amy Boudreau
Director
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 11

Get Involved with
Canadian Parents
for French
Join. Volunteer.
Donate.
F
or almost 50 years, Canadian Parents for French (CPF)
has been a membership-based organization driven by
the belief that every young person in Canada should
have the opportunity to learn and use French.
What began as a small group of parents advocating for French
immersion has grown into a national movement of tens of
thousands of members, volunteers, and supporters working
together to expand access to French language education from
coast to coast to coast.
We invite you to be part of this movement. Join. Volunteer.
Donate. Because the truth is—we can’t do it alone. And we
need your voice, your time, your support.
Not a member yet? Now’s the time!
Joining is free and impactful. Every
member strengthens our advocacy,
expands our reach, and helps promote
bilingualism in Canada.
1
Be Part of a National Movement.
As a CPF member, you’re part of a collective voice
speaking up for French language learning—whether
it’s in schools, local communities, provincial and territorial
legislatures, or in Parliament. Your membership strengthens
our credibility and influence when advocating for equitable,
high-quality French programs across Canada.
2
Support Equitable Access to French.
Not all children in Canada have the same access to
French education. By joining CPF, you are standing
with parents, educators, and communities working to break
down barriers to participation—be they geographic, economic,
or systemic.
3
Empower the Next Generation.
Learning French opens doors. Learning a new language
like French isn’t just an academic achievement—it’s a
life advantage. CPF helps children unlock the cognitive, cultural,
and career benefits of learning French. By joining CPF, you
are helping create an environment where more children can
experience the benefits of Canada’s official languages.
Volunteer a little or a lot. It could be inperson
or virtual. We have opportunities
for anyone who is looking to share their
knowledge or expertise.
1
Make a Difference in Your Community.
Whether organizing a French film night at your local
school, helping at a French public-speaking competition,
or mentoring youth, CPF volunteers help bring French to
life in communities across the country.
2Use Your Skills for a Good Cause.
Volunteers bring talents in event planning,
administration, communications, education,
and more. Whatever your background, CPF is sure to
benefit from your skills – a real win/win scenario!
12 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

3
Build Connections and Belonging.
Volunteering with CPF is a great way to
connect with others who share your values.
Our volunteers are the heart of our organization
—they bring energy, passion, and commitment to
everything we do.
Why Donate to CPF?
1
Invest in Canada’s Future.
Donations help CPF create programming,
resources, and events that allow youth to
learn and use French outside the classroom
—where real language growth happens.
2
Strengthen a Trusted Advocate.
As an independent charity, CPF relies on
donations to maintain its advocacy work
for better French education access across Canada.
3
Support Through Your Business
or Organization.
We welcome Corporate and Organizational
Supporters. There are many ways to work with
CPF, from event sponsorship to advertising and
reserving a booth at our events. Your support
shows a commitment to French in Canada and
empowers youth.
Get Involved Today
We need you. We can't do this work without the
support of people who care about French language
learning. For almost five decades, CPF has worked
to ensure more children in Canada get the chance to
speak, read, and thrive in French. But we need new
voices, fresh energy, and committed allies to move
the mission forward. n
Did You Know? Canadian Parents for French...
Was founded by parents in 1977 who believed every Canadian child should
have the opportunity to become bilingual in English and French.
Is the only national organization dedicated solely to the promotion
and support of French as a second/additional language (FSL) education
in Canada.
Has volunteer-led Chapters/Teams across the country—from small towns
to major cities—bringing French learning opportunities directly to families
and communities.
Supports French learning through programs, camps, contests, conversation
clubs, tutoring, and more, designed to make French fun, accessible, and
engaging for youth.
Is a non-partisan charity, working with all levels of government, school boards,
and partners to promote language education policies and access.
Welcomed over 10,000 new members in one year after launching free
CPF memberships to remove barriers to access.
Regularly contributes to policy consultations, and advocates nationally
for FSL language rights, teacher recruitment, and curriculum innovation.
Works in partnership with government agencies like the Office of the
Commissioner of Official Languages and Statistics Canada, universities,
and other interest groups to publish data-backed research on French
language learning and its impact.
Has helped bring French language resources and activities to thousands
of children who don’t speak French at home.
Is supported by thousands of volunteers—students, parents, educators,
and community members—who give their time to support the next
generation of French-speaking bilingual Canadians.
Offers a national youth tutoring program connecting French speakers of
all ages, including high school students with younger learners to practice
conversational French and build confidence.
CPF runs Canada’s only national French public speaking contest!
Concours d’art oratoire. For over 35 years, CPF has proudly supported
young speakers in expressing themselves en français!
Publishes practical tools like the French immersion Enrolment Fact Sheet,
Choosing French Guide, and Bilingual Bonus career stories, helping families
make informed decisions.
Celebrates Official Languages Day and French immersion Day each year,
promoting awareness and access to quality French learning opportunities in
every province and territory.
Join. Volunteer. Donate.
Help us build a bilingual Canada—one opportunity at a time.
Visit: cpf.ca/get-involved/ to GET INVOLVED!
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 13

CPF PROJECTS
A National Celebration
of Youth, Language,
and the Power of Poetry
BY HEATHER CAVANAGH CPF NETWORK DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
A Quiet Winter Tradition
Each winter, something quietly magical
unfolds in classrooms and homes across
Canada. Students from every province
and territory pick up their pens—or open
their laptops—and begin to craft poetry.
Not just any poetry, but verses written in
French, shaped by imagination, curiosity,
and courage. For many, it’s their first time
writing creatively in French. For all, it’s a
memorable and empowering experience.
Introducing O’Poésie
This is O’Poésie, an annual poetry contest
hosted by Canadian Parents for French.
First launched in 2015, O’Poésie was
created as a joyful and creative response
to a growing need: how to help students
deepen their connection to French in
a way that was expressive, accessible,
and fun. The answer? Poetry. But not in
the rigid, intimidating, textbook sense.
Instead, poetry as play. As voice. As
connection.
A Name with Meaning
The name O’Poésie (Pronounced ‘ohpo-eh-zee’)
itself tells a story. It’s an
homage to the old French use of “O”—a
literary device used to proclaim intense
emotion, address something directly,
or mark movement of the spirit. Think
“O Canada!” or “O nuit!”. The “O” in
O’Poésie is an expressive exclamation. It
reminds us that poetry is not passive. It’s
felt, shouted, whispered, sung. It moves
us—and moves through us.
O’Poésie is open to students in
grades 1 through 12, across all levels of
French language learning, including Core
French, Intensive French, and French
immersion. The contest is divided into
categories by grade and by linguistic
experience, ensuring learners at all stages
are welcomed and celebrated.
Poetry Without Pressure
From haikus to heartfelt verse, students
are encouraged to write freely and
expressively. O’Poésie meets students
where they are. Entries range from acrostic
poems and haikus in the younger grades
to rhyming couplets and free verse in the
older ones. Some write about friendship,
the seasons, or their pets. Others take on
climate change, identity, or dreams for
the future. There is no "right" topic. What
matters most is authentic expression,
engagement with the French language,
and the courage to try.
Each year, CPF selects the top three
winners in each category, awarding them:
• National publication of their poem
• Exciting prizes
• And, the invaluable reward of
confidence in using French creatively
and publicly.
But the contest is about more
than recognition. It’s about building a
community of learners, educators, and
supporters who celebrate French as a
living, vibrant part of Canadian culture.
14 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

CPF PROJECTS
“It's extremely important and beautiful to see students
creating poetry,” shared one judge, M.P., reflecting
on her experience. “To ask them to create something
unique, in French, and offer them the chance to win “a prize: it's wonderful.”
Language as a Lens
O’Poésie also introduces students to the
musicality and rhythm of French—its
cadence, patterns, and poetic playfulness.
Through this, they discover how sound,
structure, and emotion are woven
together in the fabric of a language.
These moments build not only language
proficiency, but a deeper appreciation of
French culture and literature.
And that’s one of the most beautiful
truths of language learning: it isn’t only
about vocabulary and grammar. It’s about
connection. Through writing poems,
students experience French as a tool for
reflection, art, and feeling. They begin to
understand that learning a language also
means exploring a worldview.
Teachers and families often share
how transformative the experience is.
Even reluctant writers find joy in the
freedom that poetry allows. A short haiku
can be just as powerful as a long verse. A
simple metaphor can open a door.
Get Involved in 2026. CPF is seeking
both young poets and volunteer judges
for the next edition—no professional
writing background needed!
As O’Poésie continues to grow,
Canadian Parents for French is calling on
both students and volunteers to take part.
Whether you’re a teacher looking to bring
something fresh to your classroom,
a young poet ready to share your voice,
or a francophone advocate with an eye
for verse, there’s a place for you in this
national celebration.
The 2026 edition of O’Poésie will run
during the winter term, with submissions
beginning November 2025 to February
2026. Whether you're a teacher, a
parent, a student, or a French-language
enthusiast, we invite you to get involved!
CPF is actively seeking both participants
and volunteer judges from across Canada.
Judges do not need to be professional
writers—just passionate about French,
young people, and the power of words. n
Check out
featured
poetry from
Grades 1-12
on the next
page!
Worried that poetry is too hard? Not at all! Students
can submit a wide range of poems, including:
For the youngest students:
n Acrostic poems (where each line begins with a letter from a word);
n Haikus (short, three-line poems with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern);
For the older students:
n Free verse (no rhyme or fixed structure);
n Rhyming couplets (simple, rhyming lines);
n Or even spoken word-style poetry written for impact.
What matters most is authentic expression and using the French
language in a personal, creative way. Even beginners can craft
something beautiful! Let’s inspire the next generation of French
learners—one poem at a time.
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 15

CPF PROJECTS
Judge, J.P., noted, “This experience allows us to see
the extent of students' creativity as learners of another
language and developing written skills.”
“Featured Poetry:
Grades 1-3
Les Quatres Saisons, Noah H., 2025
Feuilles tombent doucement,
Bonhomme de neige brille,
Soleil et fleurs dansent.
Grades 4-6
Un mot est comme une couverture, Lyla H., 2025
Un mot est comme une couverture, il est fait pour vous tenir chaud,
Un mot est comme une couverture, tricotée avec de la laine de mouton douce,
et non de porc-épic.
Un mot est comme une couverture, faite de tout ce qui est spécial,
et non d’une fabrication négligente.
Une couverture peut être tout ce que quelqu’un possède, tout comme un mot.
Certaines personnes n’entendent pas ou ne parlent pas, elles ressentent chaque mot.
Une couverture est faite pour être utilisée, pas pour être gaspillée, tout comme les mots.
Une couverture est belle, tout comme les mots.
Une couverture peut être ce dont vous avez besoin pour rester au chaud,
ce dont vous avez besoin pour survivre.
C’est peut-être le cas d’un mot.
Une couverture peut être précieuse, comme certains mots, alors que
d’autres sont enfermés dans un placard.
Un mot doux peut être comme une couverture chaude par une journée froide.
Une couverture me protège du monde froid et sombre de l’extérieur,
Tout comme un mot peut vous protéger de la mort.
Un mot est comme une couverture, faite pour vous tenir chaud.
For more information, email
infoqcnu@cpf.ca and visit
the CPF website.
Let’s continue to support youth
on their French language journey
—with creativity, community,
and a resounding “O!”
Grades 7-9
Chuchotements du Passé, Michelle L., 2025
Les souvenirs flottent dans votre tête, les bons et les mauvais.
Chaque petit geste de la vie est un souvenir.
Certains sont jetés et oubliés, d’autres restent gravés dans votre esprit.
Les rires et les sourires remplissent votre esprit de chaleur,
Tandis que les larmes et le chagrin assombrissent l’obscurité comme une tempête.
L’amour prend du temps, l’amitié ne prend rien.
Un jour, les gens disparaîtront de votre esprit, ce qui compte
le plus, c’est ce dont vous vous souviendrez.
N’oubliez pas que vous êtes un être humain.
Les humains peuvent aussi faire des erreurs.
Dans un monde où tout est parfait, l’humanité échouerait
Rien à apprendre, rien à réparer.
Il arrive que l’on reçoive une bénédiction déguisée.
Vous ne pourrez pas savoir de quoi il s’agit si vous ne vous lancez pas.
La vie est un voyage, vous devez tracer votre propre route.
Vivre dans la vie, c’est parfois difficile.
D’autres fois, c’est comme si les tulipes dansaient dans le vent.
Le fait est que l’on ne peut pas choisir les souvenirs qui restent, on choisit
les souvenirs que l’on crée.
Grades 10-12
Nouveaux Nords, Haven Marl H., 2025
Nuit noire, neige noyée,
Naviguer loin des foyers.
Nouvel espoir, fragile élan,
Né d’un rêve d’un autre présent.
Nuages lourds, nord glacé,
Nouvelles rues à apprivoiser.
Nuit d’étude sous lampes blêmes,
Notes griffonnées comme poèmes.
Naviguer entre peurs et désirs,
Nommer l’étrange, chercher à s’unir.
Nouvelle langue, échos lointains,
Naissance lente d’un demain.
Neiges fondantes, printemps promis,
Nord qui éclaire, même la nuit.
Noble combat, semé d’éclats,
Nouée de courage, l’histoire s’écrira.
16 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

CPF CHAPTERS
Celebrating 25 Years
of CPF in Hamilton, Ontario
On July 5, 2025, Canadian Parents for French Ontario proudly joined the CPF Hamilton Chapter
in commemorating a remarkable milestone: 25 years of fostering French
language learning and cultural engagement inthe community.
The celebration took place at Battlefield Pavilion in Stoney Creek, where
families, chapter members, and community supporters gathered for a sunny
morning of bilingual entertainment, learning, and connection. Guests enjoyed
an engaging bilingual storytime led by Les Petites Pommes, giving children the
chance to immerse themselves in French in a friendly, relaxed setting. After a
raffle and refreshments, families were captivated by Dufflebag Theatre’s lively
performance of Les Trois Mousquetaires, which delighted audiences of all ages
with enthusiastic storytelling and interactive fun.
This special anniversary was both a celebration of the chapter’s accomplishments
and a reflection of the countless hours, dedication, and passion contributed
by parent volunteers, educators, and families over the past quarter century.
CPF Hamilton’s work has strengthened the presence of French language and culture
in the region, creating opportunities for students to learn, practice,
and appreciate French beyond the classroom.
CPF Ontario extends heartfelt congratulations to CPF Hamilton on this
extraordinary milestone. As the chapter looks to the future, the shared
commitment to supporting and promoting French language learning remains
stronger than ever, with the promise of many more years of community
connection, cultural celebration, and linguistic growth ahead.
Reflecting on the milestone, CPF Hamilton President Claire Rivlin shared:
Our chapter executive team was thrilled to have this exciting day finally come together, after
lots of thoughtful planning, to provide a fun event for French-friendly families from Hamilton
and the greater Toronto area! It was rewarding to meet members in person and to welcome
new members, along with a few guests who were curious about what was going on! Thanks
to the continuous support of the CPF Ontario team, especially from Rosemary Sutherland, we
were able to provide a memorable event for all. Lastly, as a capstone to my chapter presidency,
our 25th ‘Chapterversary’ was a particularly meaningful way to both celebrate our chapter and
to welcome a new phase of our Hamilton chapter, currently with ~95 members!
“
”
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 17

CPF CHAPTERS
CPF Hamilton: 25 Years of Advocacy and Impact
For a quarter of a century, CPF
Hamilton has been at the forefront of
advocacy, programming, and community
building, ensuring that every child in the
region has the opportunity to learn and
thrive in French.
In 2005, the chapter took an
important step by lobbying the
Hamilton-Wentworth District School
Board, calling for equitable transportation
for French immersion students.
Their message was clear: access to
quality French programs should not
depend on a family’s resources or ability
to drive their children to school.
Building on this momentum, by
2006 enrolment in French immersion
had grown by 38% in just four years. CPF
Hamilton worked alongside trustees to
push for more classrooms and expanded
programming so that every student who
wanted to learn French would have the
space and resources to do so.
A decade later, the chapter continued
to inspire. In 2016, under the leadership
of then-Chapter President Denise Massie,
CPF Hamilton partnered with CPF Ontario
to host the Pathways to Bilingual Success
Conference. The event welcomed more
than 750 Grade 7–8 FSL students and
educators, showcasing enrichment
programs, exchange opportunities, and
pathways to post-secondary education.
The day left participants with a
powerful reminder that bilingualism is
not just an academic skill, it is a lifelong
advantage.
From advocacy to community
celebrations, CPF Hamilton’s 25-year
journey is a testament to the power of
dedicated families in creating lasting
opportunities for French learners in
Hamilton and beyond.
The chapter has also left its mark
through celebrations of culture. Beginning
in 2010, Frenchapalooza quickly became
a beloved festival for families across
Hamilton. By 2013, it had grown into a
must-attend event, offering hands-on
activities for kids, French book sales,
and practical workshops for parents,
whether they spoke French or not. The
final festival in 2019 carried on that
tradition, creating joyful, lasting memories
for French-learning families. n
Reflecting on this milestone, past Chapter President Denise Massie shared:
“
I joined CPF Hamilton, then led by dynamic and passionate president Rosalind Minaji, before my youngest son had even
started school. One of my first duties as chapter president in 2010 was to delegate to the HWDSB against moving the
starting point of FI from senior kindergarten. For over 15 years, the chapter has been a strong voice on the board's FSL
advocacy committee, representing the voices of FSL parents in the district. Over the years, thanks to the dedication of
parent and community volunteers, CPF Hamilton has made a meaningful contribution to students and their families
across the region. My heartfelt congratulations to CPF Hamilton on this significant milestone.
”
Bilingual storytime led by Les Petites Pommes
Dufflebag Theatre’s lively performance of Les Trois Mousquetaires
18 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

CPF PROGRAMS
French Can
Support Dreams
of Postsecondary
Studies!
For students who spent several years studying
French in school, it is not always easy to choose
where and in which language they will pursue their
postsecondary studies.
The Bursaries for Postsecondary Studies in
French as a Second Language (FSL) Program, funded
by the Government of Canada and administered by
the Association des collèges et universités de la
francophonie canadienne (ACUFC), can facilitate this
difficult decision. The program aims to encourage
Canadian students, whose first official language
spoken is English, to pursue their
postsecondary studies in French.
These non-renewable bursaries of
$3,000 each are offered by more than
thirty institutions across Canada.
According to Statistics Canada,
individuals who wish to work in French
after their studies are more likely
to do so if they graduated from a
French-language or bilingual college
or university.
As Emma Neufeld, recipient of an FSL
bursary, points out:
“ Choosing to continue my education in French would
open a lot of doors for me career-wise, as it will
allow me to serve my community in both official
languages. This is something that is very important
to me as there is a significant access to justice
problem for French communities.”
continued...
CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025 19

CPF PROGRAMS
Mélanie Boudreau also agrees that French proficiency
will be an asset in her future career:
“ I chose to pursue my postsecondary studies in French because of the
several benefits it brings to my career in medicine.”
Considering the cost of living and paying for college
or university studies, financial assistance provided by an
FSL bursary was more than welcomed by Daniel Di Stefano:
“ The bursary allowed me to worry less about the pressures of paying for
and funding my education and allowed me to focus on my schooling.”
Teachers have invested great efforts to strengthen language
proficiency among their students. This progress should not be
interrupted after high school. By pursuing their postsecondary
studies in French, students enjoy the opportunity to maintain,
but also to deepen, their knowledge.
In a recent survey conducted with FSL recipients, more
than 94% of respondents stated that having taken courses in
French helped them improve their conversational skills in that
language, while 89% enhanced their ability to communicate in
written French.
Bethany March confirms:
“ To anyone tinkering with the idea of pursuing French after high school, just
go for it! It is not easy, but it is rewarding. I thought I knew everything about
French coming out of high school, but I was quickly humbled in my first year!
Over four years, I learned more about the language than I ever could have
imagined in grade 12.”
Diego Barrios-Stewart contends that French immersion
graduates must be proactive to avoid losing their language skills:
“ I did not want the French that I had spent the past 13 years learning to just
fizzle out like that of so many immersion kids. I had previously lived for a spell
in Montréal and Saguenay, Québec and fallen in love with Québécois culture
and the French language from that. I study French to keep up for my return to
the Francophone world.”
Jilian Hong also acknowledges that pursuing postsecondary
studies in French contributes to honing language skills:
“ I wanted to strengthen my French skills, which is an essential component of my
future career in French teaching.”
Since its launch in 2020, the FSL Bursary Program has
benefitted some 3,900 individuals from all over Canada who
leveraged a bursary to further their bilingualism. To qualify,
students must be enrolled in a postsecondary institution
participating in the program and meet certain requirements. n
For more information, visit
ACUFC.ca/FSLbursaries
20 CPF MAGAZINE FALL 2025

KEY CPF CONTACTS ACROSS CANADA
Network Office
1104 - 170 Laurier Ave. W., Ottawa, ON K1P 5V5
T: 613.235.1481 cpf@cpf.ca
Quebec & Nunavut
204-661 Rose of Lima St, Montreal, QC H4C 2L7
infoqcnu@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
Alberta & Northwest Territories
211-15120 104 Ave. NW, Edmonton, AB T5P 0R5
T: 780.433.7311 info@ab-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
Manitoba
101-475 Provencher Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R2J 4A7
T: 204.222.6537 TF: 1.877.737.7036 (in Manitoba only)
cpfmb@cpfmb.com
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
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
New Brunswick
T: 902.453.2048 cpf@nb.cpf.ca
Prince Edward Island
PO Box 2785, Charlottetown, PE CIA 8C4
T: 902.368.3703 lnewson@pei.cpf.ca
Newfoundland & Labrador
PO Box 8601, Stn A, St. John’s, NL A1B 3P2
T: 709.579.1776 executivedirector@nl.cpf.ca
TF: 1.877.576.1776 (in Newfoundland & Labrador only)
Calling All High School Teachers
Registration Open Now!
Virtual Bilingual Career Fair 2025, November 17 – 28, 2025
Week 1: Explore our online portal at your
own pace. Watch 15–20 minute video stories
from professionals across Canada sharing
how French has shaped their careers.
Week 2: Book live Zoom Q&A sessions with
the presenters. Give your students the
chance to ask real questions and connect
directly with inspiring role models.
Why bring your classroom?
• Inspire students to see how French opens doors in many fields.
• Show the real-world value of their French learning.
• Highlight diverse careers where French is an asset.
What you’ll receive:
• Access to ten unique 20-minute video presentations—plan a
full week of content or pick just a few to enrich your lessons.
• Lesson plan outlines to support classroom integration.
Register your class by November 11 at
cpf.ca/virtual-career-fair
INSPIRE TODAY’S LEARNERS. EMPOWER TOMORROW’S LEADERS

$3,000 FSL bursaries
FSL bursaries
help students
boost their
bilingualism