EMBM and JPII French immersion students had a fun time during Carnaval Chez Nous. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Franco-Métis culture

EMBM, JPII Carnaval Chez Nous wraps up a success

Mar 17, 2023 | 1:34 PM

École Monseigneur Blaise Morand (EMBM) and John Paul II Collegiate (JPII) French immersion students took part in Carnaval Chez Nous over the past couple of weeks to celebrate French culture first-hand.

The eight-day festival kicked off March 2 and ran until March 15.

“It was fantastic,” EMBM vice principal Deanna Poitras said. “It was better than we expected, because this was our first go at it. We really didn’t know what was going to happen once we left our high school students relatively in charge. They were the leaders of the little guys, and we were amazed at how well they did [as team leaders]. We can’t wait for it to happen again next year.”

Among some of the highlights were the Cabane à sucre— Sugar Shack, tasting the traditional French Canadian treat of maple syrup taffy, made by pouring hot syrup over a bed of snow.

Kids also celebrated Métis culture day, and learned how to create a mini version of a Métis sash, made by using their fingers to weave the pieces of yarn together.

FSIN

Chief Bobby Cameron re-elected for fourth term as FSIN Chief

Oct 31, 2024

Battleford Municipal Election

Laing seeks fourth term on Battleford Council

Oct 31, 2024

Softball Sask Hall of Fame

'I just wanted to give back': Local softball legend gets rewarded for her years of dedication

Oct 31, 2024

They also had some lessons in jigging and playing the wooden spoons.

A big outdoor carnaval day was held March 14, with JPII French immersion students leading the teams with EMBM kids, for a full day of fun activities. The students also took part in what’s called “smoosh” skiing, with groups of kids standing together on long wooden smoosh boards to get the skiis moving.

“Those were built by our our high school shop teacher and our Grade 6 teacher here,” Poitras said. “[Smoosh skiing] really encourages that team work and co-operation.”

Kids try their hand at weaving a mini Métis sash. (Submitted/EMBM)

Poitras said that bringing the two schools together for the festival was a great success.

All the youth gathered at EMBM to sing traditional French folk songs at the end of the event.

“The folk songs are sort of a staple with francophones,” Poitras said. “The high school kids came over [to EMBM for the event]. Typically, we expect our high school kids to be a little shyer and stand-offish maybe. But they were right in there having a good time.”

Poitras added one teacher overheard one of the high school kids, as they were leaving to go back to their own school, say, “I wish we could go back for more of those gatherings.”

“So, we’re going to have them back for sure,” Poitras said.

—

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow