Grade 10s Immerse themselves in French in Saint-Donat

As we introduce the Saint-Donat trip to the Grade 10 French students, we stress to them that it is not merely a ski trip, but an immersion experience - one that goes beyond exposure to the French language to also embrace the culture of a small Quebec town in the middle of their favourite season – l’hiver!

At each rest stop, the anticipation to reach our final destination grows; the temperature feels a little colder and the offerings at the usual highway restos take on that familiar French twist –oeuf McMuffin, poulet McCroquettes, les frites, and the ever popular poutine.
 
This year, the typical eight-hour journey turned into a twelve-hour marathon thanks to snow and traffic – we were excited to finally arrive in the village of Saint-Donat! Making the final turn, we approached L’étoile du Nord down a long, winding road lined with snow-laden pines.

Upon our arrival this year, we were immediately greeted by a moniteur who addressed the students in French, which of course remained the language of preference for the next four days. All of the students’ interactions with the facilitators on site, the waiters in the dining hall, the ski/snowboard instructors on Mont Garceau, as well as merchants in the town, helped practice the target language. The entire community was on board with helping the students to express themselves in French. All members were equipped with billets to hand out to the students who made an effort in this regard. Students wrote their names on these tickets and entered them in a draw each evening for a chance to win local delicacies. Many of our students were quite successful in acquiring large numbers of billets!

Each day our students enjoyed skiing or snowboarding on Mont Garceau. On Thursday and Friday, this half-day activity included 2 ½ hour lessons – en français, bien sûr! Some of our more advanced skiers focused on honing their technique, while our beginners worked hard to master the basic balance and know-how to start, stop, and turn. All eventually rode the chairlift to the top where they were blown away by the spectacular views. The other half day was taken up with music lessons, recording a song about our own legend (Rocher percé), a scavenger hunt in town, and cross-country skiing. Special shout-out to the group that stopped a local couple during the scavenger hunt to ask for directions in French! During the frosty evenings, we snow-shoed in the quiet, snowy landscape and skated along a magical path which meandered through 1 ½ km of forest. Our CDS students made us proud by participating in these activities avec enthousiasme!
 
After our outdoor evening activities, participants came in for an evening performance. After being wowed by the moniteurs’ Cirque du Soleil type skills, from juggling to balancing acts to plate twirling, the students were treated to a Spectacle du talent (Thursday) and a Spectacle de musique (Friday). The Spectacle de musique was particularly entertaining as we were treated to live musical performances by Bernard and his bandmates, who played traditional Québécois instruments: the spoons and fiddle. Each legend was energetically portrayed by student volunteers and the group’s moniteur. The legend of Rocher percé was brought to life by our comedic team: Carly Campoli, Taryn Goldberger, Sam Henderson, and Maxx Railton.
 
As always, the vive l’hiver! spirit of the Québécois was remarkable. Their enthusiastic embrace of this season and all it has to offer was evident in the warm smiles and high energy of all whom we met - from tiny skiers at their Saturday lessons through the millennials on up to the octogenarians, our instructors and guides, who embrace this time of year with an infectious energy that was not lost on the CDS participants. Their example helped us to brace ourselves against -20 degree temperatures which could not defeat our group – they only served to fire us up, with a little chocolat chaud and poutine to help keep us going!
 
The 2018 Saint-Donat experience was once again a tremendous success. As in years past, it has inspired our students and enhanced their appreciation of our francophone cousins to the east! Another great reason to choose Grade 10 French!
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Land Acknowledgment

CDS wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. For thousands of years, these have been the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We also recognize the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee peoples who also shared this land.  CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for these lands and waters for future generations.

School Information

13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5 
(905) 833-1220 

communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca

Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.