With students of all ages standing by, the Franco-Albertan flag was hoisted to the top of the pole outside the Jasper Elementary School, March 7.
The flag鈥攁 combination of the French Fleur-dis-lis and the Albertan Wild Rose鈥攊s flown each year to mark Les Rendezvous de la Francophonie鈥攁 celebration of French language and culture.
There for the event, which included speeches and the singing of Oh Canada, were students from all three of Jasper鈥檚 schools, as well as representatives from Parks Canada, the municipality and the provincial government.
鈥淥ur French community is an enthusiastic and vibrant one and this event is one more way of demonstrating our great spirit,鈥� said JES teacher, John Auger. 鈥淲e are fortunate to have three schools in Jasper who have French as part of their learning curriculum.
鈥淎nd we are especially thankful to be hosting this event at the Jasper Elementary School, as this year marks the 10th anniversary of French immersion at the school.鈥�
On behalf of council, Vonna Arsenault addressed the crowd, apologizing first for speaking in English.
鈥淭his progressive system of French immersion and French teaching in the Jasper Elementary School and Junior/Senior High School and the French school, 脡cole Desrochers, was not yet introduced to Jasper when I attended here in the 1950s,鈥� explained the retired school teacher. 鈥淲e really have progressed remarkably on the successful inclusion of French language in Jasper.
鈥淭he raising of the Franco-Albertan flag is very symbolic in helping to celebrate this progress that has been accomplished.鈥�
Nicole Veerman
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