PLAMONDON - Francophone education provides a solid framework for the future, says a recent graduate from Plamondon’s École Beauséjour.
The hamlet of Plamondon is one of only four Alberta communities to hold official bilingual status.
Leanne Cote has been a student at École Beauséjour since pre-school. Like many of her peers in the last weekend’s graduation class of just nine young people, she has French ancestry.
“My parents wanted me to be fully bilingual, not only due to our French heritage, but also for the job opportunities that come with being able to speak the two official languages,” Cote explained, adding that she will be continuing her Francophone learning as she enters university studies. “While students who attend English schools receive French instruction, many do not continue with their studies and therefore forget what they’ve been taught.
Although English is her first language, Cote looks back on the beginnings of her Francophone education at the school, and appreciates the step-by-step process that taught her the language, inspired her about the heritage and gave her the education that led her to the graduation stage.
“During preschool and kindergarten, I was taught new words and progressed from there,” she said, adding that the conversations mature, and the vocabulary become more challenging as students ascend through the higher grades.
Luckily for Cote, she went through her education supported by a helpful circle of close friends, family members and teachers who’ve become like a second family to her.
“Teachers have a great connection with their students, and are always there to help in every way,” she stated, explaining that in-class schooling as well as trips, travel and sports helped to create a well-rounded Francophone foundation for the future.
Graduating in a class of just nine, Cote also appreciates the close relationships she has forged along the way.
“I have established great friendships with my classmates.”
Last Saturday, those classmates — 2023 graduating class of École Beauséjour — said their goodbyes and tossed their caps into the air to celebrate 12 years of hard work that also included plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments. The graduation day saw students, their families and invited community members take part in an intimate service at Plamondon’s St. Isidore Church that was followed by a ceremony and banquet at Plamondon’s Festival Centre.
Cote, who was chosen to be this year’s class representative, sees a very bright future ahead for herself and her classmates.
This fall, she will be moving to Edmonton to study towards a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition with her sights set on eventually becoming a doctor. Most of her grad-classmates will be branching out across the province and the country furthering their French language studies and preparing for other careers.
“A Francophone education is very important as it opens a world of employment opportunities ranging from opening a business that offers bilingual services to securing a position with the federal government,” Cote said.
Alberta's other official bilingual communities are Beaumont, Legal and Falher.
