—— NORTH VANCOUVER

The parents and teacher of the Grade 7 students at André-
Piolat School are proud and thrilled to announce that
ACELF has accepted the school’s travel exchange project
proposal. The students will visit the small town of La
Patrie, Quebec, from 6 to 14 April 2002. For most of the
students, this will be their first visit to La Belle Province.
They’re very excited—the trip will be full of surprises and,
better yet, sugaring-off will be in full swing !

We will have the pleasure of welcoming the young Quebec
students from 4 to 12 May, and introducing them to the beau-
ties of the West Coast. Our biggest challenge: to avoid over-
whelming our visitors. Our fondest hope: that the weather
will cooperate! Regardless, we are convinced that this ex-
change will be memorable for all and that it will help to
strengthen the ties between our provinces.

Bernadette Lebrun, APE parent

Still in North Vancouver, on December 1, 2002, André-Piolat
School hosted “A French Country Fair’ Christmas market
and craft fair. School parents chipped in to open up the
school to neighbours and visitors from the region. To the
great thrill of organizers Laurel Kennedy and Lori Bagneres,
approximately 500 people accepted the invitation. Amidst
seasonal greenery and accompanied by the joyful strains of
violin and guitar, visitors strolled among the displays of
French lavender, aromatherapy items, woollens, children’s’
clothing, books, jewellery, decorations of all sorts, and items
crafted by the 6" and 7"-grade students.

Of course, there was also a wide variety of food—an impor-
tant item at any francophone celebration! Belgian waffles
and chocolate, French crepes, crusty baguette, cookies,
cakes, Christmas goodies, and excellent spiced apple cider
were all there for the tasting. And, of course, an expert panel
judged the gustatory merits of... tourtiere. In addition to
earning money for APE projects, the Christmas fair was a
real hit with the André-Piolat community. It was an event
that all participants welcomed as a fresh start toward a prom-
ising future. In fact, during the next two years, André-Piolat
School will be demolished and rebuilt to accommodate
students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Sincere
thanks to all of the volunteers who helped to make this
event a resounding success !

Danielle Arcand, Principal

PORT COQUITLAM

On November 23, 2001, Les Pionniers School hosted the
Greater Vancouver French-language secondary schools’
first mixed volleyball tournament (Grades 7 and 8).

KAMLOOPS

First of all, the parents of the APE Kamloops would
like to thank the FPFCB and its member-APEs sin-
cerely for our selection as 2000-2001 APE of the Year
(see picture p.6). This recognition warms our hearts
and makes us even more proud of the work that we
have done over the past few years to join the FPFCB
and CSF family.

Our APE is gradually getting organized. So far, we
have held two meetings to discuss our new struc-
ture, rules and regulations. We wish to thank Marc
Gignac of the FPFCB, who met with us last October
to discuss these topics. We are also working toward
drafting a mission statement and clear vision for the
future to guide our intervention at the school and the
CSF levels.

Some of our efforts have also been directed toward
developing close ties with the local francophone
community. We are currently examining ideas for joint
fundraising and recruiting activities.

Lastly, we still have to find a name for our school
and arrange an official opening. As you can see, we
have our work cut out for us! APE Kamloops is very
optimistic about the future. Our goal for the coming
year will be to open up a second classroom.

Gilles Viaud, APE Président

The event was a resounding success. Six teams en-

tered, including Gabrielle-Roy, Kitsilano, André-Piolat,

Anne-Hébert, La Vérendrye and Les Pionniers. More

than 90 volleyballers threw them-

selves into the event. We hear that

the quality of play was impressive.

By the end of the round robin se-

ries, two schools were tied with 8

a¢ wins and 2 losses apiece—

a Gabrielle-Roy and Kitsilano ! Par-

we | ticipants are eagerly anticipating

# the next francophone sports tour-
nament !

Michel Proulx, APE Councillor

INFO-PARENTS - FEDERATION DES PARENTS FRANCOPHONES DE COLOMBIE-BRITANNIQUE PAGE 13