APE NEWS

KAMLOOPS

In terms of publicity and visibility, 2002 ended on a high note
for the Kamloops Francophone School. First, thanks to APE
efforts, the school took part for the first time in the annual
Christmas Parade that winds its way through the streets of
downtown Kamloops (photo). Our participation in this event,
which attracts thousands of spectators of all ages, and is broad-
cast on the local television station, enabled us to raise our pro-
file and increase community awareness of the school. Another
memorable event for both the school and the Kamloops
francophone community was our students' presentation of their
first Christmas Concert. More than one hundred parents,
friends, community members, and future parents of the school
attended this initial concert and enjoyed the performance,
watching our children play, sing, and dance with considerable
enthusiasm and talent. A big thanks to the children, teaching
staff, and APE parents for a highly successful event.

During the next few months, the APE will face a number of
significant challenges. The major issues facing the parents in-
clude recruitment and visibility for the school, as well as com-
munications among administrators, teaching staff, and parents.
There are many events on the calendar, including a recruiting
campaign in the local press, participation in the Beattie School
Carnival (with whom we share our facilities), a visit to the
sugar bush (organized by the Association francophone de
Kamloops), and, lastly, our school's official inauguration. Ouf!

There's a lot on our plate!
Gilles Viaud, APE President

Christmas Concert at Kamloops Francophone School

RICHMOND

The Ecole Francophone de Richmond continues to be ex-
tremely active. The Christmas Concert, on December 17, was
a resounding success. Parents turned out in droves to applaud
their children. The show ended with a brief rigadon, and
parents happily joined in. The event ended with a potluck
supper in a warm, friendly atmosphere. It's always fun to get
together! On the evening of December 20, parents and children
met again for a small celebration to decorate the Christmas tree
and exchange gifts.On February 11, we invited the francophone
community to our open house. We also invite you to our silent
auction, which will take place March 8 and 9 at the Richmond
shopping centre.

Rachelle Christopher, APE Secretary

PORT COQUITLAM

All of the students of Des Pionniers School, Maillarville,
assisted by their music teacher Mr. Coté, thrilled parents
and friends with a delectable Christmas concert. We are still
humming some of the tunes in our homes. The high school
students now have a recognized, anticipated talent for decor.
We were charmed by the beauty, simplicity, and ingenuity of
the decorations adorning our main gym. In March, we will hold
another fundraiser-we will sell chocolate...yum, yum! On the
Friday of Francophonie Week, members of the school commu-
nity will be able to taste a variety of typical francophone dishes-
all concocted by the parents-again...yum, yum!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate
and thank Mrs Solange Bernier, who was named 2001-
2002 Volunteer of the Year. Mrs Bernier willingly took
over the reigns of our parents association, the SEG
(société d'éducation Gareau), while continuing in her ca-
pacity as SEG secretary. Thanks and congratulations to
all of the parents involved in their children's education.

Louise-Anouk Ouellet, APE Councillor

TERRACE

Here, and at our neighbouring school, Kiti K'Shan, carnival
festivities lasted for a whole week. In addition to granting the
keys to the school and building an ice castle, we went skating
and enjoyed many exciting activities. The weather during
castle construction was reminiscent of the cold of the Que-
bec City Carnaval, but, miraculously, without the snow! Both
classes performed wonderful dances, which were highly
appreciated by all.

Of course, maple was on the menu. We had an opportunity
to sample all sorts of maple products, including maple sugar,
taffy, and magnificent, miniature maple syrup cones-a real
taster's delight, for
young and old alike.

For the past few months,
the senior class-grades
3-6-has been involved in
a salmon-breeding pro-
gram. We have our own
aquarium, in which we
placed salmon roe
(eggs) found in a river
located near the school.

Salmon fry from the Jack Cook
School breeding project.
On Thursday, two
weeks ago, three small fry hatched. Everyone in the class
was really excited...By the next day, all of the eggs had
hatched and the fry had already begun their first move, from
their manmade hatchery to their first temporary shelter,
Grande Roche. By then, not only was everyone in the class
excited, but everyone in the entire school! Life is such a
wondrous sight! On that upbeat note, Jack Cook school
salutes you! Keep smiling!

Eric Boucher, APE President

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