Released: February 4, 2009

Thousands Celebrate French Second Language Programs in BC

Vancouver - Students and families throughout British Columbia will be celebrating their passion for French during French Immersion Celebration Week this February 9-15. With more than 41,441 children enrolled in French Immersion and Intensive French, and another 246, 960 studying Core French in BC , that’s one big party!

Among the many things worth celebrating this year is a decade of uninterrupted growth for French Immersion, making it the most popular school program of choice in BC schools. Another cause for celebration is this year’s annual CPF BC & Yukon membership drive, the most successful of any CPF Branch in the country. With 1,600 new members for an overall total of 10,000 members, BC has more than a third of the entire national CPF membership.

In addition to the many activities CPF members are putting on for children and families across the province, the British Columbia & Yukon Branch is helping kids get into the celebratory spirit by making a revised edition of its popular Treasure Kit and Activity Guide available for download from www.cpf.bc.ca. From Maple Sugar Bake-Offs to Skip-a-thons, from Film Festivals to Word Searches, this free pirate-themed guide is packed with fabulous activities, resources and ideas aimed at helping schools and communities celebrate children’s achievements and passion for French.

“The Guide has a great listing of bilingual entertainers and websites with games that kids of all ages can play,” says a CPF parent.

Canadian Parents for French–BC & Yukon Branch is a non-governmental, parent-led organization promoting French-language educational and cultural learning opportunities for youth.

Source: Robert Rothon, Executive Director, 778.329.9115 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it