York University's Glendon Campus welcomed more than 300 children, parents and bilingual partners from the GTA for its first Carnaval de Glendon, held Jan. 27 in partnership with Canadian Parents for French Ontario.
The day featured activities for all ages, including art workshops, board games, face painting, live entertainment, French-animated films with English subtitles and more. Parents could also participate and were invited to attend information sessions on French language education programs in Ontario, delivered by staff, students and alumni from Glendon’s Bachelor of Education program.
Kids and families enjoyed the activities during Carnaval de Glendon
The event celebrated French language and bilingual education for which there is a significant demand.
“As a parent, I am always looking for new ways for my daughter to practise her French,” said Katie, a parent in attendance. “The variety of Carnaval activities made the language learning aspect fun and interactive, in an authentic bilingual environment.”
Carnaval also marked the launch of Glendon’s 2018 bilingual child and youth programming, including: French Homework Club, French Tutors and Camp Glendon, a weekly bilingual summer day camp for children aged five to 15. Jennifer Sipos-Smith, who oversees Glendon's career and skills development programming, emphasized the benefits of early exposure to second language learning.
Carnaval de Glendon ran Jan. 27. Pictured here are Donald Ipperciel (left), principal of the Glendon Campus, and Betty Gormley (right), executive director of Canadian Parents for French Ontario
"The bilingual brain increases cognitive function, including developing skills such as problem-solving and multitasking, laying the foundation for professional success and flexibility later in life,” she said.
The event was also attended by Donald Ipperciel, principal of the Glendon Campus, York University, and Betty Gormley, executive director of Canadian Parents for French Ontario, who gathered with mascots Bonhomme and Richard Lionheart to officially mark the festivities.
“Carnaval is a great Canadian tradition,” said Glendon student and event coordinator Jordan Tzouhas, “and the kids love meeting Bonhomme.”
The Carnaval de Glendon event coincided with the start of Carnaval de Québec/Quebec Winter Carnival, which runs until Feb. 11 in Quebec City.