June 27, 2016
2283
It was a proud moment for Ecole Elgin Market Public School in Kincardine, as a small crowd gathered at the Walker House, Monday night, to celebrate the first Grade 8 graduating class since the school began its French Immersion program in 2005.
Principal Marga Wilson welcomed everyone and noted that the three graduating students: Spencer Adams, William Middelkamp and Nathan Williams, began at Elgin Market nine years ago, in Senior Kindergarten.
"Our three graduates are the pioneers of French Immersion (at Ecole Elgin Market) in Kincardine," she said, "and they will continue in that role, as they are part of the first French Immersion class at Kincardine District Secondary School in the fall."
Wilson thanked families who have supported French Immersion all these years. "We are so proud of these three graduates and all their accomplishments. We wish you all the best in the next stage of your journey."
Bluewater District School Board trustee for Kincardine, Jan Johnstone, echoed those sentiments, noting that nine years ago, French Immersion started up for the first time in a public school, at Elgin Market. That year, there were nine Senior Kindergarten, and 10 Junior Kindergarten students.
Then, a few years later, an accommodation review committee dictated that Elgin Market would become a full French Immersion school, with English-speaking junior students going to Kincardine Township-Tiverton Public School, and senior students to Huron Heights Public School.
"This is a very exciting moment," said Johnstone. "Thank you to these students and their families for trail-blazing French Immersion at Ecole Elgin Market."
In his valedictorian speech, Nathan Williams (L) said his class was given the task to "boldly go where no one has gone before," as they began their academic career in Senior Kindergarten French Immersion in 2005.
"We've had a lot of fun over the past 10 years," he said, "and we will continue our French Immersion study in high school. We have learned to face challenges, and, like a turtle, to stick our necks out to meet them."
He thanked the teachers, parents and everyone who has supported Ecole Elgin Market.
"Now, it's time for us to throw out those store-bought maps and create our own," he said. "I wonder if there's an app for that?"
Following the presentation of Grade 8 graduation diplomas, the following awards were presented:
The Feick award was presented by Kim Lowry in honour of her mother who was a French teacher and speaks seven languages.
After photographs were taken in the courtyard outside, dinner was held in the Walker House, with some musical accompaniment provided by the graduating students.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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