This year was a year of many firsts for the CBE, as an official DELF Centre, a status granted by the French Embassy in Ottawa under the auspices of the Ministry of Education in France, held its first inaugural DELF session. Another first this year, we had 117 students participate in the DELF with a 99% success rate. Participation increased by 56 % from last year with students in FSL and Late French Immersion participating for the first time.
Special guests at the Language Credentialing Celebration included Mr. Jean-Paul Tarby, of the Académie of Besançon in France, Mr. Jean-Charles Bou, Consul General for France in Calgary and Mr. Étienne Manuard, Educational Attaché at the French Embassy in Ottawa. These distinguished guests were in Calgary as part of ongoing talks between the CBE and the Académie of Besançon to establish a partnership which would see a reciprocal arrangement for student and teacher exchanges, visits and professional development. The delegates from France are looking forward to establishing an official partnership with the CBE.
On the international stage, over 100 students were recognized in the evening of the 16th for their international engagement and global citizenship with the International Certificate. In order to receive the certificate, students studied a second or third language, focused on international coursework, and participated in an international experience. At the ceremony, students spoke about their experience of coming to Canada as new immigrants, about the importance of volunteerism and their aspirations for international careers. Dr. Lorne Jacques from the University of Calgary congratulated the students and encouraged them to do what they can to make the world a better place. All students thanked the CBE for the opportunity to obtain the International Certificate.
The CBE continues to create opportunities for students to participate internationally. We are very proud of all of our students and their accomplishments.
