SCCHS French Immersion Graduates First in Canada to Receive Special Recognition

Fourteen Grade 12 students at Swift Current Comprehensive High School graduated with Bilingual Mention after completing their studies in the French Immersion program and were presented with a fléché fransaskois (Fransaskois arrow belt) along with their diploma. Although this has been done in the Francophone schools, this is the first time in Canada that immersion students were recognised for their bilingualism and welcomed into the francophone community in this way. 

The Fransaskois arrow belt pays tribute to the heritage of Francophones in Saskatchewan. Each color expresses their historical progress and uses the colors of the Fransaskois flag, the official symbol of Saskatchewan, created in 1979. Of French Canadian origin, the arrow belts were used by travelers and trappers during the fur trade era. They were used to close winter coats, store items and carry payloads. Today, the sash is a symbol of French-Canadian, Métis and Indigenous clothing.

Present at the ceremony, was Executive Director Alexandre Chartier of the Saskatchewan French Historical Society to commemorate this special occasion. Daniel Marchand, a French Immersion teacher at SCCHS, represented the French speaking community and presented a custom made arrow belt to each graduate. 

Details and a link to Alexandre Chartier's speech are on the Saskatchewan French Historical Society website. 

Radio-Canada was on scene at the graduation ceremony and the occasion was featured on Le Téléjournal Saskatchewan. https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/2175858/ceinture-flechee-graduation-swift-current

Photo of graduates: (left to right) Maddex Barber, Carsten Pitchko, Ayden Snyder, Reece Huber, Michel Liu, Kaylee Heinrichs, Troy Oakman, Devin Kalenchuk, Annabelle Murray, Alexander Dahl, Shane Cornelson, Brady Simpson, Ashlynn Meyer, Zane Banman, Aryn Thibault.