Well, well, well! Look what we have here—a fabulous new French high school opening up in Halifax, where it seems the locals have decided that they’d rather conjure up the spirit of Paris than deal with all the maple syrup and moose! The French International Lyceum of the Atlantic Provinces, or LIFPA Don Bosco Halifax for short—because we all know that a name like that is what French people call a “bistro,” right? Let’s just call it LIFPA (pronounced “La-Fa” but you have to say it with a funny accent for authenticity) to keep things snappy!
Now, this exciting news marks this charming little institution as the ninth French high school across Canada. Nine! That’s nearly a football team! Imagine investing in their merchandise—everyone in berets waving the tricolor and shouting “Allez les élèves!” Honestly, how many French high schools do we have to throw into the Kit-Kat-sized country of Canada before we end up with a coffee shop more French than an actual café in France?
Originally, they were supposed to be popping up in Saint-John, New Brunswick, but surprise! – like a magician pulling a rabbit from a hat, they’ve decided to pull a high school from their sleeves right in the Halifax shopping centers. Now, if “shopping centre” doesn’t sound like a romantic twist on “university,” I don’t know what does! Who doesn’t love to learn while surrounded by the delicious scent of cinnamon buns and the faint cries of children begging their parents for just one more toy before leaving the mall?
Now, let’s talk about who they’ll be schooling. The bright overseer of this establishment, Sylvain Olivier—yes, “Olivier”—you can see the French flair in that name already—has shared that they’ll be welcoming all sorts of students. French-speaking, non-French-speaking, or even sad souls looking for “international mobility” for a few months. Sounds like an ideal vacation plan—come for the classes, stay for the crepes!
They’ll have classes for all ages, from kindergarten and primary school up to high school—so that means you’ve got the full spectrum! A veritable “who’s who” of bilingual education. Imagine the conversations during lunch: little Joey from Halifax bragging (in French, mind you) about his mom’s poutine recipes while charming his classmates with tales of moose encounters! What a colorful set of characters we’re going to have!
To wrap up, LIFPA is going to provide an educational buffet of cultures and nationalities like none we’ve seen before! It’s a fabulous opportunity for students to learn alongside their peers while embracing some delightful French culture! Just remember kids—if you throw your baguette during class, you’re getting detention.
So here’s to the opening of the ninth French high school in Canada! May it flourish like a perfectly baked croissant, light and flaky, and may every student leave not just with knowledge but also a refined palate for delightful French pastries—and perhaps, a love for the quintessential Canadian timbits too! Bravo! 🥖🎉
The French International Lyceum of the Atlantic Provinces, known as LIFPA Don Bosco Halifax, officially opened its doors in September, marking a significant milestone as it becomes the ninth French high school established across Canada.
Originally set to launch in Saint-John, New Brunswick, the first French high school in Acadia will now commence operations in Halifax, Nova Scotia, beginning the 2024 school year. This innovative school is strategically located in the Bayers Road shopping center, making it accessible to a diverse population. Ninth French international high school in Canada It is designed to accommodate not only local Canadian students from Halifax and surrounding regions, regardless of their French-speaking abilities, but also to welcome French students who are eager to experience international mobility for durations of three, six, or eleven months. This inaugural school year is expected to welcome approximately twenty students aged between 5 and 18, who will be grouped into two multi-level classes.
« This establishment is a request from the French State,” specifies Sylvain Olivier, the general director of LIFPA Don Bosco Halifax. It will include a school, a middle school and a high school educating all cultures and nationalities. We will have a 6th-5th-3rd-second class, and a first-grade class bringing together kindergarten and primary school. The students…
How does LIFPA plan to support both French-speaking and non-French-speaking students in their learning journey?
**Interview with Sylvain Olivier, Director of LIFPA Don Bosco Halifax**
**Editor:** Welcome, Sylvain! It’s great to have you here to discuss the exciting opening of the French International Lyceum of the Atlantic Provinces, or LIFPA for short. With this being the ninth French high school in Canada, what inspired the decision to launch it in Halifax?
**Sylvain Olivier:** Thank you for having me! The choice of Halifax was strategic. We saw tremendous potential here—a vibrant community eager for diverse educational opportunities. Although our initial plan was for Saint-John, the chance to integrate into this bustling city felt like the perfect fit for our vision.
**Editor:** It sounds like a fantastic environment for students! Can you tell us about the student demographic you’re hoping to attract?
**Sylvain Olivier:** Absolutely! We are welcoming a diverse mix of students: French-speaking, non-French-speaking, and even those who may be interested in exploring “international mobility.” Our aim is to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and learn from each other.
**Editor:** That sounds wonderful! With classes ranging from kindergarten to high school, what’s the ethos you hope to instill in your students?
**Sylvain Olivier:** At LIFPA, we want to foster a love for learning and an appreciation for multiculturalism. We’re creating spaces where students can express themselves, share their unique backgrounds, and connect through language and culture. And of course, who doesn’t love a good French pastry while studying?
**Editor:** Speaking of culture, how do you plan to integrate French culture into the everyday experience of students?
**Sylvain Olivier:** We have exciting programs lined up—arts, gastronomy, and even discussions on Canadian and French history. Our curriculum will involve plenty of experiential learning, such as French cooking classes and cultural events. We want our students to feel not only educated but also culturally enriched.
**Editor:** I can already envision students reveling in activities like poutine-making contests! Before we wrap up, what message do you have for parents who are considering enrolling their children at LIFPA?
**Sylvain Olivier:** I would encourage parents to embrace this opportunity! LIFPA isn’t just about academics; it’s about fostering curiosity and open-mindedness in our children. We’re passionate about providing an engaging and supportive environment for all. Just think—your child could be telling stories about their moose encounters while perfecting their French!
**Editor:** Fantastic! Thank you so much for your time, Sylvain. We look forward to seeing LIFPA flourish like a perfectly baked croissant.
**Sylvain Olivier:** Thank you! We’re excited, too—and we promise, no baguette-throwing during class!
**Editor:** Well, that’s a relief! Best of luck with the opening! 🥖🎉