Celebration of Culture: École Publique Franco-Manitou Recognizes Franco-Ontarian Flag Day

Written by admin on 27 September 2013

Green and white helium balloons are released by staff, students and parents of EPFM in recognition of Franco-Ontarian Flag Day. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

Playground fun; after the balloon release and a celebratory cake students and staff played for a while before heading back to school. Here Teacher Mme. Tina gets a helpful push from 2 of her students. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

MANITOUWADGE, ON – September 25th, staff, students and parents of Ecole Publique Franco-Manitou celebrated Franco-Ontarian Flag Day with a number of special activities including a flag raising ceremony to start their day, which included a song and special reading, and a trip to the Lions’ Beach later during the afternoon where the group released green and white balloons, representing the colours of the Franco-Ontarian flag, cake and fun before they walked back to school

Principal Francine DeMars explained the importance of recognizing flag day to teach the student about their courage and encourage pride in what makes them unique.

This year was the 38th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag created in 1975 by Gaétan Gervais, history professor and Michel Dupuis, first year political science student, both from Laurentian University. It was officially recognized as the emblem of the Franco-Ontarian community in the Franco-Ontarian Emblem Act of 2001.^{[from Wikipedia]}

What would a celebration be without an anniversary cake. Those attending enjoy a piece to wind up flag day celebrations.

About Ecole Publique Franco-Manitou: The small school of approximately 30 students is one of three elementary schools in Manitouwadge, the only one offering French as a first language education. It is part of the Sudbury based Conseil Scolaire Publique du Grand Nord de l’Ontario which also includes elementary schools in Wawa and Longlac and Secondary schools in Dubreuilville and Marathon.

PHOTO GALLERY below video (scroll down to view)

CLICK HERE to read about how Terrace Bay students celebrated Franco-Ontarian Flag Day

Interview with Principal Francine DeMars (French) below as well as video of the balloon release. Entrevue avec la Directrice d’ÉPFM, Francine DeMars, cliquer sur le vidéo ci-dessous.

: What would a celebration be without an anniversary cake. Those attending enjoy a piece to wind up flag day celebrations.

: Green and white helium balloons are released by staff, students and parents of EPFM in recognition of Franco-Ontarian Flag Day. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com

: Playground fun; after the balloon release and a celebratory cake students and staff played for a while before heading back to school. Here Teacher Mme. Tina gets a helpful push from 2 of her students. Photos OntarioNewsNorth.com