Issue 23
Newsletter - Summer 2022
A week ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming the graduates of the Programs in French to the Burnaby campus with their parents, family, and friends for Convocation. It was an opportunity to remember that despite the distance that temporarily set in during the pandemic, we form a support system with the students' families, dedicated to their success. Of course, the main ingredient to their success remains their hard work and commitment to their academic achievement. The OFFA team is pleased to have been able to accompany them through this important stage of their lives and it has been an honour to share these unforgettable moments.
I would like to congratulate the new graduates who are joining our network of alumni. I wish you continued success in achieving your ambitions with passion, integrity, and creativity. Enjoy this wonderful time with your family and friends and we sincerely hope to have the opportunity to stay in touch with you in the future!
This brings the 2021-2022 academic year to a close. A year that will remain one of online courses and learning, of virtual university conferences, but also of a gradual shift back to university life as we have always known it on campus. There have been many changes and health regulations are still constantly evolving. I would like to thank and acknowledge the students, professors, OFFA team, and also our francophone partners for their resilience in the midst of these persistent uncertainties throughout the year.
We drew on every ounce of our creativity and ability to overcome obstacles that no one had ever even contemplated. I never imagined holding meetings with colleagues from across Canada at my kitchen counter on my small laptop. The pandemic has forced us to reimagine the boundaries of what is possible. All in all, the university and francophone community has pulled together, formed alliances and emerged stronger and more united.
It is with great enthusiasm that we are working on a very rewarding and festive year 2022-2023, which will be punctuated by moments of discussion in French for the university and Francophone community. We look forward to seeing you all in September!
- Gino LeBlanc, Director of the SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs
There have been some changes in the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs team this year: retirement, new positions created, maternity leave...!
Be sure to keep your address book up to date and visit our website to connect with the growing OFFA team!
It is with great pleasure that Simon Fraser University's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) invites you once again to their famous FrancoFUN Bootcamp for teachers!
Under the theme of "physical and mental well-being of learners and teachers", teachers are invited to come and share their experiences within a unique professional development and experiential learning framework.
Come and discover the Francophonie in all of its dimensions - outside the walls of the classroom, and on-site exploring Burnaby's outdoor beauty and bustling downtown Vancouver.
Register now for a week of professional development in French that combines pedagogy, language, arts, and the outdoors with a focus on wellness.
In brief
- Dates: July 11-15, 2022
- Where: Burnaby campus (July 11-14) and downtown Vancouver (July 15)
- Registration deadline: June 30, 2022
- 1st edition of the "J'enseigne en français" conference
- Literary discussion with Michel Jean as part of the Printemps de la francophonie;
- Convocation;
- 6@8 Franco Patinage;
- Kayak day organized with CJFCB;
- The OFFA team at Matt Bergeron's concert;
- Cocktail with the francophone community;
- Climate Action Workshop for French Cohort Program students;
To keep up with our news and our cultural and scientific programming, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts!