Conseil Scolaire FrancoSud

Southern Alberta’s Francophone Education Region

 

Exploring an inclusive institution of depth, diversity, and academic diligence

In a Province known for its academic excellence, a highly respected institution in Alberta, Conseil Scolaire FrancoSud, has been proving that with the proper considerations in place,  growing an entire education region can be simplified and streamlined down to several tightly woven processes and partnerships.

FrancoSud invests heavily in innovative educational programs, modern infrastructure, and professional development opportunities to ensure students and teachers are equipped with the tools to inspire and lead the next generation.

This education region is an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

Leadership bears a strong focus on fostering strong relationships between educators, students, and families, as well as ensuring that resources are distributed equitably across the region.

Additionally, embracing technology and modern teaching methods, while still honoring the rich traditions of education, has enabled FrancoSud to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

FrancoSud is also adaptive and responsive to the changing dynamics of society, this includes being proactive in addressing issues such as mental health, diversity, and environmental sustainability.

The education region is characterized by a culture of continuous improvement, where academic excellence, personal growth, and community engagement are at the forefront of a thriving educational ecosystem that produces well-rounded, capable individuals ready to contribute positively to society.

 

A Varied and Comprehensive Educational Environment

In 2013, Conseil scolaire FrancoSud was born from the merger of two significant educational entities in Alberta: the Francophone Catholic school board and the Francophone public school board.

This merger marked the beginning of a new era for Francophone education in Southern Alberta, with FrancoSud emerging as a cornerstone of the Francophone community.

FrancoSud now boasts 16 schools—12 public and 4 Catholic—spanning a vast territory from south of Red Deer to the U.S. border and from British Columbia to Saskatchewan. This geographical expanse covers communities as diverse as Calgary, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Canmore, among others.

FrancoSud’s growth is a testament to the increasing demand for Francophone education in Alberta.

“We have grown quite a bit since the merger of the two school boards, and we are fully publicly funded,” says FrancoSud President Hélène Emmell, emphasizing that FrancoSud is a fully publicly funded school authority, equivalent in status to other public school boards like Calgary Catholic or the Calgary Board of Education (CBE).

There is often a misconception that Francophone schools are charter schools; however, FrancoSud operates under the same public funding model as other Alberta school boards.

The authority’s primary mission is to provide excellent education while ensuring that all right holders in Alberta, under Article 23 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, have access to Francophone education.

This commitment to both educational excellence and the protection of linguistic rights is at the heart of FrancoSud’s mission.

FrancoSud prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive educational institution. With 3,981 students enrolled from Kindergarten to Grade 12, the education region celebrates its cultural and linguistic diversity.

While the Indigenous student population within FrancoSud is not large, the region is committed to addressing their specific needs and advancing reconciliation efforts. This is done through tailored programming that respects and celebrates Indigenous culture.

One of the defining features of FrancoSud’s educational approach is the dual emphasis on bilingualism.

This focus differentiates Francophone schools from French Immersion programs offered by Anglophone school districts, which are designed for students learning French as a second language.

“The purpose of our Francophone schools is to teach French as a first language and to encourage strong bilingualism, and the teaching takes place in French… the purpose of our French immersion schools is to teach French as a Second Language, which is very different programming,” says Superintendent Monique Baker.

For instance, the difference between the French 30 and Français 30 curriculums highlights this distinction—French 30 is tailored for second-language learners, whereas Français 30 is a more comprehensive program aimed at first-language speakers.

In addition to its academic offerings, FrancoSud also places a strong emphasis on cultural education.

Recently, the board hired a cultural coordinator, supported by a grant from Heritage Canada, to work closely with schools in celebrating Francophone culture and heritage.

This initiative includes hiring coordinators or facilitators in each school to collaborate on cultural projects, further enriching the educational experience for students.

Expansive Projects and Partnerships to Meet Growing Needs

FrancoSud’s growth is not limited to student enrollment but also extends to its physical infrastructure.

“In the last five years, we opened three new schools, and we currently have a school that’s getting built in Silverado,” says Executive Director of Operations, Maintenance and Transportation Stéphan De Loof.

The new school complex in Silverado, Calgary, will cater to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Additionally, a secondary school for Grades 7 to 12 is being designed in Airdrie, and a gymnasium modernization project is underway in Lethbridge. These developments are part of a broader strategy to increase accessibility to Francophone education across Southern Alberta.

The education region’s efforts to expand its infrastructure are driven by the rapid demographic growth in areas like northeast Calgary.

“When we plan for new schools we usually work in collaboration with Alberta Education and Alberta Infrastructure… we’re at the table as a stakeholder, but the lead, the project management, and the construction is being taken care of by Alberta Infrastructure,” De Loof explains.

For instance, the new K–6 school in Harvest Hills and the K–6 Catholic school in Hamptons, Northwest Calgary, are being planned to address the growing demand in these regions.

FrancoSud’s innovative approach to school design, such as the dual K–6 and 7–12 school model, allows for cost savings and better utilization of resources while meeting the needs of Francophone families.

FrancoSud’s success is also built on strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including local businesses, community organizations, and government bodies.

For example, the education region has secured grants for playgrounds, solar panels, and preschool programs, enhancing the educational experience for its students. Collaborations with the Canadian Welding Foundation, the Boilermakers, and the Iron Workers Foundation have also enabled FrancoSud to offer specialized programs, such as welding camps and drama workshops.

These partnerships extend beyond infrastructure to include programming and extracurricular activities.

For instance, FrancoSud has introduced a Sports Academy at one of its schools in Airdrie, offering students access to a wide range of sports, from swimming to archery, in addition to traditional sports.

This initiative is an example of how the education region leverages community resources to provide students with diverse opportunities to explore their interests and talents.

 

Recognizing Excellence Today and Tomorrow

FrancoSud’s commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions its students and schools have received. From government awards to scholarships and science fair victories, FrancoSud students have excelled in various fields.

For example, a student from Notre Dames des Monts recently received a prestigious provincial award, while another won a national spelling competition in Quebec.

The education region’s students have also been recognized with scholarships like the Schulich Leader Scholarship, valued at $120,000, which supports students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

FrancoSud’s achievements extend to extracurricular activities as well. The region recently hosted the AA/AAA basketball provincial tournament at one of its schools in Airdrie.

Moreover, students have even participated in culinary competitions, with two FrancoSud students becoming finalists in a provincial culinary challenge!

As FrancoSud looks to the future, it seeks to preserve the environment that has allowed its students to excel, and several key objectives guide its path forward.

One of the primary goals is to increase visibility and awareness of the education regions offerings among the public. Despite the growing demand for Francophone education, many families remain unaware of their rights under Article 23 to access Francophone education.

Another critical objective is to retain students in high school by enhancing the range of programs and services offered. FrancoSud has seen a steady increase in the number of graduates, with 103 students graduating in the current year, up from 80 the previous year.

This growth is attributed to the FrancoSud’s efforts to expand on-campus and off-campus programming, including work placements, dual-credit courses, and mentorship opportunities in collaboration with institutions like Olds College and SAIT.

In conclusion, Conseil Scolaire FrancoSud is not just an educational institution; it is a vital part of the Francophone community in Southern Alberta.

“We’ve created relationships with community partners to support students seeking additional support that we may not have in-house due to the size of our education region, but that doesn’t stop us from going out and creating these partnerships and resources to ensure that our students have the best quality support that they need,”

Through its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, FrancoSud is shaping the future of Francophone education in the region, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

AT A GLANCE

Conseil Scolaire FrancoSud

What: A leading Francophone education region.

Where: Serving the Francophone community in Southern Alberta.

Website: https://www.francosud.ca