French at Rowntree Montessori Schools: learning through language, culture, and celebration

At Rowntree Montessori School, learning French goes far beyond textbooks and worksheets.

French is a living language—rich in culture, expression, and real-life meaning—and it is woven into our students’ everyday experiences from Kindergarten through the upper grades.
As highlighted in The Ontario Curriculum: French as a Second Language, French is not only a global language, but also an essential part of Canadian identity. At Rowntree, we take this vision to heart by nurturing students’ skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also immersing them in the traditions and joy of Francophone culture.

One of the most anticipated examples of this approach is Le Carnaval de Rowntree, an annual school-wide celebration inspired by the famous Carnaval de Québec.
A Celebration of French Language and Culture

This year, on January 30, our school proudly celebrated the 10th anniversary of Le Carnaval de Rowntree—a milestone that made the event especially meaningful. The Carnaval was a wonderful success, filled with energy, laughter, and authentic French learning.
Students participated in a wide variety of hands-on, age-appropriate activities designed to help them practice new vocabulary, expressions, and cultural traditions in a joyful and engaging way. From interactive language stations to music, movement, and creative projects, students learned French naturally—by using it.
Creating Lasting Memories

To mark this special 10-year celebration, every student received a commemorative bracelet—a small but meaningful gift to remember their participation in Le Carnaval de Rowntree and the shared experience of learning through culture and community.
Events like Carnaval give students the opportunity to associate French with positive emotions, confidence, and success, helping them build a lasting appreciation for the language.
Why French at Rowntree?


At Rowntree Montessori School, we believe that children learn best when they are engaged, motivated, and having fun. French is taught not only as a subject, but as a gateway to:
● Cultural awareness
● Communication skills
● Creativity and collaboration
● Confidence in language learning

Le Carnaval de Rowntree is just one example of how we bring French to life—transforming learning into an experience students look forward to and remember.
Our French program encourages joyful, meaningful learning while preparing students to communicate confidently across cultures.