On September 22, École catholique La Renaissance welcomed the identity-building team from Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon as part of the “Franco Fiers au CSC Nouvelon” Tour (Proud Franco-Ontarians at CSC Nouvelon). With Rodney Meilleur, identity-building facilitator, and Julie Lancup, teaching consultant, Kindergarten to grade 12 students celebrated Francophone culture through games, chants, songs, and dances that highlight Franco-Ontarian roots and traditions. The high-energy, “pop-up”-style celebration featured the debut of a new original song, Franco-O, written by Rodney Meilleur, and a festive trailer decorated with a large photo of the original Franco-Ontarian flag designed in Sudbury in 1975, creating a powerful tribute to the community’s heritage. Students and staff enthusiastically took part in the activities, proudly displaying their Francophone pride and contributing to the joyful spirit that filled the schoolyard.
Before arriving in Espanola, the tour made successful visits to CSC Nouvelon schools in Chapleau, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Hornepayne, Sault Ste. Marie, and North Shore communities—including Blind River, Spanish, and Elliot Lake—as well as Lively, Sudbury East, and Greater Sudbury. These uplifting surprise visits energized school communities and built excitement for the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag on September 25.
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