L'Etoile du Nord French Immersion Students Celebrate French and Haitian Culture

L’Etoile du Nord is a French immersion school composed of a diverse community. They are diverse linguistically, racially, and ethnically, and it is a source of great pride for the school. They strive for their students to be global citizens who are kind humans and are French speakers, speakers of other languages, and can hold bi-cultural and multi-cultural identities.

Afoutayi Dance Residency is led by Mme Sainte Juste who is Haitian and a valued member of the L'Etoile du Nord community. During her residency, she taught their students parts of her culture, opened doors for some, and provided mirrors for others. She taught drumming, dancing, singing, storytelling, arts and crafts, and games in French and Haitian Creole. The 5th graders also got to sew Haitian Valiz or handbags. The students had so much fun. L'Etoile du Nord will continue with this tradition every year. It is a true reflection of their community and who they are.