The new members of the French Honor Society (FHS) at Woodbridge High School hosted a week full of activities in honor of National French Week. This annual celebration takes place from November 4 to November 10. However, WHS students were off from school that week, so the celebration took place from November 10 to November 14.
National French Week serves as an annual celebration of French culture and the French language. It is also a time when francophone cultures are celebrated, which include the cultures of French-speaking countries. Taking place usually during the first week of November, schools and businesses in several communities spread awareness and promote the week. This is often achieved by hosting activities such as contests, themed projects, and numerous opportunities and presentations to educate communities about French-speaking countries, their cuisine, art, music, and culture.
How WHS Celebrates
Madame Pankiv, the French teacher at WHS and advisor of FHS, took advantage of the many new members added to the society and planned out a French-filled week. Through meetings and get-togethers, the FHS pitched ideas and activities that would attract students into digging deeper into French culture.
In the end, FHS advertised by putting out posters and bulletin boards featuring a map of francophone countries and descriptions of celebrities born in these countries as well. During the week, they hosted a bake sale featuring popular French desserts such as chocolate croissants and eclairs.
An activity that took place during lunch periods was the French trivia. Some FHS student members filmed themselves interviewing students and teachers, asking French questions on topics like geography, French phrases, and famous foods/people. Many students participated and learned new facts about French culture.
A second activity that is an annual tradition for the FHS was the Eiffel Tower scavenger hunt. French students and members of FHS spent a few days hiding Eiffel Tower papers around the building, in hallways, classrooms, the gym, etc. The goal was to have regular students at WHS find the papers, and whoever collected the most would receive a prize. First place received a big gift basket which included a stuffed animal, socks, candy bags, lotions, body wash, pens, and hand sanitizer. Second place received a Bath and Body Works set, and third place received a gift card.
A social media account was also created by FHS in order to help advertise all the French events going on around the building. Every day that week, two FHS members spoke during announcements about a French person, a French tourist attraction, or a piece of French culture so that all teachers and students around the building could tune in and learn something new as each day passed by.
Interview With Madame Pankiv
The Barron Perspective asked Madame Pankiv some questions about the planning and execution of celebrating National French Week.
BR: “Why do you think it’s important to spread knowledge and awareness of French culture around the school?”
Madame Pankiv: “I feel like our school is really unique when we talk about the origins and national backgrounds of our students and teachers. Their traditions. Customs, the way they see the world, and their native languages. When we talk about our school community, we must keep in mind that the majority of students from Haiti speak Creole and French. I consider that as a chance for learners to practice, for native speakers to share their knowledge, and to help their peers.”
BR: “How have the students in the French Honor Society been working together to make National French Week possible?”
Madame Pankiv: “They were very enthusiastic and had tons of ideas. Students stayed after school all week to place cards with La Tour Eiffel around the school, they worked tirelessly creating bulletin boards, and coming up with prizes for winners of the contest.”
BR: “Could you share some plans that you have in mind for later in the year regarding the French Honor Society?
Madame Pankiv: “As for now, we have planned two trips. One at the Montclair Art Museum, where students will have a tour in French. Second, in the Mawbey Street Elementary school, to share the passion for the French language and to celebrate an International Week of Foreign Languages with younger students. We will celebrate St. Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras as well.”
Being a student in an ever-growing, diverse society, it is essential to celebrate and learn about other cultures. It helps students connect with their peers. It also helps them gain insight into interesting facts they may not have known before.
Overall, Madame Pankiv, her French students, and FHS sought to spread awareness of French-speaking culture throughout WHS. Celebrating National French Week, they hoped students participating in activities would gain a new sense of appreciation for a culture that they may not be part of.
