Global Ed Week Adventures

Global Education Week came to life for our Middle School students as some of our Grade 7 and 8 cohorts stepped far beyond the classroom, embarking on unforgettable journeys to Saskatchewan, Quebec, and France. These immersive travel experiences provided our young global citizens with unique opportunities to practice their language skills, dive deep into regional history, and build authentic connections with new cultures and communities.

France: Immersion in History and Daily Life 

In France, students were welcomed into daily life through school integration and homestays with local families. From the very first morning, they experienced classroom life alongside French peers, participating in subjects such as art, English, and French while building new friendships and confidence in another language.

Learning extended well beyond the classroom. In Loches, students explored a weekly outdoor market, sampling local foods and noticing differences in daily life and culture. A highlight for many was discovering classic French foods such as crêpes, pastries, and freshly baked bread, which quickly became part of the daily routine.

Students also experienced powerful historical learning at Puy du Fou, where immersive performances brought French history to life. In Tours and Amboise, they visited landmarks, wandered cobblestone streets, and explored cultural sites including Clos Lucé, where they connected with the legacy of Leonardo da Vinci. A chocolate-making experience added a hands-on look at tradition, and global influence.

Across the week, students reflected on how welcoming their host families were and how meaningful it was to experience everyday life in a different country.

Deepening History in Saskatchewan

In Saskatchewan, students explored history, governance, and land through visits across Regina, Moose Jaw, and Saskatoon. A visit to the First Nations University of Canada offered an important opportunity to learn about Indigenous perspectives while observing architecture, art, and community spaces.

At the Saskatchewan Legislature, students connected classroom learning to real civic spaces, reflecting on how government decisions shape communities. Visits to the RCMP Heritage Centre and Royal Saskatchewan Museum added depth through interactive exhibits, storytelling, and scientific exploration.

In Moose Jaw, students engaged with local history through guided tours and storytelling, including the tunnels that brought Canadian history to life in unexpected ways. In Batoche and Duck Lake, they deepened their understanding of Métis history, the Red River Resistance, and the North West Resistance through direct engagement with historic sites.

Students also experienced moments of joy and teamwork, from laser tag challenges to escape rooms, which built collaboration and connection within the group.

Art, Music, and Culture in Quebec

In Quebec, students experienced a vibrant blend of arts, culture, and outdoor exploration. In Montreal, they participated in a music clinic at McGill University, explored the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and took part in a hands-on cooking workshop where they prepared classic Quebec dishes.

Students also enjoyed a lively quiz experience in Old Montreal before attending a live orchestral performance at Place des Arts, offering a memorable introduction to professional performance arts.

In Quebec City, students walked through history at the Plains of Abraham through interactive learning, then continued their exploration at sites such as Montmorency Falls, Sainte Anne de Beaupré Basilica, and Canyon Sainte Anne. Along the way, they connected classroom concepts in social studies to real world landscapes and historic spaces.

Across all three experiences, students demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to engage deeply with new environments. Whether sharing meals with host families, collaborating with peers, or reflecting on historical sites, Grade 7 and 8 students returned with a stronger sense of global awareness and community connection, core to the CFIS learning journey.