Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Inspiring Young French Learners from Classroom to Classroom
by Marilyn Santucci
Lasalle Community Comprehensive High School Grade 11 IB students are bringing Service in Action to life through an innovative mentorship program with neighbouring Allion Elementary Grade 3 classes.
This partnership goes beyond traditional tutoring; it is a reciprocal exchange where senior students support French language learning while developing their own leadership and mentoring skills.
The project is spearheaded by Mme Valois, a teacher at Allion Elementary, and Mme Gesto, a teacher at LCCHS, who worked collaboratively to create meaningful learning opportunities for students at both levels.
Working together, students co-create original storybooks, allowing the Grade 11s to apply their classroom learning to a meaningful, real-world experience. The project culminates in a live storytelling presentation for Grade 1 and 2 students, giving younger learners the opportunity to engage with French in a fun and interactive way.
“My partner from Allion is of the same ethnicity as me which I really love. We use this time to talk about our culture on top of working on our story together. I enjoy watching her reactions when the work clicks and she understands the material,” says Ahi Sen, a grade 11 student at LCCHS
“She’s fun and nice and I like talking to her. It’s helped me with me French. I learned how to draw better and write and talk in French!” said Anika, grade 3 student rom Allion and Ahi’s partner.
This initiative reflects the IB Learner Profile by encouraging students to be caring communicators and reflective thinkers. As they navigate the challenges of teaching a second language and collaborating creatively, the Grade 11s deepen their sense of community and responsibility.
More than just producing a storybook, this project builds a bridge across the shared campus—demonstrating that some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step beyond their own classrooms to support and inspire others.
“It’s a way for my students to give back to the community and work toward their Service in Action portfolio,” says Mme Gesto. “Next year, we’re looking at ways to strengthen the program even further, including having more of the meetups take place in French.”
