Growing up only attending full French schools has taught me many things that other people simply don’t understand. Even though French schools are fairly common in Ontario, a lot of people just don’t get how they work. Here are six things only kids who went to full French schools understand:
1. Yes, all of our classes are in French.
The most common question we get asked is, “Wait, so ALL of your classes are in French?” *Insert biggest eyeroll here* Well, yes they are. We learn everything you do, just in a different language.
2. Our English class is given in English. And yes, it’s just like yours.
Although all of our classes are in French, our English class isn’t. And yet again, it’s just like yours. We read Shakespeare, read various novels, write essays and learn grammar rules. On the other hand, our French class is nothing like yours. It’s basically the English class, just in the French language. So we read French novels, write essays only in French, and learn French grammar rules! Who would have thought?
3. We write a different OSSLT test.
We miss out on all of the OSSLT test puns. We write our test completely in French and it’s all different questions. But don’t worry, we tweet puns of our own. #TPCLProblèmes
4. The day of the Franco-Ontarian flag is the best day of the year.
Green and white everywhere. An excuse to dress like a fool. Showing off your French pride without being judged. And of course, singing “Mon beau drapeau” at the top of your lungs. Best. Day. EVER!
5. We only know the national anthem in French.
This one is self-explanatory. We never had a need to learn the English version, as we only sing the French one in the morning at school. We’ve learned to mumble our way through the English version at public events. For those who are religious, it’s the same thing with prayers.
6. You know the lyrics to all of Annie Brocoli’s songs.
Enough said.