Bellmore-Merrick Students Take District's First-Ever Trip to Canada

Over Veterans Day weekend, a group of 64 French students in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District traveled to Québec, Canada.

The itinerary for the trip, which is a first for the district, was organized by Kennedy World Languages teacher Paul Cirino. It included time in both Québec City and Montreal.

“The four-day experience immersed students in an authentic experience that allowed them to put their French language skills to use,” said World Languages Chairperson Renée Fallon. “Students toured the most famous sights and experienced the region’s rich cuisine.”

Students spent the first two nights in Québec City, where they visited famous landmarks such as the historic Château Frontenac, generally regarded as the most photographed hotel in the world. On the third day, students traveled to the city of Montreal, where they had the opportunity to visit its most important sites, including the Notre-Dame Basilica. On the last day, students toured the McGill University campus, located in downtown Montreal.

“One of the highlights of the trip was the chasse au trésor, a treasure hunt where groups of students wandered through the cobblestone streets of Québec City trying to find information about different landmarks,” Cirino said. “Students had the opportunity to practice their French throughout the trip.”

In addition to conversations with tour guides, locals and hotel and restaurant staff, the students participated in a language immersion class where they learned about regional varieties of Québécois French.

Photos: Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District