Student Leadership Shines at Sandy Hill’s Third Annual Fête de la Rentrée

For the third year, Sandy Hill Elementary welcomed the school year with its annual Fête de la rentrée, bringing together more than 400 students to celebrate French language, culture and community.

Mme Rodriguez once again took the lead in organizing the event, with French Immersion Grade 5 students playing an important role as volunteers. Students helped lead activities and welcome their peers throughout the celebration.

Vice-Principal Janet Beattie said the school begins preparing students for these leadership opportunities well before September.

“We start building those leadership skills in the spring, when our Grade 5 students help Grade 4 students become more comfortable taking on leadership opportunities,” said Mrs. Beattie. “By the time September comes around, they’re ready to step into those roles with more confidence.”

Assistant Superintendent Pete Nuij was impressed to see students taking on that responsibility so early in the school year saying, “They stepped up, supported their peers and helped make the celebration a success.”

The fête has also become an event students know and look forward to. Mrs. Beattie said students understand how special the celebration is and even take care around the signs and displays as preparations begin.

Students also enjoyed fries and poutine as part of the celebration.

Read about last year’s Fête de la rentrée and the activities students enjoyed.