Earlier today, (September 25), over 1,500 elementary and secondary students from some 12 CSCNO schools gathered in Chelmsford to celebrate the provincial Franco-Ontarian Day.

As it has since 2008, this annual Francophone pride event will begin with an animated march and conclude with a host of events on the École secondaire catholique Champlain school.

Wearing green and white clothing and proudly waving Franco-Ontarian flags and school banners, participants in this celebration of Franco-Ontarian vitality marched through the streets of Chelmsford. This animated march (tintamarre) was followed by a concert featuring Mandala, a rock band from École secondaire catholique l’Horizon, winners of the Brunante and the Canada Day Battle of the Bands, as well as Michael Sea, a popular singer among younger children.

The provincial Franco-Ontarian day, celebrated officially for the sixth time, coincides with the anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, flown for the first time in Sudbury in 1975.

Students and staff from É.s.c. Champlain and the CSCNO take great pride in celebrating the flag’s 40th anniversary. While recognizing our Francophone and Catholic heritage, this activity promotes the excellence and dedication of our students as they seek to widen their Francophone space and fully live their culture in the province of Ontario.