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Issue 23

Newsletter - Summer 2022

A word from the Director

A week ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming the graduates of the Programs in French to the Burnaby campus with their parents, family, and friends for Convocation. It was an opportunity to remember that despite the distance that temporarily set in during the pandemic, we form a support system with the students' families, dedicated to their success. Of course, the main ingredient to their success remains their hard work and commitment to their academic achievement. The OFFA team is pleased to have been able to accompany them through this important stage of their lives and it has been an honour to share these unforgettable moments.

I would like to congratulate the new graduates who are joining our network of alumni. I wish you continued success in achieving your ambitions with passion, integrity, and creativity. Enjoy this wonderful time with your family and friends and we sincerely hope to have the opportunity to stay in touch with you in the future!

This brings the 2021-2022 academic year to a close. A year that will remain one of online courses and learning, of virtual university conferences, but also of a gradual shift back to university life as we have always known it on campus. There have been many changes and health regulations are still constantly evolving. I would like to thank and acknowledge the students, professors, OFFA team, and also our francophone partners for their resilience in the midst of these persistent uncertainties throughout the year.

We drew on every ounce of our creativity and ability to overcome obstacles that no one had ever even contemplated. I never imagined holding meetings with colleagues from across Canada at my kitchen counter on my small laptop. The pandemic has forced us to reimagine the boundaries of what is possible. All in all, the university and francophone community has pulled together, formed alliances and emerged stronger and more united.

It is with great enthusiasm that we are working on a very rewarding and festive year 2022-2023, which will be punctuated by moments of discussion in French for the university and Francophone community. We look forward to seeing you all in September!

- Gino LeBlanc, Director of the SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs

Update your contacts

There have been some changes in the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs team this year: retirement, new positions created, maternity leave...!

Be sure to keep your address book up to date and visit our website to connect with the growing OFFA team!

Meet the OFFA team

Join SFU and the OFFA Team 

Job offering - Administrative Assistant

We are currently recruiting for the position of Administrative assistant.

The Assistant is responsible for providing administrative, financial, and secretarial services to the Director, Assistant Director, and Manager of SFU's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs.

This position is responsible for processing expenses and revenues, performing accounting reconciliations, and maintaining the financial records of the office. This person also assists in organizing events and projects on and off-campus, writes documents and reports, responds to in-person, email, and phone inquiries, maintains office hours, responds to various administrative requests, and ensures the proper functioning of office space and equipment.

IN BRIEF

  • Application deadline: JUNE 26, 2022
  • Temporary, full-time position (35 hours per week)
  • In accordance with the current salary scale and benefits
  • Start date: August 9, 2022 (flexible)
  • End of term: September 15, 2023
  • Bilingual position (working in French and English)

Join a dynamic and passionate team while working for one of the best employers in Canada.

Apply now!

Bootcamp FrancoFUN for teachers is BACK!

It is with great pleasure that Simon Fraser University's Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) invites you once again to their famous FrancoFUN Bootcamp for teachers!

Under the theme of "physical and mental well-being of learners and teachers", teachers are invited to come and share their experiences within a unique professional development and experiential learning framework.

Come and discover the Francophonie in all of its dimensions - outside the walls of the classroom, and on-site exploring Burnaby's outdoor beauty and bustling downtown Vancouver.

Register now for a week of professional development in French that combines pedagogy, language, arts, and the outdoors with a focus on wellness.

In brief
  • Dates: July 11-15, 2022
  • Where: Burnaby campus (July 11-14) and downtown Vancouver (July 15)
  • Registration deadline: June 30, 2022

Learn more about Bootcamp FrancoFUN

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD RECIPIENTS

Each year, OFFA and its partners present various awards and scholarships to students and future students of SFU's programs in French. We would like to acknowledge their involvement and academic success.

NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST | TWO BURSARIES OF $2,500
ASSIA NATHU - FRENCH SECOND LANGUAGE | VICTORIA GORMAN - FRENCH FIRST LANGUAGE

OFFA and SFU’s Department of French offer two $2,500 bursaries as part of the National Essay Contest organized by French for the Future.

Assia is completing grade 12 in the immersion program at Hugh McRoberts School in Richmond and Victoria is from Kirkland Lake, Ontario and is completing grade 11 at Kirkland Lake District Composite School. Congratulations to both of you!

BOURSE D'ÉTUDES FFCB-BAFF - ONE BURSARIE OF $1000 | ARA CHRISTIE

The Fédération des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) and the Office of Francophone and Francophile Affairs (OFFA) offer two $1,000 bursaries each year to graduates of the Programme francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (i.e. from a school within the Conseil scolaire francophone). At least one of the two bursaries is awarded to a student who plans to continue his/her studies at SFU and take courses in French. These scholarships are intended to reward involvement in French within the secondary school and Francophone community.

Ara will begin her studies in September in the French Cohort Program. Congratulations Ara, we look forward to welcoming you to SFU!

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP AWARD - ONE AWARD OF $3000 | ALIYAH DATOO

This award is offered jointly by the Fondation des francophones de la Colombie-Britannique (FFCB) and OFFA to recognize and reward the commitment of a student or graduate to the community through their dedication to the promotion of the French language and francophonie in British Columbia. The annual amount offered is $3000.

Aliyah has just completed her 4th year in the French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs. She impressed the jury with her ability to develop new opportunities for Francophones and Francophiles. Congratulations Aliyah!

OFFA AWARDS - TWO AWARDS OF $500 | ARA CHRISTIE AND MASHA TYULENEVA

OFFA offers two $500 awards to grade 12 graduates who have been newly admitted to the French Cohort Program in Public and International Affairs. Congratulations to you both and we look forward to welcoming you to OFFA and SFU!

Learn more about our awards and bursaries

Snapshot: a year marked by gathering and exchanges

  • 1st edition of the "J'enseigne en français" conference
  • Literary discussion with Michel Jean as part of the Printemps de la francophonie;
  • Convocation;
  • 6@8 Franco Patinage; 
  • Kayak day organized with CJFCB;
  • The OFFA team at Matt Bergeron's concert;
  • Cocktail with the francophone community;
  • Climate Action Workshop for French Cohort Program students;    

To keep up with our news and our cultural and scientific programming, be sure to follow us on our social media accounts!

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