During the month of January, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is celebrating how the French language is cultivated at its schools through the arts. One special feature is an online advent calendar for January with each clickable date opening a window into a mini cultural experience.

Stéphane Tétreault, professional cellist, made a special guest appearance at Dante Elementary School in St. Léonard on January 9. The Royal Vale School and FACE alum was chosen by the English Montreal School Board to be the ambassador for its campaign À la CSEM, on cultive le français…jour après jour, which openedwith a celebratory event at the school.

Although artistic and cultural activities take place in French all during the year across EMSB schools, several special events have been planned for the month of January.

Nick Batzios is the music specialist at Willingdon Elementary School in NDG, where he has been teaching for 25 years. As a practicing musician himself – he sings, plays the piano and the guitar – music is not only integral to his own life but also to his teaching profession. He sees teaching music as a way to increase brain health and improve cognitive functioning.