Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Language and Culture

On September 25, our Durham Catholic schools embraced learning in both English and French as we celebrated Franco-Ontarian Day. Students dressed in green and white at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, in Pickering and raised the Franco-Ontarian flag, while sharing messaging and prayers in French and displaying hand-made Franco-Ontarian flags.

With over 400 years of Francophone presence in Ontario, francophone culture and the number of French speakers has grown significantly. Today, Franco-Ontarians represent the largest Francophone community outside of Quebec. This diverse community also represents newcomers from Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

It is in celebrating this diversity that we develop an appreciation for language, culture and our community.