To show Parenthèse readers how parents from across the province contribute to their school community, we’re publishing “portraits” of parents who commit themselves in various ways to the community.

My name is Christian Leclerc and I’m pleased to be the new representative for the South Vancouver Island region on the board of directors of the Fédération des parents.

I have two children, one who is 6 years old and the other is 8 years old. They are both going to école Victor-Brodeur in Victoria.

I grew up in the Quebec City area, and studied Computer Engineering at Université Laval. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Victoria. I have lived there since 1998 – except for a two-year period when I lived in Quebec, just after the birth of my first child. I currently work as a firmware developer for a high tech company in the Victoria area.

How I became involved in my school community:
I have been involved with the Victor-Brodeur parents’ association since my oldest child started kindergarten. It is important for me to know the issues and to participate in the decisions regarding the school attended by my children.

Moreover, once my second child started school, I also became the parent representative in the school’s Comité de partenaires. I want to be the voice of the parents who wish to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the school.

A dream that I hold for my children:
I hope to transmit bilingualism to my children so that, realizing the chance they have with such an opportunity, they keep their francophone roots alive when they grow up.