I have two children who attend l’école Les Aiglons in Squamish: one daughter in Grade 2 and one in Grade 4.

Since last year, I’ve been President of the parents’ association (APÉ) of l’école Les Aiglons. My role is a mixture of team management, “cheerleader” to encourage new ideas, project coordinator, and information central!

• Why I made the commitment: 2014 had been a difficult year for our school community, with much uncertainty because we knew we were going to move but we didn’t know where. I knew that I could use my professional experience in team management, public relations and communications to have an impact, so I decided to get involved as President of the APÉ.
• What I love the most about our Francophone school: We are a small school with a community of parents, students, and staff who are incredibly enthusiastic. We have a sense of belonging that can be readily seen, even from the outside. Starting with our principal, Catherine Drapeau, and continuing with the teachers and the APÉ, we try to keep communication frank, open, and inclusive. We work hard to create a desire to help. The school’s move has given us dozens of ways in which mums and dads can contribute to success at our new location.
• A dream that I hold for my children: I dream that in 10, 20, or 50 years, my girls will still keep fond memories of their childhood in the beautiful community of l’école Les Aiglons. That they’ll feel that they are really part of a large Francophone family in Squamish. That they’ll appreciate the education they’ve received from the teachers who have followed them since kindergarten, who supported them and encouraged them to maximize their potential.
• A proud achievement: To see mums and dads engage and participate in the relocation of the school and the activities of the APÉ, who previously had not done so. To see how it's easy as a parent to have a positive impact on the world of our children's education - I see it every day, with parents who are involved with the APÉ or directly in the classrooms. To know that a community that shares a vision, values, and is open to shared opportunities -- is a community without barriers!

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You can read an article written by Christine and recently published in the Squamish Reporter, by clicking on the following link:  http://www.squamishreporter.com/2015/09/09/schools-every-parent-can-contribute/#.VhL12vl_NHw