For one week every November, French teachers around the nation participate in National French week to celebrate Francophone culture from outside of the classroom. This year, National French week will take place from November 11 to November 15. Mr. Kallas, a foreign language teacher and the sponsor of French Club at South, has celebrated National French Week ever since he started teaching here. “World language departments around the country celebrate this week in their schools,” said Kallas. “I want to also bring it to Glenbard South and share it with my students.”

“It’s important because there is so much about Francophone culture that people don’t know,” said Simona Georgieva, one of three French Club presidents. “I feel like I learn something about a new country every year.” At South, French classes take time out of their regular schedule to celebrate this designated week. “My favorite activity is decorating the hallway,” said Kallas. French students get to work together to decorate the Commons hallway with the flags of French-speaking countries, impressionist art, and other symbols of French culture. “It educates people about the French-speaking world,” said Kallas. “I think a lot of people don’t know how many countries where French is spoken; it’s spoken across Europe, Africa, Canada–even [in] parts of Asia.”

For all lunch periods during this celebratory week, every student can  participate in all sorts of Francophone fun. Anyone looking to take part in the festivities will be able to travel to different countries without leaving Glen Ellyn in the Francophone Countries Photoshoot, answer French-themed trivia, listen to French music, participate in a coloring sheet mural, and even enter into a raffle to earn prizes. “It helps raise awareness of different cultures, traditions, arts, literature and history associated with the French-speaking world,” said Kallas. “And by celebrating it, people gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the richness and variety in the Francophone communities.”