TORONTO, April 26, 2001 -- — York University's Department of French Studies will host the Concours de Français de l’Université York (York University French Contest) Tuesday, May 1, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The competition will bring together approximately 100 of the brightest and best high school French students from Toronto’s public, Catholic and independent schools who will compete in three categories: Core French; Core French Plus; and Extended/Immersion. The contest will test students’ abilities in all aspect of French -- grammar, writing, reading, listening, speaking, cultural knowledge, dictation, and phonetics.
York will award the top student in each category a $3000 entrance scholarship. Each scholarship will be supplemented with $1000 from the Ontario Modern Languages Teacher’s Association. In addition, the top students in each category will receive a tuition bursary towards future studies at York.
"This Contest is an excellent way to promote the study of the French language and culture in Toronto," says Dr. Alexandre Sévigny, a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of French Studies and Co-coordinator of the Contest. "It creates an aura of excitement and anticipation in the high school classroom and a sense of achievement because the most dedicated students are strongly rewarded. It also demonstrates what a dynamic and vibrant place York is to study French. It tells them that French is highly valued and respected by the York Community."
There will also be 50 volunteers on-hand to help run the contest, including members of York’s French Department faculty, staff, students, and high school teachers. The hosting of the contest alternates between York University and the University of Toronto.
A formal ceremony, sponsored by the Consulate General of France to award the prizes will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 7 - 9 p.m., located in the Stong College, Master’s Dining Room, York University, 4700 Keele Street.
The contest will begin at 9 a.m. in the Multimedia Language Centre, located in Room S117, Ross Building. The afternoon session will begin at 1:15 p.m. and will take place in the Department of French Studies’ Offices located on the 7th floor, North Ross Building, York University, 4700 Keele Street.
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For more information, visit: http://www.yorku.ca/french/contest, or contact:
| Dr. Alexandre Sévigny Co-coordinator, Concours de Français de l'Université York Department of French Studies York University (416) 736-2100, ext. 77064, Cell: (416) 885-1576 asevigny@yorku.ca |
Liliana Guadagnoli Department of French Studies York University (416) 736-5086 / 416-736-2100, ext. 33089 french1@yorku.ca |
Ken Turriff Media Relations York University (416) 736-2100, ext. 22086 kturriff@yorku.ca |
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