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Studio paroles d'élèves

The image shows a group of people posing in front of a colorful and vibrant mural that appears to be celebrating students and their achievements.

SSA's New French Communications Space

It is with great pride that Solomon Schechter Academy recently inaugurated our brand new Studio paroles d’éleves. This project, born from the reflection and creativity of our French teachers, offers more than 400 students in Grades 1-6 a unique space to develop their communication skills in French. More than just a classroom, the studio is designed as a true learning lab, where students have the chance to debate, record podcasts, conduct interviews, and present creative projects.

In this studio, students develop:

  • Self-confidence, by daring to speak in front of their peers or a wider audience.
  • Clarity and structure of thought, by learning how to organize their ideas in order to convince and explain more effectively.
  • Active listening, by respecting and responding to the ideas of others in a spirit of dialogue.
  • Creativity, through concrete and engaging projects that let them explore different formats (podcasts, debates, multimedia presentations, interviews, etc.).
  • Critical thinking, by analyzing a variety of topics and developing their ability to form arguments.
  • Collaboration, since many of the activities in the studio require teamwork.

In short, the Studio paroles d’élèves is not only a place where students speak—it’s a space where they learn to think more deeply, listen more carefully, and communicate more effectively. These are essential skills, not only for school but for life.

This studio is dedicated in honour of Chella Abadi, a beloved retired teacher of Solomon Schechter Academy, who left a lasting mark on our community with her passion and commitment. Her vision of education and her love for the French language continue to inspire what we are building for our students today.

This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of Chella Abadi’s family, Dr. Milène Abadi Etingin and Mr. Greg Etingin, whose invaluable support brought it to life. It also came to fruition thanks to the dedication and innovative ideas of Judith Dahan, Maya Doughan, Jessica Lento, and Julie Schneider, as well as the creativity and talent of SSA parent and designer Jayme Segal Munk, who gave this space its unique identity. 

In this new space, every student can find their voice and experience the joy of communicating in French with confidence and authenticity.

Discover the Studio paroles d’élèves

Learn about the zones of our Studio

The Ligue nationale d'improvisation (LNI) (or "National Improvisation League") is an improvisational comedy theatre company created in Montréal, whose rules imitate those of hockey, and whose "matches" are fought on a skating rink. As part of the French curriculum, students compete in teams through improvisation on various topics, styles, and lengths of time. The referee keeps the game in check and the audience awards points for each winning match.

Three individuals, two females and one male, are seated at a table in a recording studio or podcast setting, each using a laptop computer and surrounded by microphones and audio equipment.

The podcast zone allows students in Grades 5 and 6 to record their own podcasts in French. Students work in small groups to research, narrate, and converse on topics within the French curriculum, as well as to record, edit, and publish podcasts. A field trip to CBC-Radio Canada complements the program.

Kamishibaï (meaning "paper play" or "paper theatre") is a traditional Japanese storytelling art using illustrated cards displayed in a wooden stage, where a storyteller reveals a new image with each turn of the card to tell a story. Students write their own stories, create original artwork to accompany them, and then are challenged to share their work in front of an audience.

 

The custom illustration designed for the Studio by Brandon Harrar’s team at HRVST features a tribute to esteemed educator Chella Abadi, along with important elements in the life of a Solomon Schechter Academy student - developing leadership and critical thinking skills, a top-tier athletics program, and the heart of our school, a strong Jewish identity. Can you spot our mascot, Solly the Bear?

 

In the discussion and debate zone, students watch short videos that serve as a starting point for group discussions. Together, they share their ideas, exchange points of view, and reflect on different topics related to language, culture, or everyday life. This environment encourages personal expression, active listening, and the development of critical thinking.

The listening station is a comfortable space where students can settle in to listen to stories, songs, and various content in French. By discovering new words and expressions, they enrich their vocabulary while having fun. This space also promotes listening comprehension and the joy of learning through listening.

 

SSA Inaugurates the New Studio paroles d’élèves en l’honneur de Chella Abadi

“As my ancestors planted for me, so do I plant for those who will come after me.” - Talmud