Students at St. Richard Catholic School are embracing the excitement of the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in a unique and educational way, thanks to an engaging initiative led by the school’s Grade 5 Extended French class.
Designed to promote global awareness and deepen understanding of the Olympic Games, the student-led project transformed daily school life into an interactive celebration of international sport and culture. Each morning, Grade 5 volunteers delivered updates over the school’s PA system, announcing the latest medal counts and sharing interesting facts about the Games. Their announcements, presented in both French and English, quickly became a highlight of the day for students and staff alike.
As part of the initiative, classes were encouraged to “adopt” a country competing in the Olympics. Students followed their chosen nation’s progress, learning about its geography, culture, and Olympic athletes. The project extended beyond morning announcements, with a large, eye-catching scoreboard displayed in the school hallway. Students eagerly added newly earned medals each day, visually tracking the competition as it unfolded.
The idea behind the activity was to help students build greater awareness of global events. Recognizing that many young learners are not naturally connected to world news, the Grade 5 class sought to create an experience that was both educational and engaging. By tying lessons to a major international event, students were able to connect classroom learning to real-world happenings.
Because the initiative was led by an Extended French class, the entire project was conducted in French. Students learned the names of countries in French, along with key Olympic vocabulary, including sports terminology and the names of equipment used in various events. This immersive approach strengthened their language skills while reinforcing their understanding of the Games and the values they promote, such as perseverance, excellence, and international cooperation.
The hands-on project not only enhanced students’ French communication abilities but also gave them the confidence to speak publicly over the PA system — a meaningful opportunity for young learners. By bringing the spirit of the Olympics into the school community, the Grade 5 class created an authentic and memorable learning experience that connected students to the wider world.
