By Jenn Watt

Published Jan. 23 2018

A 10-week conversational French class is starting up in Haliburton for adults looking to learn useful words and phrases and have some fun in the process.
Provided through Canadian Parents for French the class will be held for an hour and a half each Tuesday evening starting Jan. 30 and will include the kinds of terms you’d need on a vacation.
“It’s to learn to greet others meet new people talk about your personal interests have a simple conversation” says Marina Thomazo a French teacher at J.D. Hodgson Elementary School and one of the designers behind the course.
This class includes no grammar sheets that haunt many former French students she said. It’s all about learning practical information and enjoying yourself.
“If you need to go skiing in Quebec you’ll have that confidence to check into a hotel or how to order at a restaurant. If you get sick [abroad] how to ask for help. How to communicate in a hospital when you’re not feeling well. Or [how to] go choose a movie. … It’s really useful and linked to the new way of teaching French that we’re trying to implement in schools” she said.
The class will be taught by JDHES French teacher Andrew Dawson and they’re hoping to have enrolment of at least 10 people to facilitate conversation.
The cost is $125 for those with memberships in Canadian Parents for French. A membership costs $25 and is good for a year.
Conversational French for Beginners is Tuesday evening from Jan. 30 to April 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School. You must register by Jan. 27 to attend the class. For more information contact Marina Thomazo at 705-457-6649 or email OuiLoveFrench@gmail.com.