École Gabrielle-Roy Hosts Thriving Winter Market on December 13

The third annual Winter Market is set to take place at École Gabrielle-Roy, Surrey’s only Francophone public school, on December 13. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the school located at 6887 132 Street in Newton. This community gathering aims to celebrate local creativity and entrepreneurship while providing a platform for the school to raise funds.

This year’s Winter Market has expanded significantly, featuring 60 exhibitors, up from 40 last year. Local artists and artisans, predominantly Francophone, will showcase their creations alongside students who will present their own entrepreneurial projects. Émilie Carlen, public affairs advisor with the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (School District 93), emphasized the growth of the event, stating, “Visitors can browse handmade gifts and local products, enjoy food trucks, and take festive photos with Santa—all while supporting the school’s fundraising efforts.”

Vendors will rent tables at the market for a fee, with proceeds directed toward the school’s fundraising initiatives. Interested individuals can find more details by visiting gabrielleroy.csf.bc.ca, calling 604-599-6688, or emailing [email protected].

Supporting Education and Culture

The Conseil scolaire francophone operates as a public school board, employing over 1,200 individuals and standing as one of the largest Francophone employers in Western Canada. École Gabrielle-Roy serves students from kindergarten through Grade 12 and is dedicated to nurturing students’ cultural identity while fostering a vibrant Francophone community.

According to the school’s website, “To achieve this, it offers an excellent French-language public education that promotes mastery of the French language, while also giving young people the opportunity to master a second language: English.” This dual-language focus not only enriches students’ linguistic capabilities but also strengthens their cultural ties within the community.

As the Winter Market approaches, the excitement within the local community is palpable. Residents are encouraged to participate in this festive event that not only showcases local talent but also supports a vital educational institution.