Circonflexe en action: Highlighting the Power of Linguistic Mentorship in Québec

Sherbrooke, Quebec — The Consortium of English-language CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities of Quebec, in collaboration with Bishop’s University and the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT), is pleased to invite you to Circonflexe en action: l’importance du mentorat linguistique au Québec, taking place on May 7, 2025, at Bishop’s University (Centennial Theatre Building).

This event brings together education professionals, businesses and community partners to celebrate the powerful impact of linguistic mentorship on French language acquisition, in order to better contribute to the Québec workforce.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to language mentoring and celebrate the growing movement toward inclusion and accessibility in the labour market. The event will feature PERT’s Circonflexe Mentorship Program, an expert panel highlighting mentoring projects from the Estrie region, and testimonials from participants who have experienced firsthand how linguistic mentorship strengthens French language skills for the workplace.

For those who wish to participate, they can register here.

Why Participate?

– Discover how language mentorship strengthens French skills for a more accessible workplace
– Celebrate the value of sharing knowledge for the benefit of our society
– Learn how to become French-language mentors
– Connect with professionals and partners — lunch and cocktail included
– Discover innovative mentorship programs in Estrie

Event Program

12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Lunch (offered by PERT) & networking

1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Welcome and Introduction

1:15 p.m. – 1:50 p.m. – Introducing the Circonflexe Mentorship Program (followed by a question period)
Chad Walcott, Director, Engagement and Communications, PERT
Celine Cooper, Managing Director, Consortium of English-language CEGEPs, Colleges and Universities of Quebec 

2:00 p.m. – 2:20 p.m. – Introducing the Health and Social Services Language Mentoring Service (followed by a question period)
Simone Goloven, Enhancing Regional Community Capacity Initiative (ERCC) Coordinator, Townshippers’ Association

2:30 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. – Coffee Break

2:50 p.m. – 3:20 p.m. – Microcertificats en français langue seconde : des programmes préparatoires au marché du travail (followed by a question period)
Dr. Sarah Théberge, Associate Professor and Departmental Chair, Études françaises et québécoises, Bishop’s University
Bassam Chiblak, Experiential Learning Coordinator – Arts, Bishop’s University

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – Discussion and testimonials from students and mentors who participated in the French as a Second Language micro-certificates offered by Bishop’s University (followed by a question period)

4:20 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. – Start of networking activity and time to register as a mentor

4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Welcome to the Reception
Dr. Julie Desjardins, Dean of School of Education, Bishop’s University

5:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. – The Importance of Intercultural Communication and our Business Training Service  
Service d’aide aux Néo-Canadiens (SANC)

5:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Networking