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Collège Nordique Celebrates a Year of Perseverance and Achievement
Collège Nordique recently brought together its learners, their families, staff members, and community partners for its annual certificate presentation ceremony. The celebration marked the end of the 2025–2026 academic year for the CLIC, LINC, and Early Childhood Education programs while also providing an opportunity to celebrate the College's fiscal year-end and bring the community together.
Originally scheduled for the morning, the ceremony was postponed until the evening due to poor air quality. Despite the last-minute change, many participants made the effort to attend and celebrate this important milestone. Collège Nordique sincerely thanks everyone who joined the celebration despite the circumstances.
Every Learning Journey Deserves to Be Celebrated
During their remarks, Executive Director Patrick Arsenault and Director of Training and Education Rosie Benning reminded attendees that success takes many forms and that every learning journey deserves to be recognized.
Receiving a certificate represents much more than completing a course. For many learners, it reflects months of perseverance while balancing one—or sometimes two—jobs, family responsibilities, single parenthood, or non-traditional work schedules.
They also emphasized that learning is not always a linear journey. For some, success means completing a course. For others, it means finding the energy to attend class after a long day at work, having the courage to learn a new language, or simply continuing despite life's many challenges.
Special recognition was also given to learners who maintained perfect attendance throughout their training. Their commitment reflects the remarkable effort and determination they demonstrated in pursuing their educational goals.
Instructors Proud of Their Learners
The certificate presentation was filled with emotion.
French-language instructor Leanne Robinson (CLIC), along with English-language instructors Tamlin Gilbert and David Stephens (LINC), shared how proud they were of their learners. As they presented certificates, they highlighted the progress, confidence, and perseverance their learners demonstrated throughout the year.
Early Childhood Education students were also recognized for their commitment to a profession that plays a vital role in children's well-being and development. This year, several students successfully completed the courses Foundations of Early Childhood Education: Approaches, Practices and Essential Competencies and Collaboration for Children's Health, Well-Being and Optimal Development. These accomplishments reflect their dedication to ongoing professional growth and to providing high-quality learning environments for children and families in their communities.
An Evening of Celebration and Community
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a barbecue and potluck featuring a wide variety of traditional dishes prepared by participants. This much-loved tradition celebrated the cultural diversity that makes the Collège Nordique community so unique while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The celebration also featured activities for all ages. Families, learners, staff members, and guests gathered for volleyball games, colouring activities, games, and a variety of other activities that encouraged conversation, connection, and fun.
Beyond the certificate presentation, the evening served as a reminder that Collège Nordique is much more than an educational institution—it is a community where learning is strengthened through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging.
A Collective Success
The success of the celebration was the result of a true team effort. Collège Nordique extends its sincere thanks to Yakshini Bootoo, Christine Nguini, Ernesto Pardo, Leanne Robinson, Tamlin Gilbert, David Stephens, Margarita Sánchez Ovando, and Marilou Pilote for their contributions to organizing the event and capturing its memorable moments through photography.
Special thanks also go to Joshua McCarthy for generously volunteering his time, as well as to all staff members who contributed, directly or indirectly, to the success of the celebration.
Collège Nordique warmly congratulates all learners on their commitment, perseverance, and accomplishments throughout the 2025–2026 academic year. More than a certificate presentation, this celebration honoured the courage, determination, and lifelong desire to learn that each learner brings to their educational journey.
Browse our photo gallery to relive the highlights of this memorable evening!
Published on July 10th 2026