International students at Lake Cowichan Secondary School celebrated Mardi Gras with pancakes on Tuesday, Feb. 21 — Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day and Mardi Gras) — the day preceding Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent.
Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday in French and is intended for excessive eating and celebration before a long period of fasting for Lent.
Mardi Gras started a long time ago and came to America in 1669. It is now a European holiday that is celebrated all over the world with parades, dancing, and festivals.
LCSS international students are comprised of four German and one Japanese exchange student. “International students bring such excitement to the Lake Cowichan community,” says English as a second language teacher, Beverley McCarron.
The students are excited to learn of traditions, celebrations, and culture that happen right here in our community, and all around the world.
McCarron taught in Japan for 10 years. She speaks French, Spanish fluently, and has lived in France, Spain and Japan. McCarron has been with School District 79 for four years, but this is her first year teaching international students.
“As a teacher, I love to teach. As a person, I love to learn.” says McCarron.
McCarron and the International Students at LCSS look forward to more exciting activities and events to celebrate with other students in the Cowichan Valley as they arise.