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MEMBER TESTIMONIAL

“The Canadian Second Language Teachers' Association will have an influence commensurate with the depth of its information and with its ability to communicate that information." Robert Roy (1927-1990), Founding President of CASLT, taken from his keynote address during the Founding Conference of CASLT (1970)

About CASLT

Our History

Past Leaders & People

Helen Coltrinari

THREE DECADES! QUEL ANNIVERSAIRE!

My first exposure to CASLT was in Vancouver in 1990 when the National Core French Study [NCFS] was launched to the world. I remember how impressed I was with the national perspective in my area of expertise, core French. Peu après, au congrès à Whitehorse, je pense, j'ai commencé ma première grande liaison avec l'ACPLS quand on m'a nommé membre de l'executif du G.R.E.P.E.(le Groupe de recherche en perfectionnement des enseignants). Avec Paul Ledet de la Colombie Britannique et Peter Heffernan, l'ancien rédacteur de notre "Bulletin" d'Alberta, on a mijoté l'idée d'établir une communication entre enseignants et éléves à travers ce grand pays, bien avant l'arrivée de l'internet!

It was fate that brought me to the Board. In 1994, due to a Board retirement, I found myself a "member-at-large" and a co-chair, with Valerie Deane, current Executive Director of SEVEC, of the 1996 CASLT conference in Toronto. At this Ontario event, CASLT launched its first web site as well as a live, interactive, satellite-delivered teleconference, in collaboration with TVOntario.

The mid '90s were also the beginning of several "lean" years for Associations in Canada yet CASLT managed to produce: four assessment documents, the first iteration of a continually changing and growing web site, and a 6-part video series on the NCFS again in partnership with TVO. Partnerships and collaborations came to have greater importance as groups, companies and associations began to realize that no one could do it all alone.

Thirty years of CASLT gifts

And just what should we be celebrating at 30? As I look back on my 10 years with CASLT/ACPLS here are some of my personal favorites:

  • Réflexions - a wonderfully invigorated journal
  • The current Head Office in Nepean - after several moves!
  • Our Head Office Manager, Brigitte Roy
  • Partnerships with ACPI/CAIT, SEVEC & CPF and affiliations with international Associations
  • The "Friends of CASLT" - dignitaries from across Canada who support and advocate for second language learning and teaching
  • CASLT Chez Vous - delivered in New Brunswick, Newfoundland/Labrador and Ontario (and coming in May 2001 in Manitoba) - a one day intensive professional development event, delivered for local CASLT members
  • Newly refreshed web site - http://www.caslt.org
  • The warm, friendly, family-like atmosphere of the Association and the many friends that I have made over the years who will be friends forever!

And what should we be wishing for as we blow out 30 candles on the cake? Each of you will have your own wish list; let me share a few of mine:

  • Continued growth and stability for the Association
  • An Executive Director to assume the major work load of the volunteer Board
  • Summer institutes endorsed by CASLT/ACPLS; more CASLT Chez Vous in every province and territory
  • A yearly colloquium
  • Shared conferences with our sister associations in Canada and abroad

.... And I could go on, but I want to leave the opportunity for others to share their thoughts on this very special occasion! Au nom de l'executif, c'est avec grand plaisir que je souhaite à tous les membres de l'ACPLS "Bon anniversaire" ... Et mon plus grand souhait, c'est que nous soyons ensemble dans 30 ans pour lever encore un verre ou deux à cette association extraordinaire.

Published in the November 2000 Anniversary Issue of Réflexions