French Immersion Students Learn About Tradition of St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas recently shared a special Christmas tradition with students in Pierre Part Elementary’s French Immersion class when children would leave their shoes outside to receive small gifts in them.

Students at Pierre Part Elementary prepare notes to place inside their shoes to leave for St. Nicholas. Pictured around the round table, from left to right, are Ariana Landry, Lila Moonkissoon, Marleigh Metrejean, Dawson Businelle (standing), Casey Arvel, Jaxx Bourgoyne, Whit Guillot and Eva Braud.

Students at Pierre Part Elementary who are enrolled in the school’s French Immersion program recently celebrated December 6, the Feast Day of Saint Nichols, and learned about an old European tradition of leaving shoes for St. Nicholas on Christmas Day.

St. Nicholas made a special appearance to Marianne Knuts’ class to explain the tradition.

He noted that children in other parts of the world would leave their shoes in front of the fireplace, on the windowsill or outside their bedroom door so St. Nicholas could fill them with special fruits, candies and other small gifts and treats.  The tradition grew to where the children would often leave hay or carrots in their shoes for St. Nicholas’ donkey to eat.

Pierre Part Elementary Science Teacher John Giambrone assisted greatly in facilitating St. Nicholas’ visit.