Friday, September 5, 2008
Andre - L'Ecole de Surville
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It was with excitement and trepidation that we experienced La Rentree. This was no ordinary "Back to School Day" - it was Gabrielle and Samuel's first day of school in France. This is not our usual neighborhood school - it is a school in the south of France where every kid speaks French, every teacher speaks French and where everything is done in French. Undaunted, my two courageous little kids walked down the street to meet the challenge.
We met their respective teachers - Gabrielle's teacher is a very nice lady while Samuel has two teachers, one of whom is the directrice of the school. We quickly learned a few things about school in France. First, some kids get kissed on the cheeks by their teachers to welcome them. I think Samuel got kissed twice that morning. I had to duck at least once... Second, kids get two full hours for lunch. Third, there is no school on Wednesdays. Fourth, Gabrielle and Samuel can look forward to a 2-week break at the end of October. Fifth, looks like teachers throw chalk at unruly kids in class. And there are lots of holidays, some expected and some not.
The first week was a good example of what can happen. It went really well for my kids; Monday was a holiday; Tuesday was the first day; Wednesday was off; Thursday there was no school because four kids vandalized the premisses the night before; and Friday was a full day. In all, only two days of school in the first week - Not a bad start.
It took a lot of courage for Gabrielle and Samuel to walk in a new school, let alone one in a new country and in a different language. But Gabrielle and Samuel did it. I think they realized they know more French than they think and that it is now a matter of using those skills. This will no doubt be the highlight of my trip. I am very proud of them.
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