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Cours Fénelon Exchange

Cours Fénelon Exchange

23 March 2023

Quelle joie! As the French would say.

My colleague M. Emmanuel Tilmont expressed similar delight as St Catherine’s was the first of the Cours Fénelon’s international partner schools to resume our Sister School connection in December 2022 with six of our students participating in the Cours Fénelon Exchange.

With significant pent-up demand, eight nervous and excited students from Years 10 and 11 headed into winter in Toulon for a six-week immersion as their Australian peers began their summer holidays.

Our Towards 2025 Strategic Plan aspires to “graduating intellectually and emotionally agile young women” who “thrive within global communities.” Navigating the challenges of school and family life in another language certainly supports this goal.

The students’ own words demonstrate how they were able to respond positively to the challenges of daily life in a different culture. I am so proud of the multiple ways in which they learned, grew, and comported themselves. They truly represent the very best of the character dispositions of St Catherine’s students: Bold, Independent, Creative and Resilient.

How was this Exchange useful in your language development?

“By proving to myself that I can converse in French on a variety of topics and be understood by native speakers, I have alleviated my apprehension towards speaking French, particularly in examination settings.” Tahlia Guzzardi (Year 12)

“I have become much more confident in my speech and pronunciation, as well as my ability to speak impromptu.” Coco Butterfield (Year 11)

What was one element of French culture that interested you?

“Dinner was usually served after 8:30pm, so that was difficult to adjust to! The roads and cars were also a lot smaller than in Australia, and all the footpaths are right up against the road and sometimes part of the road surface itself – there aren’t any nature strips or trees along the road at Toulon, unless it’s the very centre of town!” Tahlia Guzzardi (Year 12)

“They are more family oriented and place much more importance on eating together throughout the day. In Toulon, we would have breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a family at the dining table with a fully assembled table.” Millie Nilsen (Year 11)

“My exchange family and I went on day trips to landmarks and historic sites in the Toulon and the Marseille areas, where I gained a lot of knowledge on the history of Toulon and the South of France.” Coco Butterfield (Year 11)

What was one challenge you faced during the Exchange?

“My first week at Cours Fénelon was a serious reality check. It honestly felt like I had spent the past four years doing French only to find out I was completely hopeless at it. Everyone spoke at what seemed like an inhuman speed, throwing words out that I had never heard of before, let alone could understand. I have to admit, a lot of that first week comprised of simple smiles and nods, and if I was feeling extra brave, a ‘oui!’ here and there. But the most important thing was that I didn’t give up, I continued to listen intently to the students and teachers, making sure to ask questions and engaging in conversations where I could.” Agnes Winzar-Sdraulig (Year 12)

“The bise – this was a daily challenge. Friends and family all seemed to greet each other with the bise, the kisses on either cheek. Whilst I attempted to partake in this somewhat strange tradition, I definitely resorted to saying ‘désolée, je suis Autralienne,’ or dodging to the other side on more than one occasion…” Emma Gregory (Year 12)

How have you grown personally from this Exchange?

“During the Exchange, I realised one important mindset which I have always lacked: confidence. During lockdown, my self-confidence plummeted, and it has been hard for me to regain it. Through this Exchange, I feel like I became more independent and confident. I approached the experience with the mindset of ‘achieve everything now or else you will regret it’ and I always did my best to enjoy each specific moment to the fullest!” Jisu Yang (Year 11)

“I have become much more independent in my studies and in my life overall. I find that after achieving the six weeks away, everything else is completely doable. The confidence I have gained in myself and in my French skills after this experience will stay with me for life. I feel incredibly grateful to have been given this unique opportunity.” Sophie Abbott (Year 11)

“From our fantastic stay in Toulon, I gained a lot in not only my language learning, but also in connections and friendships that will last me the rest of my life. I still talk to so many of the friends I met there almost every day. This Exchange to France has really opened my eyes about myself and perhaps where I may take myself in the future.” Georgie Moreton (Year 12)

During our first Senior School Assembly on 6 February Agnes Winzar-Sdraulig (Year 12, 2023) spoke beautifully of the challenges she faced and how she tackled them. She spoke with humour, grace, and gratitude.

Each participant of the Cours Fénelon Exchange received a certificate in acknowledgement of her achievement.