Languages Learning Area News

MFG and Clonard Trip to France and Switzerland 2018

Oh là là! Quel voyage magnifique! Mais oui, the combined Matthew Flinders/Clonard trip to France and Switzerland this year was a great success with 40 students living the dream and travelling the globe to see some of the World’s most famous landmarks. Our incredible journey began with a week in Paris where we got to climb the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, meander down the Champs Elysées, cruise along the River Seine, marvel at the magnificence of the Palace of Versailles and view iconic works of art in the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. We feasted on croissants, baguettes, fromage and pains au chocolat galore, wandered through Monet’s beautiful garden at Giverny and even managed to squeeze in a fun day at Parc Astérix theme park riding white-knuckle roller coasters!

The second part of the trip was spent down in Lyon, the food capital of France and a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we stayed with host families and got to speak lots of French. We experienced family life in all its richness and shared many happy moments, particularly around the dinner table. We heard amazing stories of the silk and cinema industries, learned about the role Lyon played in the wartime Resistance movement and stood on the steps of Roman amphitheatres which were more than 2000 years old! We even tried our hands at making macarons in a special French cooking class! Miam miam!

Our last couple of days were spent in Annecy, the picturesque ‘Venice of the Alps’ and Geneva, Switzerland where we toured the UN Palais des Nations and did some last-minute shopping around the world-famous lake.

An incredible trip making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime! Vive la France!

Here are some reflections from MFG students who went on the trip:

Trinity Knight Y10: What surprised me the most was the kindness of my host family and how welcoming they were. My favourite aspect was looking out upon Paris from the second floor of the Eiffel Tower and cruising along the River Seine with my friends.

Tayla Fisher Y9: My favourite moment was definitely seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris because it was my dream since I was a little kid and it was amazing at night! I also loved waving and shouting ‘Bonjour!’ to everyone on the river cruise!

Isabella Scano Y9: My favourite aspect of the trip was the homestay. It was a great opportunity to develop my language and see how other families in different cultures live. It also allowed me to experience an aspect of French life that I had not been exposed to before and was completely different to what I had experienced while we were in Paris. 

Natasha Fry Y9: My favourite moment was on the cruise on the River Seine when Jordyn, Amelia, Lauren and I were waving at people on the banks, waiting for people to wave back. Some didn’t wave but others danced and put on a show!

Annie Anello Y9: I loved walking around the streets of Paris with the group. Everything was absolutely beautiful and so historical. I’ll never forget all the experiences and memories I shared on this trip. It truly was one of a lifetime.

Nakira Williams Y10: My favourite aspect was meeting up with Esma, a past MFC exchange student and spending many great and amazing experiences with her. I will never forget what this trip has given me: My first time overseas experiencing a new and fabulous country and making so many new friends.

Amelia Robertson Y9: One of my favourite and funniest moments on the trip was when Natasha, Lauren, Jordyn and I rented a pedal boat on the river in front of the Alps in Annecy. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen and we had a great laugh. This trip was once in a lifetime and I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity.

Julia Brombergs Y10: My funniest moment was at Parc Astérix when I went on a roller coaster for the first time in years and was so scared my friend had nail marks on her hand for two days.

Eyrian Morgan Y9: My favourite aspect was either the homestay or walking around in Paris. The homestay was lovely because the family were very welcoming and encouraged me to speak French to the best of my ability around them. It also gave me an insight into French life that I had not been exposed to before. I also loved walking around Paris because I got to see so many aspects of Paris that I had never seen before.

Lauren Newell Y9: What I’ll never forget is spending hours laughing with the girls who I shared my room with. I will treasure the memories that we made and the memories we shared. 

Ms Sue Smith

MFGSC French Teacher