French Exchange Program

Second French exchange ‘un grand succès’ 

Bendigo is currently mad for all things French, particularly with the Olympics approaching, so it’s been ideal timing for students from Girton Grammar’s sister school in the south of France and their accompanying English teacher to enjoy a four-week stay on exchange.

Five Year 10s from Viala Lacoste, roughly an hour to the north of Marseilles in Salon de Provence, head home this evening after the trip of a lifetime to our beautiful city hosted by school families. In return, five Girton Year 10 students will leave for a month attending the college on the Mediterranean coast in mid-November.

While part of our school community, Lilou, Vincent, Chloe, Pauline, Sophie and teacher Julia embraced an action-packed timetable all aimed at exposing them to life in Australia and improving their English. They took school classes, joined the Grade 4s on camp at Log Cabin Ranch in Creswick, saw the sights in Melbourne and Sydney, and participated in co-curricular activities and excursions. 

A keen horse rider, Lilou even competed in a show jumping competition on her host family’s ‘Yoshi’ and took part in dressage and cross country. (There will be more about this – along with news of the upcoming adventures of our students preparing for French exchange – in eLink in Term 3.)

The group’s visit concluded with a special afternoon tea in the last week of Term 2 hosted by Principal O’Reilly and Head of French, Christabelle Ryan. Girton host families were invited to share stories of their time together and to celebrate another successful exchange program. 

This has been the second visit from Viala Lacoste students to Girton Grammar, strengthening cultural connections and maximising the value of immersion in language learning. It is intended as an annual event on the Girton calendar – Mme Ryan will soon be seeking expressions of interest for students studying French in Year 10 in 2025.

We thank our Girton Grammar host families for opening their homes and hearts to our guests, and for giving their time. We also thank our new French friends for their enthusiasm in making the most of the opportunities at Girton and wish them safe travels.

Merci et bon voyage ! 

Mme Clare Lawson

French Teacher