Ambassadeurs en herbe - We need you!

Joint project for 2025 - Ambassadeur en Herbe

Dear Parents and Carers,

We hope this message finds you well.

In 2025, Caulfield Junior College (CJC) is excited to announce its participation in the prestigious AEFE (Agence de l’Enseignement Français à l’Étranger) worldwide tournament of debates and various oral practices: Ambassadeur en Herbe. This event brings together young minds from around the world, encouraging them to engage in diplomatic debates and cultural exchange. Following the success of this year's competition, where three of our Year 6 students represented our school in Cambodia for four days, we are eager to build on this enriching experience.

As part of our AEFE accreditation, we aim to strengthen collaboration between CJC and Auburn High School through the Équipe Melbourne initiative. At the end of Term 4, we will select nine students from CJC from year five classes. Auburn High School will select year 6 students (future Year 7 students of AHS)

The project will officially begin this term. Students who wish to participate must obtain parental consent and will have until Week 9 to prepare the Melbourne competition. The Melbourne finale will be held at Auburn High School during the Semaine des Lycées Français du Monde (early December 2024), with an external jury evaluating the participants. Students selected in the Melbourne finale will advance to the Asia-Pacific finals, which will take place towards the end of Term 1 in 2025. Both CJC and Auburn High School will work closely to support our finalists as they prepare.

If your child is interested in taking part and is emotionally prepared to travel internationally with teachers from CJC and Auburn High School, please complete the form below by 25 October, the end of Week 3 of Term 4 :Survey for AEH Competition 2025.

ENROL YOUR CHILD

Note: We are fully aware that you may have concerns about your child travelling overseas without your supervision. Please note that parents are welcome to join, at their own expense and will have to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. They will also be able to attend the competition, however, the activities organised by AEFE are for students and accompanying teachers only.

This competition offers a truly enriching experience, filled with stimulating debates, cultural exchanges, and opportunities to network with peers from diverse backgrounds. It provides a platform for students to showcase their diplomatic and critical thinking skills while promoting international cooperation.

By consenting to your child’s participation in the Melbourne finale, you are also agreeing to make your child available for travel between March and April 2025 and to contribute approximately $1500 towards travel costs (the final amount will be confirmed once the location of the Asia-Pacific final is announced).

Why Travel Matters

Participating in a public speaking competition overseas provides unique benefits that can only be fully realised through travel:

- Cultural Immersion: Students experience new customs and traditions firsthand, deepening their understanding of cultural nuances and enhancing their ability to engage in meaningful exchanges.

- Real-Life Language Application: Speaking in an international setting allows students to apply their language skills in authentic contexts, boosting their confidence and proficiency.

- Exposure to Global Perspectives: Engaging with peers from diverse backgrounds broadens their understanding of societal, political, and economic issues, fostering empathy and tolerance.

- Networking Opportunities: Traveling provides valuable chances to connect with students and experts worldwide, potentially leading to future collaborations and opportunities.

- Personal Growth and Independence: Navigating unfamiliar environments fosters resilience and self-reliance, helping students step out of their comfort zones.

- Cultural Exploration: Beyond the competition, participants can visit historical sites and cultural landmarks, enriching their overall experience.

We look forward to your child’s participation in this incredible opportunity.

If you have any questions, please forward them to Mr Ramano or Mr Prevet via Compass.

Warm regards,

David Prevet, William Ramano and Caroline PommierCaulfield Junior College