FRENCH EXCHANGE

'SHARE. PARTICIPATE. EXCHANGE'

Our group is delighted to be visiting McKinnon Secondary College.  For the past few years, the Lycée International de Valbonne (LIV), in the south of France, and McKinnon Secondary College have shared a partnership which has given the Australian and French students the opportunity to take part in an incredible experience of a lifetime. 

The exchange program is a unique school project. Not only is it an opportunity to discover a culture or to improve one's knowledge of a language, but it is also a human experience. Over the years, the exchanges have been successful thanks to the families and the teachers' strong support, both in France and in Australia. They work tirelessly and enthusiastically to ensure the program is a success.

The students and I are enjoying our stay very much. Thanks to the host families, we are experiencing what life in Melbourne is like. So far,the families organised a barbecue get-together, we attended Australian Football matches at the MCG, cheered the French rugby team at the Etihad stadium, and listened to Australian music, both in class and live. And there is so much more to look forward to! The Languages Department has organised  excursionsfor the French students as well, from Puffing Billy and the Dandenongs, to the city and along the coast to Point Nepean. However, this is not a holiday. LIV students also have to study while they are here. They attend their exchange partner's classes as well as specialised English courses offered by McKinnon teachers, such as Philosophy, Music, PE or History.They also attend French classes across all year levels and present on topics about France, the culture and the region we are from. 

The French students and I are grateful to the Australian exchange team and Language Department for their hard work. We would like to thank Mrs Binnion and the LIV Proviseur (Principal) Mr Brulant for their continued support in maintaining such a rewarding exchange program.

Mrs Hyam KEFI

French Exchange Teacher