What’s happening in our French classrooms?
Our Year 7 French students spent the last few weeks practising their role in the play “Les trois petits cochons”. We wish them well on their presentation showcasing their excellent French pronunciation and acting skills!
Pen Pal Exchange with Collège Herrade de Landsberg – Rosheim, Alsace, France 🌍
Our Year 8 French Partial Immersion students began a pen pal exchange earlier this year with Collège Herrade de Landsberg, located in the beautiful town of Rosheim in the Alsace region of France. This marks the second year that Auburn High School has collaborated with the French school on this enriching language and cultural exchange.
The initiative provides students with the opportunity to improve their French writing skills while forming meaningful connections with peers in a Francophone country. Through regular letter exchanges, students practise written French in a real-life context—sharing stories about themselves, their school life, and their interests. It’s a fantastic way to bring language learning to life and foster intercultural friendships.
As part of the project, Collège Herrade de Landsberg has also shared an audio recording from their student podcast, “Le club des correspondants.” In this episode, students introduce themselves and talk about their daily life at school—discussing clubs, the canteen, daily routines, and special facilities. These podcasts will serve as valuable listening resources for our students, helping them improve their comprehension while engaging with authentic, student-produced French.
Similar projects are also planned with our 8FIP class to further support their French pen pals through continued exchanges. These cross-cultural collaborations continue to spark curiosity, promote communication, and build confidence in language learning.
We look forward to seeing these international friendships grow and to sharing many more stories and voices across borders!
Berthe Mouchette French Poetry Competition
Next week, our Year 7, 8, 9 French Partial Immersion students will participate in the annual Berthe Mouchette Poetry Competition organised by the Alliance française de Melbourne. Over the last 100 years, more than 1 million Victorian students have participated in this competition – a unique experience and wonderful opportunity to practise their French pronunciation! This year, the 2025 BMC theme is L’Amour! ❤️
Bonne chance à tous!
See below the Year 8 poem selection this year:
French Binational Program – Brevet des Collèges
The end of the French Binational journey is in sight for our 9F students who sat their official oral examination this week before a jury of two French teachers on a topic of their choice. The presentations were followed by an interview in French where students were asked to critically analyse and justify their investigation. L’épreuve orale is an integral part of the Brevet des collèges diploma. The Brevet des collèges written examinations will take place on 16 & 17 June 2025. Bonne chance à tous!
Auburn High Welcomes Rita Azar, Our New French Language Assistant
We are delighted to welcome Ms. Rita Azar to the Auburn High School community as our new French language assistant. Rita will be working closely with all French students across year levels. Rita will focus on helping students improve their pronunciation through conversation practice and interactive language exercises. Additionally, she will provide valuable support for students preparing for their final year VCE & IB examinations, offering authentic cultural insights.
“Having a French speaker available to our students is an incredible resource,” says Sonia Boyer, Languages Learning Area Leader. “Rita’s presence will enhance our students’ speaking abilities and cultural understanding tremendously.”
“My name is Rita Azar. I’m very pleased to be the new French language assistant at Auburn High School. I was born and raised in Montreal, Canada from Lebanese parents. I moved to Australia fifteen years ago and I have been doing French tutoring for about five years. French is my first language and I also speak Arabic. Back in Canada I studied law and practiced as a criminal lawyer for four years. I also studied journalism at RMIT university upon arrival to Australia. I have a passion for the French language and helping students to learn, improve and excel in the knowledge of this language. In my spare time, I enjoy writing, painting and walking my dog Piccolino. I have a ten years old daughter and, with my husband, we love to go on bicycle rides or discover Victoria’s country side.”
Bienvenue à Rita! We’re thrilled to have you join our Auburn High community!
Information Evening
The Languages Learning Area put on a colourful and vibrant display on the occasion of our Information Evening last week! Visitors were greeted by students dressed as historical figures, such as Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI, and were invited to “déguster” a selection of cheeses and baguette as they entered our French display. This was also the opportunity for 7F students to put their science skills into practice! After learning about solutions and mixtures in class, they delighted visitors with home-made colourful and delicious mocktails!
Thank you to all students who answered questions and talked about their experiences as AHS French students!
Auburn High School Welcomes French MP Anne Genetet
Auburn High School recently had the pleasure of welcoming Anne Genetet, a member of the French National Assembly (députée) representing French citizens living abroad. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for French citizens living in Melbourne to meet their parliamentary representative and exchange ideas.
Ms. Genetet, who represents the 11th constituency for French citizens living overseas (which includes Australia), engaged with community members during her visit. The evening was well-attended by local French families eager to discuss matters important to French expatriates.
The school extends its gratitude to Ms. Genetet for taking the time to visit our school, to Ms Paule Ignatio, Consul General of France in Melbourne for facilitating the event, and to all attendees who contributed to the productive discussions.
Kindest Regards,
Sophie Oldfield