Dear friends,
As we enter the Third Trimester of the 23-24 school year, I am incredibly excited by all of the upcoming events and activities at FASTB. Notably, FASTB's Spring Festival will be taking place next Friday, March 1st, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. I look forward to seeing you there!
In addition to these events, the classrooms have been a buzz with rehearsals for Showcases, and we are greatly looking forward to welcoming you into the classrooms.
In this edition of our Newsletter you will find details on upcoming events, classroom projects and outings, third trimester clubs, as well as opportunities for FASTB families to host our two incoming French Exchange Students.
With the Spring weather on the horizon, I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful weekend!
Warm Regards,
Colin LeBihan
School Director
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Upcoming dates to keep in mind
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February 27: Kindergarten Showcase #2 at (8:30am)
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February 28: EC4 Showcase #2 at (8:30am)
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February 29: EC3 Showcase #2 at (8:30am)
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March 1: (Parent Event) Spring Festival (1pm-2:30 pm)
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March 7: (Community Event) Grandparent and Special Friends Day
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March 11-15 (M-F): Spring Break (No School)
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March 18-22: Francophonie Week
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March 26: Café & Conversation
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As we enter the third trimester of the 23-24 school year, the MS class has been introduced to a new work plan designed by Emilie to strengthen our students ability to be autonomous.
The new "plan de travail", or work plan, allows the students to keep track of the day's activities on their own and allows them to individually visualize their tasks and accomplishments each day.
In addition to strengthening their autonomy, the plan de travail allows the students to express how they felt about their day, and highlight the IB attributes they embodied that week.
It is an amazing thing to see our EC4 students taking action in their own learning!
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CE1 et CE2 Fieldtrip + Clément |
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Recently, our CE1 and CE2 students embarked on a field trip to attend a play at The Mahaffey Theater in downtown St Pete: "Cenicienta, a Bilingual Cinderella Story".
We worked on traditional storytelling as part of our IB unit "How we express ourselves". Theater, a living art form and a formidable means of expression, fit perfectly with our thinking. The play was a contemporary adaptation of the Cinderella tale, with the actress using object theater to symbolize the various characters.
The show was both comical and moving, and the students thoroughly enjoyed it!
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After a picnic in front of the theater, we walked to the Pier, where the students could choose between the children's playground or free time on the beach with .... Clément!
But who is Clément?
Clément is the star of our pen-pal project with France!
The project is based on the book "Clément aplati" by Jeff Brown (Flat Stanley in the original version),
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We received a "paper" Clément from a French school in Anjou. Our pupils have used this Clément to show their town, their state, and even their country by taking photos.
We'll then be able to write texts to accompany the photos that we'll send to France, so that the French class can use the information they've received to discover the environment and special features of Florida!
They will then respond by doing the same for France.
It's a great cultural exchange project between two classes from different countries.
-Jennifer Lemaire (CE1 & CE2 Teacher)
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Ms. Sabrina McCartney (MYP Coordinator at CDS) |
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On Monday, February 12th and Tuesday, February 13th, Emmy represented FASTB at the IB Boost organized by Carrollwood Day School in Tampa.
This event gathered over fifty independent school educators who came together to participate in workshops and roundtables to discuss how to best implement the International Baccalaureate program.
We extend our thanks to Ms. Sabrina McCartney, MYP Coordinator who organized the event, as well as Ms. Sara Rubistein, Head of School, for their warm welcome and for putting together a very insightful event.
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Grandparents and Special Friends Day |
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Like every week in Nidou's class, the EC3 class is exploring materials and experimenting. For Valentine's Day, they decided to create hearts in salt dough, to convey love and joy! |
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Opportunities for Host Families this spring
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We are looking for two host families this spring to welcome a set of interns at FASTB.
Hosting a French Student Teacher offers a rich cultural exchange and language learning opportunity. Please meet our interns with their biographies below. Do not hesitate to contact Willy for more information about hosting a graduate student: wlebihan@frenchschool.me
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Meet Camille, University Student from Brittany - France |
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Camille Le Siou, a 20-year-old native of Brest, Brittany, in the west of France, profoundly appreciates her Celtic heritage and culture. Currently pursuing studies in English Literature, she aims to enhance her conversational skills through an exchange program in Maine and Florida.
Fueled by a passion for exploration, Camille finds joy in traveling and immersing herself in diverse environments.
With a patient and inquisitive disposition, she eagerly embraces new experiences, evident in her varied interests and pursuits. Camille engaged enthusiastically in tennis, basketball, swimming, and table tennis in her youth. However, the artistry and rhythm of modern jazz dance resonated with her the most. Beyond athletics, she delved into the realm of music, mastering instruments like the chromatic accordion and clarinet and embarking on piano lessons alongside her older sister.
Eager to broaden her horizons, she eagerly anticipates the opportunity to immerse herself in the culture and traditions of her host country.
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Meet Enola, University Student from Brittany-France |
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Enola Le Boëdec, a 20-year-old native of Brest, Brittany, France, is currently exploring English literature and civilization. Enola is recognized for her patience, curiosity, and trustworthiness.
Enola divides her time between home—shared with her parents and 17-year-old sister—and her independent living quarters near her university. Enola, a devoted pet owner to Eliot and her faithful dog, seamlessly adapts to households with furry companions. Interested in Brittany’s Celtic heritage, Enola is captivated by its rich traditions, folklore, and profound connection to nature.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Enola finds fulfillment in traveling and experiencing diverse cultures. She loves literature and music. Enola enjoys theater, which fostered her self-confidence and a decade-long passion for roller skating, for which she volunteered as a coach.
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Third Trimester Clubs will begin starting on March 18th, the week after our Spring Break, and will run until May 23rd, 2024.
Clubs on offer this trimester:
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Judo in French with Emilie Duprat: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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Arts and Crafts with Samantha Andrews: Monday, Wednesday
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Theater with Julie Morel: Thursday
Please click on the button below to sign-up for the Third-Trimester Club offerings.
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Please join us on Tuesday, March 26th
Café et Conversation
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Under the Tiki Hut! - All are welcome!
Join us for casual coffee gatherings that bring teachers, parents, and school administrators together in an informal setting. These meetings hold significant importance in nurturing communication, cultivating connections, tending to queries, and establishing a school atmosphere that is both encouraging and accommodating. Café et Conversation gatherings present an opportunity for cooperation and shared comprehension that proves advantageous to students, parents, and the entire school community.
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With more warm weather on the way, the pond has been alive with animal activity. Our resident pair of ducks have also been spotted for the first time since the Fall. They picked the perfect time to come home! |
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The French American School of Tampa Bay
2100 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Telephone: (727) 800-2159
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