October 1, 2022
Bonjour,

Last week's bike trip was another successful event! Thank you to all chaperones and teachers for making this memorable day possible. On the same day, the Consul General of France in Boston: Mustafa SOYKURT, visited our campus to wish our community a great school year. His trip to Maine happened less than 20 days after his nomination in New England, a clear sign of his interest in our state.

Looking ahead, October is full of more fun opportunities and special events!
Please note that next Friday, October 7th, is an Early Release Day before the week of October Break (10th-14th). On Early Release days, dismissal is at 11:30 am for all students. Therefore, pick-up at the playground gate on half-days can be fast and efficient, if not a little busy! Thank you for your cooperation and patience.

If you have yet to return your order form for l'ecole des Loisirs monthly book subscription club and are interested in participating, please do so. We hope to collect these as soon as possible! The group order will be placed next week; to be included, we ask you to return your forms or a copy of online proof of purchase by Wednesday, 10/5. Read on for more information and instructions.

More information about the celebration and learning around Indigenous People's Day here in Maine can also be found below, including the Hudson Museum's traveling trunk return for students this year!

For those interested in DELF continuing education for middle/high schoolers or Adult Education classes through EFDM, links for enrollment and more information are included in this newsletter.

Lastly, our Kindness Program started last week for all classes by Martine Goldberg; she is featured this week in our staff spotlight!
Upcoming dates to keep in mind

  • October 7th: Early Release Day, dismissal 11:30 am
  • October 10th: Indigenous Peoples' Day
  • October 10-14: October Break, no school
  • October 31st: Halloween Parade at 2 PM
  • November 8th: IB PYP PotLuck Dinner at La Maison 6-8 PM

Consul Général of France, Mustafa Soykurt, wishes a good academic year to our students and staff!
From right to left: Marie Da Silva; Emily Smith, School Director, Alison Soleilhac Angélique Rutega, Consul General of France in Boston: Mustafa SOYKURT; Victorien Rami, and Willy LeBihan, Head of School.

The Consul General, accompanied by Juliet IREDALE, French Press Attaché, Olivier FAVRY, and M. Marceau CRESPO Cultural Attachés, attended a reception with parents and staff, organized by Beth LeBihan, Founder of the School. This visit was an excellent opportunity for Laura Piehl, Director of the DELF/DALF and Adult Education programs, to discuss the educational programs of La Maison Française du Maine.
Before becoming Consul General of France in Boston, Mustafa SOYKURT served as Technical Advisor for European Affairs at Matignon, in the offices of Édouard PHILIPPE, Jean CASTEX, and Élisabeth BORNE.
He previously served as spokesperson, head of the press office of the French Embassy in Italy (2016-2020), and at the French Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels (2012-2016). In Paris, he worked at the Quai d’Orsay at the Directorate-General for Globalization (2009-2012) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (2003-2009).
Making the PYP happen!
POI: The Programme of Inquiry
School Director, Emily Smith, completes the POI: Programme of Inquiry
The POI has gone up in the entryway …but what is it for? What does it mean

The POI (Programme of Inquiry) outlines the learning journey of students at EFDM from Early Childhood through 5th Grade.

Displayed at the entrance, we wanted this framework to be accessible to our entire learning community so everyone, families, students, teachers, and friends, can have an active role in EFDM education.  

Curated for every learning stage, the POI is a map of the learning journey at EFDM, highlighting the concepts and skills students will meet and acquire along the way. 

Meticulously planned and written to align with both the IBO and the French Ministry of Education requirements, the POI has been tailored to best fit what makes EFDM unique.

We want to thank our teachers, administrators, and PYP Coordinator, who all worked tirelessly to write, plan and bring these units to life. 
Un grand merci! 
The six transdisciplinary themes focus on how students view themselves and relate to the world around them. Although these terms may sound foreign, transdisciplinary learning has always been part of EFDM, long before we started our journey at an IB Candidate School. Through immersion, students at EFDM were already learning language through other subjects such as math, science, history, or even just in daily life at school.
Growing up in Maine
Our elementary students, staff, and parent volunteers enjoyed another fantastic day at the Wolfes' Neck Peninsula. This time spent outside of the classroom is absolutely essential. Students benefit from playing outside regardless of the weather. Our students love playing outside, and solid evidence shows that it benefits their health. We also know that spending time in nature increases a child's likelihood of becoming a responsible adult who is respectful of the environment.

In Maine, we are surrounded by nature so we don't always have to go far to appreciate the outdoors. At school, part of our playground is a century-old forest, and for our students, being outside offers more than just a good break from classroom activities. It promotes the growth and well-being of their bodily and mental systems:

Physically more fit: Children require opportunities to play outdoors daily because they play more vigorously outside than inside. Spending more time outdoors is associated with better motor growth, decreased obesity rates, and a lower chance of developing myopia (nearsightedness). We also create vitamin D, which is necessary for our bodies to be healthy and robust when exposed to the sun safely.

Increased interest in learning: Playing outside fosters a sense of wonder, creativity, and critical thought. According to studies, children who spent more time exploring nature had better learning results.

More significant improvement in behavior: According to research, students who spend time in natural surroundings manage their frustrations better.

Mentally more sound: Spending time in nature reduces stress and sadness for all individuals. In children, hyperactivity symptoms are less severe, and focus is improved.
Healthy Habits - Cold Season
As a general reminder heading into the change of seasons and colder weather, thank you for continuing to test your students at home when they are presenting symptoms of sickness.

Even if a test result is COVID-negative and symptoms mild or improving, we do ask that you send your students to school with masks if they have any symptoms that might cause others to catch a cold. If your student is sick, it is always best to stay home until they are fully well. It's not only COVID we are trying to keep away, but we also hope to maintain the health of friends and teachers to limit staff and student absences!

Thank you for your continued support of our community.
DELF & Adult Education Enrollment
Enrollment is now open for our DELF continuing education program for middle/high schoolers and Adult Education classes for the 2022-2023 school year!

Information for both, including schedules and enrollment opportunities, can be found via the links below.

Please note that payment information forms will be sent directly after completing online enrollment forms. You may reach out to Laura at delf@frenchschool.me with questions before enrolling.


L'Ecole des loisirs Bookclub
Being a member of our EFDM school community, you benefit from the most advantageous rate for the French Max Book Club. The MAX subscription offers eight books a year from November to June with audio to listen to the stories and activities.

You will have received a paper copy brochure (as well as an online link below) for your review from your classroom teacher. If you are interested in enrolling, please fill out the GROUP form (discounted rate) at the end of the brochure and give it back to your child’s teacher with your payment by check to l'école des loisirs- or proof of payment online made on www.regroupmax.com

A complete English presentation on the book club is available at: https://www.ecoledesmax.com/en-version.php

The books will arrive at school each month and be given to your child.
If you have a question regarding the level/age group most appropriate for your student, classroom teachers will have the answer!
Staff Spotlight
Martine Goldberg joined EFDM as the Pre-K Assistant Teacher last year after moving to South Portland from Massachusetts, where she lived for many years with her family. Martine worked in various roles for the last twelve at the International School of Boston. This year, in addition to assisting in the upper elementary grades, Martine is our Kindness Curriculum Coordinator. She is a native of Marseille (France), where she grew up. She graduated from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem (Israel), also holding a Masters in Holistic Nutrition. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor and a Mindfulness Meditation Educator from K through 12th grade. Martine is passionate about health, wellness, and nutrition. She enjoys swimming in the ocean and has taught yoga for over fifteen years to children (bilingual curriculum), athletes, and seniors. She loves being around children and thrives in a multicultural environment. She speaks several languages. EFDM is so happy to have Martine as a member of our team!
Kindness Corner
The Kindness Program "Choose Love" started last week for all classes! Martine visited each classroom to familiarize students with the program. She introduced the Choose Love Formula: Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion in Action = The Choose Love Formula! 

The first part is about  COURAGE! It is a big word indeed; we'll spend a few weeks on it. It takes courage for each one of us to be who we are and whom we are becoming, and to grow up, learn, play, and interact with others of all ages. The students watched a short animation which they enjoyed. Each student received a Kindness Journal, which they will fill in over time and share with you if they so choose. 

We hope they share their insights with you so you can continue the conversation and explore these concepts together at home. Click here for more information about our Choose Love curriculum.

So stay tuned for more news and to learn about courage from our students too!
Continue the journey at home with daily ideas. -- October is here already; for more kind daily ideas, below is the calendar. 
Please join us for coffee and conversation
Please join us!
The Café et Conversation is a regular event at La Maison.

A revolving presence of school staff attends cafés. You are always welcome to participate in any gathering, even if your child is not in the classroom featured on a particular day. Attending other classrooms' cafés is a great way to meet school families and staff and learn how your child's experience will develop over the years.

Coming up Next Week:
Wednesday, October 5, 2022, from 8:30 to 9:00

English Language Arts with Sarah Hotham

Location: "La Maison" adjacent to the school
Come on over after drop-off; we look forward to seeing you!
Peek Into the Classrooms- CE2,CM1,CM
Inside and outside of the classroom, les grands have been off to an awesome start to the school year. With a well-stocked classroom and plenty of beautiful September days to enjoy projects, sports, and trips outdoors, being a student in Simon's room has some serious perks!
People of the Dawn Traveling Trunk Exhibit
We are very grateful to be partnering with the University of Maine Hudson Museum again for this year's Indigenous People's Day to host their "traveling trunk" exhibit called, "People of the Dawn: Past and Present". This made-for-school exhibit includes display panels showcasing drawings and photographs illustrating traditional life from 1600 to the present for members of the Wabanaki tribes (the five tribes of Maine: Mik'maq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki).
Also included are many hands-on materials: examples of traditional artistry in baskets, birch bark work, and other tools. Reference books, videos, and CDs also come with this traveling trunk of knowledge. English classes will be taking charge of preparing this exhibit in La Maison, and it will be available for all classes to tour and explore. We plan to also open up this temporary "gallery" for families during certain after-school hours so that the learning can continue at home during the week of October 24th. Please check back next week once we have received and prepared the exhibit for specified viewing times!
You might also wish to check out more about the Hudson Museum, including their online gallery tours and contemporary artist and Wabanaki elder video interviews.
Communication Apps- Artsonia!
Students who are new to EFDM will need parent approval for their Artsonia account; you will be able to set your preferred privacy settings for your student. New families should watch for an email directly from Artsonia with instructions. Teachers will begin uploading artwork for the year onto each student's profile. Artsonia is a win-win for all! For every keepsake purchased through the Artsonia website with a student's artwork, the school gets further funds to supply future art projects!

Please reach out to Emily office@frenchschool.me with any questions!
Exchange with University of Bourgogne to resume
Capital of the Duchy of Burgundy in the Middle Ages, Dijon has inherited a unique cultural and architectural heritage. As a result, it's an emblematic city of haute cuisine and lifestyle.

We are delighted to resume our collaboration with the University of Bourgogne, France. During the first year of their Master's Program, French university students must do a "stage" in a school. L'Ecole Française du Maine is an official partner of Université de Bourgogne at Dijon and has been happy and proud to welcome student teachers for the last 15 years.

During their practicum, the graduate students will be shadowing our teachers. It is an excellent opportunity to create and conduct classroom activities and practice their teaching skills. We will be looking for two host families this winter for three weeks; more details will come.
Protocols - UPDATED 09/05/22
The graphic chart below indicates what you need to do if your child is exposed to or contracts COVID-19. Please be advised that these protocols are subject to change. We will publish updates in this newsletter should they occur.

To help keep our community healthy:
If you have yet to receive your family's 5 COVID at-home tests, please let us know!
Should your child be exposed to COVID or experience any symptoms, please test before coming to school.
Thank you for keeping your student home when they are sick!
A window to the past ... just for fun
Circa February 2011: Maine Lobster Bake at EFDM, with Amélie Le Gall (left) and Elizabeth LeBihan (right), organized for special guests from the University of Dijon, France. Amélie, a certified teacher from the French Ministry of Education, taught preschool for several years in North America (L'Ecole Française du Maine and the International School of Boston) and is now teaching in the Nice area in the South of France.