February 14th, 2024

Bonjour,

Hopefully, we will see some more snow soon! We've had so much fun this month playing on the luge, working on winter crafts, and swiftly moving along through the year.

This newsletter includes information and reminders about Re-Enrollment and Open Enrollment. Although it's still February, we are planning in earnest for September. Be sure to check in about your student's plans for next year if you are still working on your enrollment packets.

Summer Camp enrollment is also open at this time, with some weeks already filling up! Be sure to check the link to sign up for the weeks of your choosing. Summer Camp is open to current students and children from the greater community.

Don't miss the sign-up links for a new session of after-school clubs. Priority will be given to those on the previous waitlist for the cooking club, but there are also new options to check out below.

For any questions or further information, please contact us at office@frenchschool.me. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Warm regards,

Emily and Willy

Upcoming dates to keep in mind

• Feb. 14th: Priority Re-enrollment Window ends, Open Enrollment begins
• Feb. 16th: Early Release: Dismissal at 11:30
• Feb. 19-23: February Break, No School
• March 8: Parent Teacher Conferences: Dismissal at 11:30am
• March 12: EC3/PS Showcase at 8:45am
• March 14: EC4/MS Showcase at 8:45am
• March 17: K/GS Showcase at 8:45am

2023-2024 School Calendar*

* Please note, calendar linked above and on our school website have accurate April vacation dates of the 15th-19th

2nd Semester Events Calendar

Priority Re-Enrollment is coming to a close! Current students should secure their spots for next year ASAP. We will be opening enrollment to interested families outside of those currently enrolled this week!

Those who applied for financial aid should be receiving a letter by the end of February.

The timeline for applying for the French Bourse scholarship is also currently underway. Please read on here for more details about the Bourse.

Click ==> Discover our new Curriculum Guide

A new spring club session will begin the week after February break! We are excited to announce that we have some new opportunities to offer and the return of Cooking Club. Those who were on the fall cooking club's waitlist will be invited to sign up this time if students are still interested and available. Please email Emily at office@frenchschool.me to join the list for Cooking Club if you are interested and were not previously on the waitlist.

The new offerings this Spring include:

Origami Club with Alison on Mondays (grades GS/K and up)

and

Art Club with Lisa on Thursdays (grades GS/K and up)

Please use the following link to sign-up and read more details, including specific dates for each session.

Just a reminder: Friday February 16th will be an Early Release Day before the February vacation. Dismissal for all students will be from the playground gate at 11:30am, no need to pack a lunch! We hope everyone enjoys a fun-filled week off from February 19th to 23rd, school will be back in session on Monday the 26th.

Although these days we are fully enjoying our sledding luge on the playground, it's already time to begin thinking about summer camp! Our camp enrollment will remain open until spaces fill. This year, we have a new crew of summer camp counselors planning to spend the season here from France. Enroll as soon as possible to ensure your spot, using the link here.

We are thrilled to announce that our own Emily Smith received her Director's Credential from the Maine Roads to Quality Network this month!

This achievement was no small feat: throughout the past two years, Emily has performed over 200 hours of trainings within the areas of supporting inclusion in childcare, Universal Design for Learning, child development and guidance, and working with school age students. To become a credentialed Director, she also had to write an extensive portfolio demonstrating competencies within the areas of leadership, management, supporting children, programming, families and community, as well as meeting a high standard of quality and advocacy for the field of early education. She underwent an interview with professionals within the MRTQ leadership team after gathering testimonials from staff and families, and her achievement was celebrated within the statewide Maine Roads to Quality newsletter.

This is a big accomplishment for not only Emily, but for the whole school! Bravo et félicitations!

As part of a Master's degree specific to teaching French abroad, Raphael recently

participated in a week of work at the Lycée International de Los Angeles!

Accompanied by Catherine Caillet from the MLF and trainers from the University of Caen, they focused their approaches around the themes of cooperation at school,

multilingualism in the school and family context as well as differentiation and

educational adaptation. After his hard work, we are happy to have Raphael share what he has learned with his classroom!

Anaelle took her class to the Freeport Community Library last week for research on their current IB unit about the solar system and planets. The librarians could not have been more helpful, and we were reminded what a special place the Freeport library is! We are very lucky to be a part of this community and to be able to enjoy close-by adventures like this. Until the next research project!

January was a pastry-filled month! With almost every classroom making their own version of the Galette du Rois, students (and teachers!) had a chance to taste some very yummy creations and possibly find a surprise in their slice!

And that's a wrap for our Sugarloaf season 2023-2024! What an awesome winter with a jam-packed session of ski trips! Thank you to all for creating memories together on the mountain. Until next year!

We are looking for two host families this spring to welcome another set of interns at L'Ecole. Internship dates TBA.

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

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, especially those adorned with mountains, landscapes, and lakes, where she indulges her love for hiking. 

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.

Enola Le Boëdec, a 20-year-old native of Brest, Brittany, France, is currently exploring English literature and civilization. Set to embark on a two-month internship at L’école Française du Maine, 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.

Listen to students tell how they’ve become stronger, more caring, and courageous in the PYP. The learner profile encourages the development of these social and emotional skills, among others. The PYP ignites curiosity and encourages learners to ask questions. In this video, PYP teachers and students explain how inquiry and critical thinking skills are used in the classroom and beyond.