The fourth biennial French exchange saw 25 pupils fly in from Paris last weekend to join their host families for a five-week stay.
Sainte-Croix de Neuilly is our sister school in Paris, a private Catholic school with around 1000 pupils from 6 to 18 years of age. The pupils who come to Auckland are hosted by pupils from our Year 11 and 12 French classes. The French pupils participate in school and visit places in Auckland for three weeks then head off on holiday for two weeks with their host family.
They started at MAGS on Monday and found it interesting to wear a school uniform for the first time – although it helps them to integrate easily and feel like part of the MAGS team.
They have already made the most of the fine weather with a trip to Rangitoto yesterday and today have been to the Maritime Museum and downtown. Future plans include Hobbiton, Parakai Hot Pools and the Auckland Museum.
HoF Languages Helen Selaries said, “In our French classes they come in very handy to hold conversations with small groups of students who are practising for conversation assessment.
“Needless to say, our pupils are looking forward to their return visit for five weeks in France in December-January.
“They will spend two weeks at school and touring Paris, two weeks on Christmas and New Year holidays with their families and the final week on a trip together with their fellow Kiwis around the south west of France staying in Tours, Nîmes and Avignon, before flying back to Auckland.”