Grammar Gazette_Issue1_2025

‘I have gained a deep understanding of life in France, its beautiful architecture, and the deep and rich history that lies behind it. I came to France expecting this, but I was taken aback by how rich the French culture is. I have learned more about the French way of living and I find it so cool that they have their differences from Australian life.’ Sabrina Yong Gee (12H)

3

The next day, students reunited to share their initial homestay experiences, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality and generous meals featuring local French specialities. There were plenty of stories of putting French into practice, and funny little faux pas that brought smiles to our faces. As we enjoyed a tour of both the middle school (collège) and high school (lycée) campuses, School Principal, Madame Epaud, ensured we felt truly welcome with Australian songs chosen for the school bells, and the Australian National flag hung at the front gate. Students proudly served as cultural ambassadors, answering questions about life and schooling in Australia. French students were no doubt bamboozled by talk of Bunnings sausage sizzles, Christmas in summer, and Outdoor Education Programs like ours at Marrapatta. Despite the challenges of studying in a different education system, students embraced the opportunity to expand their vocabulary while Madame Scruby and I taught junior English lessons.

A day trip to the Palace of Versailles was a particular highlight, with a knowledgeable guide leading the group through Louis XIV’s opulent apartments. A delicious meal at the glitzy La Flottille followed, before Madame Holden took students to her favourite spots, including the tranquil Trianons and Marie Antoinette’s refuge, complete with farm animals. Departing Paris for Angoulême, via the Loire Valley and the Château de Chambord, excitement turned to nervous anticipation as students prepared to meet their host families. Upon arrival, they were warmly greeted by their hosts and teachers from Lycée St Paul. In the pouring rain, luggage filled with Australian gifts and Parisian souvenirs was swiftly loaded into cars,

Excursions in Angoulême included a town tour, an engaging workshop at the renowned Comic Book Museum, and a joint visit with our French host siblings to the historic Château de La Rochefoucauld, with its beautiful libraries. Over the two weekends in Angoulême, our students were taken on adventures far and wide and enjoyed the opportunity to further connect with their host families. There were so many sad farewells on the final day of the exchange, with the friendships forged taking on special significance away from home. After final embraces were shared and gifts exchanged, we were pleased to have a safe return journey back to Australia, after appreciating the refined luxury of Charles de Gaulle Airport first. mantra of a life enriched by learning, helping to grow students as people with an increased understanding of, and sensitivity to, the world around them. This particular trip has fostered peace, friendship, and tolerance, all the while providing the confidence to keep practising language. There is no doubt that such a cultural exchange supports our School’s

marking the start of an immersive cultural exchange—the heart of the tour.

Captions 1 Teachers Ms Corrinne Scruby, left, and Mr David Rawson, with tour coordinator Ms Natalie Holden 2 Taking in the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris 3 The grounds of the grand Palace of Versailles are a study in perspective

23 GAZETTE • ISSUE 1, 2025 |

Brisbane Girls Grammar School