Published on: 1 August 2014





Last week, Christ Church said ‘bon voyage’ to French students and staff from Saint-Jean et la Croix, The group was on its reciprocal tour to Australia marking the 10th anniversary of tours between Christ Church, Iona Presentation College and St-Jean. This year, Methodist Ladies’ College girls also joined the tour relationship.

Head of Languages Nicky Griffin-Appadoo said the St-Jean tour group spent a week hosted by families from the three schools during the holidays. During the second week of the holidays, the French students enjoyed sights around WA and Perth including a visit to Monkey Mia, a welcome to Perth by Mayor Lisa Scaffidi and cultural tour of Perth, and a guided tour of Fremantle.

As Term 3 commenced, Christ Church welcomed the French students into classrooms where they enjoyed their first English language classes with their host boys. St-Jean Principal Hervé Chavanne also arrived from France to begin the 10th anniversary celebrations.

Mrs Griffin-Appadoo said the Senior School Assembly on Thursday had a distinctly French flavor starting with Headmaster Garth Wynne and Monsieur Chavanne entering the Chapel to the sounds of the French national anthem played by Dr Martin Lamb.

“Mr Gillam also organised a wonderful piece of classical music, extracts of French composer Gabriel Faure’s Requiem, performed by David Woods (vocals) and Michael Lukin (piano). Paul Kikiros (Year 7) also recited a French poem, learned off by heart,” she said.

Both Headmasters gave heartwarming speeches recognising the history of the biennial exchange and highlighting the importance of exchange programs for students in becoming global citizens.

At lunchtime, all students enjoyed a soccer match between the French and Australian students, the final score 2–1 to France, while French chefs set up a tent in the Refectory area serving delicious sweet and savoury crepes to boys and staff.

“Despite the wet and windy weather, the exchange went very well and we are looking forward to celebrating Anzac Day with St-Jean in Villiers Bretonneux for its centenary in 2016,” Mrs Griffin-Appadoo said.