At the start of 2020, a group of Year 11 and 12 French students were very much looking forward to their trip to France in September.

This was to be our 8th exchange trip with Jean Sturm school in Strasbourg, with the French students intending to spend three weeks in New Zealand later in the year.

We had planned an exciting itinerary, including visits to Paris, Strasbourg, Nice and Cannes. 

The cancellation of the trip was a huge disappointment to all, especially since fundraising had been underway since mid 2019, and the girls had written profiles which had been sent to France to begin the host family matching process. 

Fundraising activities included sausage sizzles, cup-washing at events in Hagley Park, selling chocolate and pasta and making crêpes. The girls worked very hard to raise funds for their trip, but also had fun being together with a common goal. 

A small group of senior students spent 6 weeks with French families in Strasbourg in December 2019 and January 2020 on individual exchanges. They attended classes Jean Sturm school and lived as part of their French family. 

Unfortunately the French billets were not able to come to New Zealand for their own immersion experience at our school this year, but we will hopefully see them here in the future.

All students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of living in France, and felt that their French language had improved greatly as a result. They have kept in touch with their families and intend to visit them again when it is possible in the future. 

We hope to maintain our close relationship with Jean Sturm and create opportunities for students to engage with the French culture and language in the future.