French at School

Primary school in England has three stages: Foundation (pre-school and reception), Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (years 3 through 6).

BK1 will be in year 3 from September. The school organised an information evening for parents, on the transition from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 2, to explain the new routines and subjects.

The main change seems to be delayed lunch, 12.30 instead of 12.15.
The other novelty is the weekly hour of French.

Some years ago, before BK1 started school, a certain Jean-Christophe used to come to school and teach French to all Key Stage 2 children. Due to budget cuts (heard this one before?) and the fact that language teaching is not mandatory (yet), regular teachers have now taken over.

The headteacher did ask me if I wanted to volunteer and run a weekly French class. I am tempted.
It would not have a direct benefit to BK1. She can already read and understand books in French. It would be an interesting experience though.

Mother's Day

In England, Mother's day falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent. So, every year it's on a different day.
In Algeria and France, Mother's day is on the last Sunday of May. To this day, my mother refuses to believe that Mother's day falls on a totally different day here!

BK1 (7 last week) and BK2 (4 last month) made me cards at school and pre-school respectively. BK2 signed her own name on her card. BK1's read:

pour maman

sas se pour toi

Je teme toujour

Je vais tede*

I was overjoyed while reading/deciphering the card. Writing in French was such a sweet gesture.

BK1's teacher asked me yesterday, at parent's evening, if I liked my card. I replied that I did. The teacher then told me that BK1 had asked her if she could write in French. I wondered why BK1 had wanted to write the card in French, and the teacher simply said "because she can".

* to mummy

this is for you

I love you always

I will help you