Issue link: https://publications.tfs.ca/i/1531851
At the Place du Tertre, just steps from the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur, the renowned Pâtisserie Carette is bustling on this spring morning. Local Parisians have already enjoyed their coffee, making way for a group of Spanish tourists on the hunt for macarons. Ambrose Y., Olivia W. and Tyron Z. wait for their turn, noses pressed to the display case. Croissants, chouquettes and madeleines will be today's snacks. After all, these Grade 1 students have earned it, having spent the past two hours roaming the steep streets of Montmartre, following in the footsteps of the famous painters and artists who made the area iconic. Olivia hesitates slightly in front of the bakery counter, a bit intimidated. She had prepared to say "chouquette," a new word in her vocabulary referring to the delicate choux pastries beloved by French children. The baker doesn't mind at all – in fact, quite the opposite! She is in a generous mood and takes the time to chat, charmed by these little ones and their TFS-accented French. LIVING PARIS Interacting in French is an integral part of the Grade 1 experience in Paris. Throughout the week, chaperones make a point of giving students the opportunity to express themselves in French outside of the group setting whenever possible. "In Grade 1, they're able to say what they want to eat in French. The challenge isn't the language, it's overcoming their shyness," explains Hélène Jabert, a resource teacher at La p'tite école. "It's part of the learning process; beyond classroom language learning, here they experience it in a real-world context," adds TFS teacher Manuela Chort, who introduced her group to the Parisian supermarket experience. "Luckily, one of the self- checkouts required us to ask a human for assistance, adding to the experience." At the museums and all other "must-see" sites which the students frequent daily, all tours are exclusively in French and led by teachers or professional guides. At the Louvre, it's Antoine de Henau, the art teacher at La p'tite école, who takes charge. While the Mona Lisa definitely sparks curiosity, it's the Sully Wing, which houses Egyptian treasures, that truly captivates the students' attention. This fascination comes naturally, as the Grade 1s recently studied ancient Egypt in class. The statues "with missing arms" from ancient Greece, however, leave the kids mostly unimpressed, for now. Mirna Hafez, who served as the principal of La p'tite école from 2004 to 2022 and initiated the Paris trip in 2020, emphasized that the purpose of this trip, directly aligned with the school's mission, is to foster curiosity about the world around them. In 2024 Ann François, current principal of La p'tite école, reinstated the trip, realizing how valuable it was for students and their families. "Our goal is to expose students to global citizenship from an early age and this trip is such a special opportunity to do just that." This coming March she will join the adventure for the first time. "I am so excited to experience this alongside the students and their families." "A CRAZY IDEA" The next day begins at the opera – not for a performance, but for a tour of the Palais Garnier, a significant architectural masterpiece of the 19th century. Although its façade was undergoing renovation in preparation for the Olympic Games, preventing the classic photo opp on the exterior steps, the interior amazes our young explorers."The opera visit gives us the chance to touch on various subjects we're exploring in class such as history, architecture, music and painting," explains Manuela Chort, who organizes the day. "Chagall's fresco on the dome leaves everyone in awe." While March break in Paris sounds perfect in theory, when the Grade 1 trip was first proposed in 2019, many parents had questions. What could six-year-olds possibly retain from Parisian landmarks, Haussmann buildings or impressionist scenes beyond the Eiffel Tower? Sonia Mirbaha and her husband, Yashar Fatehi, were initially skeptical. "When we heard about the project four years ago, we were doubtful about the practicality of such a trip with our six- year-old son," she recalls. Despite their doubts, they decided to give it a try, and four years later, they were among the first to sign up again – this time with their daughter. "Having experienced it, we now know how enriching this trip really is. It's an immersive, meticulously planned experience where they dive into Parisian history, culture and language, alongside their beloved teachers and classmates." MEMORIES AND A STRONGER COMMUNITY BOND Now in Grade 6, Alexa C. was part of the first Paris trip that made it back to Toronto just in time for the borders to close as a result of the pandemic. Looking back, there are still memories from this trip etched in her mind: seeing the Mona Lisa up close, feeling enthralled by the small pink Eiffel Tower in the hotel lobby and speaking French with everyone in the group. She fondly recalls her eagerness to practise the language in the real world. Today, Sophie Pothion, her chaperone on the trip, remains her favourite teacher, thanks to the connection they forged travelling together. "I especially remember staying in the same hotel as all the other families and one night we all got together as a big group – all the parents, students and chaperones – and we had such a great time," Alexa says. "Looking back, we know that memories from this trip will stay with our children forever and they will deepen their attachment to the school and the French language, and enhance their academic journey," Sonia Mirbaha concludes. A few weeks later when we're back at TFS and reflecting upon the trip, a student exclaims, "It was the best trip ever because my parents were there but also my friends and we saw the Eiffel Tower every day!" And, while they may seem young for this type of adventure, these Grade 1 students really rise to the occasion – proudly speaking French and fully absorbing everything Paris has to offer. "It's one thing to take our family to France, but quite another to travel alongside our kids' teachers who are French natives and can really provide a unique perspective on the city and culture," a parent tells us. "This was a once-in-a- lifetime experience." The Paris trip continues on video 27 TFS