Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Full accreditation by NEASC- New England Association of Schools and Colleges


The School just received notification of full accreditation with the prestigious accrediting body, NEASC- New England Association of Schools and Colleges, marking a major milestone in its growth, and a remarkable achievement for a school just 10 years old. The NEASC Commission commended the school for its commitment to the mission of the school and excellence in classroom management and instructional practices. Further, the Commission commended the parents of the students for their spirit of generosity and volunteerism. Finally, the Commission commended the Founders and Administrators for their commitment to establishing and supporting the ongoing success of the school. The NEASC Commission recommends that over the next two years the School continue its efforts in the accreditation process.  The School should explore creative ways to improve staff common planning time and continue to reflect on and revise its multi-year plan.

Two Students earn Diplôme National du Brevet: First ever in Maine

Elise LeBihan, Elodie LeNezet (French Teacher) 
and Anna Bilodeau won First Place at the 2012 National French Contest




Elodie LeNezet (French), Elise LeBihan,  
Philomene Rossini (History, Civics, Geography), Anna Bilodeau and Friederike Munz (Mathematics)
Two students of L’Ecole Française du Maine, Elise LeBihan of South Freeport and Anna Bilodeau of Winthrop, successfully completed the Diplôme National du Brevet exams at the International School of Boston in June, over a period of 3 days: June 7,8,9, 2012. The exams, taken entirely in French at the end of grade 9, are identical to those taken by students in France, and cover the subjects: French Grammar and Writing, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Geography, Civics, Music Theory, and English. These two students have attended L’Ecole Française du Maine since kindergarten, and were in the first class of students to enter into and graduate from the School. They both received honorable mentions for their exceptional performance on the Diplôme National du Brevet exams, an impressive achievement, particularly for students educated outside of France. To achieve this diploma, these two students simultaneously completed a full American high school year while also completing courses in French through L’Ecole Française du Maine. In essence, they completed two full-year academic curriculums, one in French and the other in English. In addition to this enormous course load, these students are actively involved in music, theatre, sports and other activities. Elise plays violin in several ensembles including Capital Strings Advanced Ensemble, the Karger Scholar Program at the Portland Conservatory of Music and the All-State Orchestra. Anna is involved in chorus and theatre both in school and in the community. Elise enjoys skiing and Anna plays softball.

Expanded French Ministry of Education Accreditation

The French Ministry of Education expands the school’s accreditation status to include all grade levels preschool through grade 5. The School had initially requested and received accreditation for preschool through grade 2 in 2010, and made an application this year for grades 3-5, which was approved by The French Ministry of Education based on the Inspection report submitted by the French Embassy in Washington D.C. that subsequently received final approval in Paris, France. L’Ecole Française du Maine is the only accredited school north of Boston, and is one of 40 accredited schools in North America.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

French Boy’s Choir, July 19 at 7:30 pm


On Thursday July 19 at 7:30 pm the 22 voice French Boy’s Choir, Maîtrise des Hautes de France will appear in concert at First Parish Church, UCC in Brunswick Maine.  Founded in 1972 Maîtrise des Hautes de France comprises about two dozen boys and young men from schools, colleges and universities in and around Lambersart, near Lille in northern France.
These children have carried the graceful beauty of singing to every corner of the world. They have performed at the White House and on three occasions they had the privilege of singing for Pope John Paul in Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica. In addition to live concerts, the choir maintains an active recording schedule and has appeared in numerous television and radio broadcasts.
The choir sings regularly in musical and choral festivals all over Europe and is active in exchange programs with other well-known boys’ choirs, including the Vienna Boy’s Choir, the Stockholm Gosskör and Poznan’s Rossignols.
The concert is part of their 15 day concert tour of the Northeast. There will be a free-will donation at the door. First Parish Church is located on Maine Street at Bath Road next to Bowdoin College. For more information, please call 207 729-7331.

Gainsbourg, vie héroïque

  LES MERCREDIS CINE
~ every third Wednesday of each month ~

September 19 :    Gainsbourg, vie héroïque  de Joann SFAR
                                                             6.30pm :  Conversation, food and drinks
                                                             7.00pm :  start of the film
                                                             8:30pm :  discussion

Come enjoy an evening filled with snacks and drinks, the opportunity
to socialize in French and English and see a great French movie. 
All films are in French with English subtitles.
Upcoming Films in 2012/2013

September 19 :    Gainsbourg, vie héroïque  de Joann SFAR

October 17 :        Un Prophète de Jacques AUDIARD

November 14 :    La Belle Personne de Christophe HONORE

December 12 :     Les Emotifs Anonymes de Jean-Pierre AMERIS

January 16 :         Incendies de Denis VILLENEUVE

February 27 :       Les Noms de l’Amour de Michel LECLERC

March 20 :           Persepolis de V. PARONNAUD et M. SATRAPI

April 24 :             La Guerre est déclarée de Valérie DONZELLI

May 22 :              Zazie dans le Métro de Louis MALLE

June 12 :              Les 400 Coups de François TRUFFAUT

Donations are appreciated
L’Ecole Francaise du Maine is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation