Monarch Butterflies

In the Kindergarten classroom, we have been studying caterpillars and watching them turn into butterflies. The caterpillar tank has been the center of our class activities. Throughout this process, we made caterpillar art projects with a variety of materials. Using a paint brush, sponges and strips of colored paper, we made all sorts of caterpillars.

      

The playground is the ideal place to look for a variety of sorts of caterpillars, and now we know to be careful not to touch them with our hands! Finally, when they came out of their cocoons, we set them free! Nature is fascinating to observe!

Les portraits a deux

For our first art project of the year, all the students of CM1 and CM2 (4th and 5th grade) took the pose and did each other’s portraits. First of all, students took 5 to 10 minutes to pose while their partner was sketching them. And then, they switch positions. When the sketches were done, they did the outline of the portrait and afterwards painted it to be as realistic as possible. Their portraits are absolutely beautiful. Please come see them in the hallway!

YMCA Preschool Swim Program

Swimming lessons have started for the preschoolers at the Casco Bay YMCA.

Swimming is a lot of fun! Everybody did a great job at our first lesson! First, we had to try to put our chin, then our nose, our forehead and finally our entire head in the water. After some other little games, we were divided into three groups. One group started learning how to dive, another practiced kicking in the water and the last group learned a children's dance. We will go to the swimming pool for the next 30 weeks to improve our swimming skills.

Yard Sale Saturday, September 29th 8am-12pm

Proceeds from the yard sale will help finance teacher Elodie LeNezet's second volunteer trip to Haiti. In Haiti, Elodie will once again work with teachers and students in St Barthelemy School in Terrier Rouge, a rural community in the northeast part of the island. Bravo Elodie for this important effort! We are all so proud of you!

Construction update

Renovation constructions continue on schedule. The concrete foundation for the stairway and bay windows has been poured. Doug Piehl, general contractor for Freeport Services has scheduled his crew on weekends and at night so as not to interfere with the school's instructional time. October vacation will provide the time necessary to complete most of the outside work. The stairway is safely covered after each working day until the brick wall and roof are built.

Lanscaping and ground maintenance is provided by Lanssine Traore of LTS Landscaping, Inc. Lanssine is multilingual and enjoys speaking French with the school staff as he grew up in francophone Mali in Western Africa. Thanks to Lanssine and his crew for keeping the school grounds looking great.

Doug Piehl refreshing the paint markings of the school parking lot.

Mission Laique Française

          

L'Ecole Française du Maine wants to express its gratitude to the Mission Laique Française (MLF) and especially to MLF-America for its generous and effective support last year. Sylvie Polin at the MLF headquarters in Paris and Jean-François Genay, director of MLF America in Portland, Oregon were essential in the school's success in securing its full accreditation with the French Ministry of Education.

In the 2011-2012 academic year, our staff participated in several workshops at the International School of Boston organized by MLF. On August 30 and 31st, Soizic Bonnet, pedagogical coordinator for MLF schools in America and a faculty at Awty International School in Houston, Texas led our two days of inservice for the staff of L'Ecole Francaise du Maine. Soizic presented strategies for teaching oral language and developing common practices throughout the school.

DELF: Advanced French Classes for Middle and High school students.

The question is frequently asked: What do your students do to maintain their French once they complete the grades levels offered at L'Ecole Française du Maine?

Beginning this fall, we are pleased to announce a new program, specifically designed to meet the needs of our graduates and other students who have attained a high level of French.

Several alumni of L'Ecole Française du Maine meet weekly and socialize in French during the first sessions of the afterschool club "DELF". Students will review and practice their French speaking and writing skills while working toward the DELF exam. This program is made possible through a partnership with the Alliance Française of Boston, The French Library, The Ministry of Education and the cultural attache at the Embassy in Washington.

The DELF is an official diploma from France’s national Ministry of Education. Scores are valid for life, and are awarded and recognized around the world. Each year, more than 300,000 diplomas are awarded worldwide . The DELF officially certify the ability of students to use the French language in real-life situations based on the six competence levels identified within the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFRL) for languages, an international standards. Thus, there are six separate examinations, including adaptations for all ages and all segments of the population.

At each level, five skills are assessed: listening, reading, writing, oral presentation and oral interaction. The assessors are trained by authorized experts, thus ensuring worldwide uniform standards of evaluation.

The class is fun and interactive and is open to qualified students. please call the school office for more information: (207) 865-3308

Mary Lou

Our dear friend Mary Lou came to school to wish our students a wonderful school year.  It was so fun to see her again!

Dans la peau d’un chercheur

This year, we started Science class with an activity that put us into the shoes of a scientist. “Dans la peau d’un chercheur” was the motto of the first Science classes, in which we had to figure out the contents of a closed box as precisely as possible. After first seeing the box, we were asked to imagine its contents without touching it. Could there be an animal, chocolate or maybe just air inside? 
In a second step, we could finally touch the box and discuss hypotheses just as a scientist would. For each idea, we did experiments in order to verify our thoughts. We compared the weight of the boxes with an empty box using a digital scale or smelled different herbs as well as soaps in order to figure out why one of the boxes smelled like “pizza” and another one like ”baby powder”. We also put rocks, sea shells as well as Christmas bells inside of an empty box and compared their shaking sound with the sound of the box. After documenting our experiments we were excited to finally open the box and proudly realized, that each group managed the task and found at least one correct object.

Close Buy

In case you haven't heard, the School is running a fundraiser, "Close Buy", which features a wide selection of wonderful products from "Close Buy" Maine artisans. 
Many of these unique items were available to see, smell, touch and admire in the school hallway last week, so we hope to have already perked your interest in participating.
 
You can order through the catalog, or directly on line, where an even larger selection of products is available. 
Please pass the link along to your friends and family, and tell them to select "L'Ecole Française du Maine" as their school when they place an order. 
Orders are being accepted until September 30, 2012, and will be shipped to the School.


The School and Parents' Association will be earning 30% of the profits from the sale, which is really great, so please consider doing your holiday shopping through "Close Buy" to support local artists and your School!


The fundraiser kick-off began on September 17th at a Wine-Tasting event, featuring a wide selection of delicious wines, which can be purchased at Bow Street Market in Freeport with proceeds going to the school!

Thank you parents, "Sue and Andy", for coordinating the wine-tasting and for making it so lovely with pretty tablecloths and tasty cheese and fruit platters to enjoy! Thanks also to their friend Phil, who selected the wines and shared his expertise to make the wine tasting possible. Sue has generously given her time and effort to run this fundraiser, and we are grateful for her enthusiasm and support- Merci beaucoup!

Stephanie Brewer (left) of the Parents' Association, 
volunteers at the Close Buy product display in the school hallway.

Construction in progress

The renovation of the basement is on its way with Freeport Conservatories and contractor Doug Piehl. The playground will be unsafe until school starts at which point all cavities will be filled in and secured. The transformation of the basement into an educational space with natural light, windows and skylights will continue until October. We will keep you updated.

Bienvenue à Gaëlle Chevallier

L'Ecole française du Maine welcomes Gaëlle Chevallier as Preschool Lead Teacher. Gaelle comes from Amancy, a small village close to Annecy, in Haute-Savoie, which is a French region situated in the mountain ranges of the Alps, near Switzerland. After earning her Baccalauréat Degree (French High School Equivalent), Gaëlle studied English literature and civilization at Stendhal University, in Grenoble, France, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in English language, literature and civilization. She spent the third year of her degree in England and attended the University of Reading as an exchange student. This experience abroad contributed to developing her interest in languages and in other cultures. Thus, she continued to travel in Europe and all around the world, to places such as Australia and Argentina. Gaëlle joined the Institut Universitaire de Formation des Maîtres of Bonneville to become a preschool and elementary school teacher. For three years, she taught in various classroom levels from preschool to 5th grade, often in rural settings and almost always in multilevel classrooms of 2 or 3 levels. Her interests include traveling, reading, playing the piano and singing. She is very enthusiastic about discovering the United States and teaching at L’Ecole Française du Maine.

Welcome to Gary Wittner - Suzuki Guitar Teacher

Gary Wittner has been delighting audiences of all ages for over 25 years, performing and 
teaching music on five continents worldwide.  He has represented the United States three times: twice as a Kennedy Center/U.S. State Department Jazz Ambassador and once as a Fulbright Grant recipient. He holds degrees from Berklee College of Music and Washington State University.

A popular clinician, Gary regularly presents guitar workshops at the K-12 and college level 
throughout the United States.  He currently teaches music at Bowdoin College and The 
University of S. Maine School of Music. As a performing guitarist, Gary works in many contexts from solo guitar to larger ensembles.  His arrangements of traditional Blues/Folk Americana for solo guitar have been performed worldwide and can be heard on three of his CDs.   He is a member of the New York based Trio WAG, and also performs Latin music with several bands in the northeastern United States.  He has traveled to Ecuador six times, performing Latin music and his original compositions, and has recorded 2 CD’s with tuba legend Howard Johnson.  He received a Maine Arts Commission Grant in 2006, and continues to compose, perform and record worldwide.

A specialist in the music and life of Thelonious Monk, Gary has presented concert/lectures on Monk at some of the most prestigious music schools in the world including Berklee College of Music (Boston), The New School (New York), The Guild Hall School of Music (London), The Rimsky Korsakov Conservatory (St. Petersburg), and Indiana State University (Bloomington).  His book, “Thelonious Monk for Guitar”, published  by Hal Leonard, continues to be popular throughout the guitar playing world. Additional articles written by Gary have been published in Guitar Player Magazine, Coda, and the International Association of Jazz Educators Journal.   A friend of the Monk family, Gary has performed for Mrs. Nellie Monk, and been interviewed on the radio with Thelonious Monk, Jr.

More info can be found at www.garywittner.com

The school is delighted to welcome Gary who is accepting new students of all levels.

The school wants to extend its sincere thanks to Nathan Kolosko who has been teaching at l'Ecole Française du Maine for the last 8 years.  Nathan has been an important driving force in the growth of the school, sharing generously his enthusiasm, talent and vision on music education.  Nathan even led the school's first French chorus!  The school community is forever grateful for Nathan 's many contributions and wishes him the best in his promising career as a talented composer, a caring teacher and a unique performer.

Nathan Kolosko (left) and Gary Wittner (right) at L'ecole Française du Maine in May 2012

Bienvenue à Lauren Kanter - Preschool Teacher Assistant

Lauren Kanter was born in Boston and lived there until she was nine. She then lived in Portland, Maine until she graduated high school. Lauren attended Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York and received a B.A. degree in French and a Master's Degree in childhood education. She then recently moved back to Portland. This is her first year teaching and she is very excited to be at L'Ecole Française du Maine. She enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies (especially French ones) and playing piano.

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.

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