Since Saturday 6th July, we have had seven French exchange students staying with Heathdale families. For five of these, it was the return leg of the exchange which started with our students staying with them in Bordeaux last November.
Students' host families took them to visit such places as Phillip Island, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Zoo, the Great Ocean Road and other beaches, and went to a an AFL game where it was Geelong v Collingwood (how do you say 'Go 'Pies' in French?)
They also got a taste for Australian food in trying Aussie delicacies such as Vegemite, Shapes (even Vegemite shapes!) and Lamingtons.
In attending classes at Heathdale, the French students learnt a lot about the Australian school system, and what it is like attending a Christian school. They were very helpful in French classes across the whole school, and Maths teachers will be happy to know that some of the French students thought that the maths covered here is somewhat more advanced than what they had done back at home!
The French students headed home on Thursday 1st August, and although our school and homes may suddenly feel a little bit emptier, our memories are full of shared experiences and friendships, and the French students will always have a part of Heathdale in their hearts.
A big thank you to all the teachers who have been welcoming and accommodating to having the French students in their classes, and to the Anawati, Cheung, Ganugapati, Irungu, Mulat, Thompson (x2!) and Wilkinson families for being such welcoming hosts for the past four weeks.