Heywood CS have just returned from a superb week spent in France exchanging with French families in Lattes located near Montpellier in the south of France.
The exchange is now in its 25th year of existence, initiated in the year 2000 by Ms Mary Fitzgerald and Ms Mary Kelly.
This unique exchange is a once in a lifetime experience for Heywood French Students to experience French culture within an authentic family and school setting.
Principal Eamon Jackman said: “The recent French exchange programme was an outstanding success and a deeply enriching experience for our 3rd Year students.
“It was a joy to see them embrace new cultures, build friendships, and represent Heywood Community School with such maturity and enthusiasm.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the dedicated teachers who made this opportunity possible—their commitment, planning, and care ensured a safe and memorable journey for all involved.”
Third year students arrived in Nîmes last Monday October 6 and soon after met their French counterparts attending Collège George Brassens in Lattes, Montpellier.
They were accompanied by teachers Ms Claire Bourdais, Ms Olive Guest and Mr Aiden Mullaly.
On the French side everything was impeccably organized by Mme Sophie Roblin, Mme Nathalie Peaucellier and Mme Audrey Routhe.
On Tuesday students travelled by tram to Montpellier in the morning and then on to Ice skating.
On Wednesday, they attended school in Collège George Brassens while Thursday was a historical visit to Nîmes Arènes/ Colosseum.
Finally, on Friday, students cycled 8 kilometers from the school along the canal and pink flamingo lined wetlands to the beach at Palavas les Flots.
Students spent the weekend with the French families and then Monday morning said Au Revoir to the families.
A final few hours were spent visiting the Medieval walled city of Carcassonne before taking the plane home.
The week was blessed with a sun drenched south of France reaching temperatures of 26 degrees. Quelle semaine fantastique.
The French students and teachers will return in March for their week in Laois where they will be welcomed by the Irish families of the students of Heywood.
