‘Bonjour et Bienvenue’ to our Sister school from Angers!

At Damascus College, the dedication to language education goes beyond mere linguistic proficiency. The school’s innovative language program, cultural initiatives, overseas study tours and sister school partnerships foster a rich and immersive environment.

Our Damascus community have been very fortunate in past years to have developed positive partnerships with a number of French speaking schools both in Switzerland and France; and during the past two weeks (3–15 March) the school welcomed another exchange from the Saint–Benoît School in Angers, France. The group of eleven students, accompanied by their teacher, Jean–Philippe Le Clair are completing a Study Tour of Australia; and will call Ballarat home for the first two weeks of their time in the country. Their beautiful home city of Angers boasts an historical town centre in the heart of the magnificent Loire Valley.

The two week homestay and school experience of the group from Saint–Benoît while at Damascus is certainly a calendar highlight for both schools. There has been much excitement in anticipation of the visit and although students had been communicating for a few months with home stay families, there is always some tentativeness from staying with a new family and immersing in a new culture. However, as they met for the first time in person, the nerves quickly dissipated.

The language department have organised a wonderful school program, including excursions to the MCG and Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne as well as to local places of interest, namely Sovereign Hill, the Art Gallery and Ballarat Wildlife Park. There have been opportunities to attend a range of speciality sessions from a host of learning areas while at school, to improve their English skills as well as enrich their cultural immersion in Australian school culture. The Saint–Benoît visit was marked on 14 March with a special dinner to bring all host families, students and staff together to celebrate and share insights and experiences. It was with a tinge of sadness that we bid farewell the next day, 15 March as Saint–Benoît continue their Australian experience in Sydney.

The College greatly appreciates all families who volunteered to host students in their home. The Exchange program owes its success to the generosity and hospitality of so many of our families. We also thank College staff who have been keen to participate and provide enriching classes and support for our visitors. We also thank our guests from Saint–Benoît for letting our students experience the presence of international visitors, especially to our host families and student mentors.

Sister school partnerships are a great way for schools to deepen their global learning and engagement, expose their students to different countries and cultures and enhance language skills. However, the real highlight of such trips are the lasting friendships made between students, families and staff at both schools. For many it whets the appetite for further travel and encourages confidence and that is something to be embraced.

Our Damascus students are already looking forward to 2025 when a group of students who are currently studying French from Years 9–11 will travel to France and experience school life at the Saint–Benoît School in Angers as well as exploring other highlights in this wonderful country.