Fabrice Jaumont, Cultural & Education Attaché for the French Embassy to the United States, made a special visit to the Portledge School (Locust Valley, NY) on Wednesday, January 25 2012. An invitation had been extended to Mr. Jaumont because all Lower School students had participated in the 125th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty contest that Mr. Jaumont organized. 

Lower School French teacher, Madame Mathieu, coordinated a “French” assembly with the help of music teachers, Mrs. Husing and Mr. Schwartz, specifically for Mr. Jaumont and parents. Mr. Jaumont was welcomed by the pre-Kindergarten students offering a French greeting. Each grade from Kindergarten through fifth enthusiastically sang French songs, such as” Frère Jacques” and “Meunier tu dors.” 

A third grade student introduced each performance in French. Five Middle School students contributed to a recitation of a part of the French poem"L'Homme qui te ressemble" by René Philombe. Three Upper School students talked about their experiences learning French at Portledge. The assembly concluded with “Mademoiselle Liberté”, a song with lyrics written by fourth graders and music composed by fifth graders with the support of Mr. Schwartz. The assembly certainly showed off the French-speaking skills of all the students.

Mr. Jaumont presented the first graders with certificates in recognition of their being the Grand Prize Winners in the K-3rd grade category of the Statue of Liberty Contest. They had produced an original video in which they sang, “It’s Not Easy Being Green,” showcasing the importance of recycling. A question and answer session was held at the end of the assembly during which students asked thoughtful questions of Mr. Jaumont.

After the assembly, Mr. Jaumont was treated to a French-style breakfast with Lower, Middle and Upper School French teachers, parents, and students. He then toured the school to get a better view of what Portledge is all about. Before he left, he complimented the school’s French program and gave advice on how to further promote the program’s success. It was a distinct honor to have Mr. Jaumont visit the Portledge School and meet the students.