At the end of January last, a number of students from Ardscoil Phádraig and Cnoc Mhuire, Granard took part in an exchange with Lycée Galilée school in East Rouen, Normandy. This was a fantastic opportunity for our students involving an educational and cultural experience. The Town Twinning committee had been aiming for a school exchange to take place. For the past two years, students in Granard have been writing letters to their Normandy penpals. This was a fantastic opportunity for our secondary school students to practice their French and to see the wonderful sights of East Rouen. The students were welcomed with a French breakfast and a chance to sit in timetabled classes. They also visited the Musée de Jeanne d’Arc, participated in a scavenger hunt of Rouen, saw its famous locations and a visit to the Beaux Arts gallery among other things. The students also worked in the school’s library to research a booklet on East Rouen. In the evenings, they had time to get to know their penpal and host family and to enjoy French cuisine. Many were grateful to be in Normandy as Storm Eowyn had knocked out power and water supplies here for a number of days. Thanks to Mr O Grady, Ardscoil Phádraig and Ms Wynne, Cnoc Mhuire for accompanying the Granard students.

Two teachers and 18 French students will be staying in Granard from Sunday 23rd March until Friday 28th March and will be hosted by their penpals from both schools. Both schools have worked together to put in place an exciting itinerary for their French counterparts. Thanks to the town twinning committee for its support of this initiative.