Bonjour! French Students’ visit Coolmine

Just before Christmas (2024), Coolmine Community School was lucky enough to host a class of exchange students from Paris. They came to visit our school and immerse themselves in the Irish education system. Games were played, presentations were made, and most importantly of all, they got the chance to experience what a normal class is like in Ireland. 

Transition Year French students here in Coolmine had been communicating with the French students, writing letters and emails. On December 18th, the students from France visited our school to meet their ‘pen pals’ in real life.

First, everyone mingled in our school library, exchanging greetings, and saying hello (or bonjour!) to their new friend(s). Once everything was in order, students here in Coolmine gave a short presentation (in French!) about famous landmarks in Dublin to the visiting French students. Next, the roles were swapped and the French students gave presentations about their school and tourist attractions in their hometown. 

Next thing you know, all the students were put into groups and sent to a class to see how education here differs from France. Marshmallow towers were made, people danced along to ‘Just Dance,’ s’mores were toasted above bunsen burners, PowerPoints, and more. We found out that the French exchange students do not have Accounting or Business in their school, so we all learned something new that day!

Once the class ended, everyone came back to the library and refreshments were provided. Our sixth-year Irish class taught them two traditional Irish dances, and everyone joined in. We had bumps here and there, but it was tremendous fun, and everyone had a good laugh. One of the French girls performed a French dance and it was nothing like we had seen before – elegance, grace, all the above! 

After school ended, some Coolmine students tagged along to show them around Blanchardstown Shopping Centre. Before you know it, they had to end their visit. Everyone was sad to part but many exchanged socials and are still chatting to this day!

By Sheena Zhou