Welcome to all of you!
We would like to start by wishing you all the very best for 2010.
In this Newsletter, you will find summaries of all the recent activities undertaken
by APELEVIA at College Mignet and Lycée Georges Duby since October and
also dates for your diaries for upcoming events.

COLLEGE NEWS
Thanksgiving Lunch: On Thursday 26th November 5eme and 6eme from
College Mignet were invited to a traditional Thanksgiving Lunch held at ‘Les
Agapes’ restaurant. Once again, the event was a great success. The 45 children
(unfortunately 4 children were absent) were accompanied by 5 parents and 2
American speakers who explained not only the history of Thanksgiving but also
how it is celebrated by families today. The restaurant was brilliant in catering for
such a big number and the food was delicious. Between courses the children
were kept busy with quizzes and a wordsearch. The restaurant praised the
conduct of the children who, despite the obvious excitement, behaved very well.
As a result they will be happy to welcome us back next year. A big thank you to
everyone who helped to make this year’s Thanksgiving Lunch such an enjoyable
occasion for all. - Michele James

Beaujolais Nouveau: On December 2nd, we celebrated the Beaujolais Nouveau
with about 15 families from both the College and the Lycée in a room underneath
the Mairie in Luynes. We were treated to a buffet of cheese and charcuterie,
perfect to accompany the wines that we tried. Those parents present were able
to exchange varied information about the International sections with
representatives from both APELEVIA and AGESSIA in a most convivial
atmosphere. We were able to meet new families who asked lots of questions
and enabled us to have many enriching conversations. It was a most enjoyable
evening and we would like to thank the parents who came along. - Katrine
Minssieux

Cricket Club: CRICKET LOVELY CRICKET ! I’ve been running Wednesday
afternoon cricket sessions at College Mignet since October last year and have
been impressed by how quickly the participants have taken to the game and
picked up the skills of the game – batting, bowling and fielding techniques – and,
of course, the rules of cricket which, in the form adopted for the Mignet sessions,
are much simpler than the infamous, for many people, almost incomprehensible
rules of the longer form of the game! (“Cricket? Less interesting than watching
paint dry; baseball on valium” – you’ve heard similar remarks no doubt). Mrs
Fady kindly introduced me to the students who were keen to learn about the
game and Jamie Hibbert, in particular, has been most helpful in rallying support.
In the future, perhaps we can build up enough support for cricket at Mignet, and
at Lycée Georges Duby, so that we can actually play some matches, possibly
with teams which feature a mixture of both Mignet and Georges Duby players …
Note: so called ‘Kwik cricket’ matches can be adapted so that they are never
longer than one and a half hours. Hard to believe I know and ‘Kwik cricket’ can
also be played on most surfaces. Lush English hallowed green turf is not
obligatory!
Cricket at Mignet will finish for this year at the end of February and then Mr
Lewis is hoping to give lycéens, who will be revising for their June exams,
a regular weekly break by offering cricket practice on Monday or Tuesday
afternoons during March and April. - David Lewis

On-going works at the College: The last meeting with regards to the on-going
works at the College was held in mid-January.
Presided over by Mme Ecochard, the Vice-President in charge of Education at
CG13, this meeting, for once, included all the parties concerned with these
works, Mr Monchaux, assistant Inspector of the Academy, and Mr Bramoulle, 3rd
Assistant, representing the Mayor of Aix en Provence.
In total there were 15 representatives of teachers, parents associations, officials,
College administrative staff plus a good fifteen from the Mairie, La Semepa,
CG13 and the Architects in charge of the project.
Mr Cadis, Principal, opened the meeting by putting the emphasis on the large
works undertaken by the College in the last four years:
The percentage of passes at the Brevet has risen to over 90%, the students from
ZUP have been accommodated, a first language Arab class has been created
and has proven to be a huge success (there are only 10 classes of this type in
France).
From an educational point of view, the College is changing, things are working
but Mr Cadis underlined that direction, administrative services, teachers,
students, parents etc. have faced some very difficult moments because of these
works.
Mrs Ecochard pointed out the very delicate nature of this work due to the fact it is
occuring in an occupied zone which is also historical.
But the goal is to advance:
The important thing today is to re-build the gymnasium and then move the
sciences into the Conservatoire annexe, where it will be moved into its new site
in 2013.
The sports teachers reminded us that they have for many years been very
patient, putting up with noise, dust and other problems (staircases out of use,
cave-ins). Out of 75 hours of sports, 25 hours are spent in transport. This
situation is becoming unacceptable. The science teachers equally reminded us
of the tedious conditions that they have been subjected to over the last three
years, stuck in the prefabricated classrooms, having to teach with reduced
materials (a lot of their materials are kept in storage).
In the end the teachers exclaimed: “Patience yes, submission no”.
The Assistant Inspector of the Academy thanked the teachers for their patience
and commitment. The problem now is to agree a timetable to ensure that the
delays are as short as possible.
There then followed a controversial argument between Mr Dominique Laurent,
Bursar, who was had enough of all the delays, and SEMEPA. (The societe
d’economie mixte of the town, at the origin of these works, to expand the parking
Mignet by 300 places).
The parents of the students remarked that for the local authorities this only
represented a few years but for their children it was their whole academic life at
the College.
Finally, the participants agreed upon the following actions:
- Handing in the planning application for the gymnasium in the next few
days.
- Study of the planning application by the Town Hall within two months.
- Granting of the planning permission between the 1st and 15th April.
- Another meeting of the protagonists at the College to review the situation
(between the 15th and 30th April).
- July/August 2010: moving of the science buildings and start of work on the
gymnasium.
- April/May 2011: Opening of the Gymnasium
- July/August 2013: Repossesion of the Conservatoire annexe and
restoration works.
- April/May 2014: Opening of the science building.
Mr Monchaux thanked all the participants for coming to the meeting which proved
more than necessary. Mrs Ecochard suggested meeting again in April when the
building permit should have been accepted.
We, as parents, should therefore continue to be patient but remain vigilant. -
Claude Symonds

Entrance Exam Date: Thursday, 20th May 2010 The inscription form can be
downloaded from the Mignet school website at:
www.clg-mignet.ac-aix-marseille.fr

LYC É E NEWS:
Sale of Tulips: At the beginning of December, on the initiative of Mr Strozza,
SVT teacher, and one of the parents with a handicapped child, the Lycée was
inspired to support the TELETHON appeal. A heart of tulips was planted on the
Lycée hill with the 2000 tulips that we managed to sell. Officials, teachers,
student, parents, administrative staff and, of course, gardeners united to make
this project a success.
Each year, for the next four years, this immense heart will remind us of happy
memories and also affirm our support for those who suffer from genetic illnesses.
Well done and thank you for everybody who helped. - Claude Symonds

PAMUN: This year the Debate Club took a delegation of 15 students to the 2009
Paris Model United Nations conference, hosted by the American School of Paris
in the UNESCO building from Friday, 4th to Sunday, 6th December. An exciting
and intellectually stimulating time was had by all. The organisation, as ever, was
excellent and we now feel that we are well established there as year on year
participants. It is an event of the highest quality – well run, well chaired and the
students feel cared for and efficiently serviced by the enthusiastic team of
organisers.
Our delegation represented the following countries: Bahrain, Serbia, Uganda and
Honduras. The committees in which our delegates forged, and then debated the
resolutions, included Disarmament, Environment, Human Rights and Political
committees. (Joshua Morrison represented Uganda on the Security Council for
example).
The other delegates representing Lycée Georges Duby were Océane Bel, Joep
Barmentlo, Alexandre Gras, Jean Lafon, Marie-Valence Mantel, Sebastian
Nicholls, Clara Nizard, Andrea Ortiz, Sara Ouerfelli, Emily Pernet, Sofia Riba,
Olivier Roncalez Antoine Simon and Alice Symonds.
Issues which featured in committee proceedings included ‘Review and
Strengthening of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’ (Security Council);
‘Criminal accountability of UN officials and experts on mission’ (Political
Committee); ‘Renegotiation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty’ (Disarmament);
‘Measures to establish Internet security’ (Human Rights) and ‘Recommendations
regarding the use of bio-fuels’ (Environment). Internet security and the NPT were
just two of the topics that were discussed and prepared for in both Monday and
Thursday debate clubs at the lycée in advance of the actual conference.
The conference culminated in the General Assembly on the Sunday morning
when all the 900 delegates came together to debate one final resolution in the
impressive main hall.
It wasn’t all work though, as all students enjoyed an evening of disco dancing at a
club in central Paris on the Friday. Mrs Blake and Mr Lewis, les
accompagnateurs, were grateful for seats and snacks, courtesy of the American
School, positioned at the edge of the throng of happy dancers!
Many thanks to all the parents who gave their full support to the adventure
and we look forward to more heated, but very civilised, debate next year …!
- David Lewis

Canteen Commission: On Friday 11 December, a meeting was held at the
Lycée to discuss the school meals. Mr Ciretti, the new Bursar who arrived at the
Lycée in September 2009 observed that the Canteen at Luynes needed a certain
amount of reform.
Objectives: to modernise the expectations of the students at the Canteen by :
1. Ensuring the menus are nutritionally balanced
2. Improving the whole atmosphere of the canteen/meal period :
a. Time management for meals
b. Providing a convivial atmosphere to enable a relaxing break in the
day
c. Restructuring the premises
Mr. Ciretti requested an increase in funds from the Conseil d’Administration for
the breakfast and the evening meals. He was granted an extra 18 000 €.
There are 150 students in the boarding house for breakfast and the evening meal
and 1200 meals served at lunchtime. Over the year 200 000 meals are budgeted
for but only 149 000 actually served as on some days there may be only 950 at
lunch. Wednesdays for example there are at least a third fewer students.
In conclusion the Bursar noted that improvements were necessary in :
The variety of meals
The quantities
The cooking time
More variety of fruit and cheese
More variety in the breakfast fruit juices.
Another meeting was held on the 14th of January. It was proposed that the
portions sizes be increased and also the selection of cheeses. The students
declared themselves happy with the evening meal especially the re-introduction
of soup. 60 litres had been consumed in 150 meals!! The students also
expressed their satisfaction in the efforts of the kitchen for the increased varieties
of desserts and fruit.
M.Ciretti informed the committee about the proposed plans for the restructuring
of the canteen including:
Introducing a 3rd option in the style of a brasserie for September 2010.
Moving the washing-up area (to start in summer 2010).
Change of seating plans to include round tables. - Nina Hutchings

Exchanges: Just before the Christmas holidays, we said a sad farewell to the
four Australian and two American students who had been with us on the new
long-term exchange programme over the first term. Thanks to welcoming host
families, motivated and patient teachers and dynamic volunteer parents, they
were thrilled with their stay and returned home transformed from this unique
experience! Our students are now preparing for their own life-changing adventure
that will take place over the Summer for Australia and at the start of Premiere for
the U.S..
The short-term exchanges are not far away: 3 groups of students will be off to
Toronto, Miami and Melbourne over the Easter holidays and hosting their foreign
exchange partners in either March and June.
AGESSIA is actively searching for new exchange opportunities with anglophone
countries and welcomes any personal contacts you may have, particularly in
England. - Helen Chayegan

European Youth Parliament (Parlement Européen des Jeunes) 11th - 13th
December: Early December, the Lycée George Duby hosted the 27th National
Session of the EYP. The main organizers, Anciane Vitoux and Oliver Sieweke,
with their team of helpers, worked very hard throughout the long weekend, to
make this event, the huge success that it was. The school welcomed and
hosted 10 schools from all over France including one from Guadalope, in our
boarding facilities, they were all accompanied by their coaches and teachers, 20
adults in total.
A full report of this event with photographs can be found on the school website,
the next event will be held in the Lycée Militaire, Aix en Provence, on the
weekend of the 26th February. The International Section Debate Club are
sending 7 students to this session to participate, we wish them good luck, if they
win they will represent the Lycée in Stockholm or Istanbul, good luck to all. -
Valerie Leden

GCE and CAMBRIDGE ESOL DIPLOMA CEREMONY, 17 TH DECEMBER 2009 :
This year’s diploma presentation ceremony was held in the Salle de Conference
on Thursday, 17th December when our students received GCE, IGCSE and
Cambridge FCE (First Certificate) CAE (Advanced) and CPE (Proficiency)
certificates before an audience of parents and teaching staff. Monsieur Rémy
Cortell of the DAREIC at the Rectorat kindly attended the presentation and
assisted Mr Bard and teachers in handing out the certificates. Mrs Blake and Mrs
Le Den of AGESSIA were also present to congratulate the successful June 2009
examination session candidates. Entertainment was provided by members of the
musical comedy production, ‘The Europeans’, Madame Haillot’s adaptation of
Henry James’ novel. They sang beautifully and the talented pianist, Axel
Lavergne closed the event.
GCE / IGCSE, one subject: passed by 31 students;
GCE / IGCSE, two subjects: 22 students;
GCE / IGCSE, three subjects: 10 students;
GCE / IGCSE, four subjects: 12 students;
GCE / IGCSE, five subjects: 2 students
10 students received the Cambridge First Certificate in English; 26 received the
Certificate in Advanced English and 17 received the Certificate of Proficiency in
English. A number of students who were not able to attend the ceremony
collected their certificates from the English Section office. - Valerie Leden

Building Works in the area surrounding the Lyc ée : On Monday, 25th January,
two representatives from APELEVIA attended a meeting of the CIQ (comité
d’intérèt de Quartier) from Luynes concerning the housing projects on the
outskirts of the Lycée.
In the next newsletter, we will give you further details on these works. We will
keep you informed of our prerogatives, as parents’ associations: security, access,
parking … Frédérique Chabran

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES
Wednesday, 10 th March 2010 – Entrance Test for the English Section in the
Lycée Georges Duby. The inscription forms can be downloaded from the school
website now at: www.lyc-luynes.ac-aix-marseille.fr

Saturday, 20 th March 2010 – Games Evening at the Lycée. Come and join us
for this fun-filled evening! More details to follow shortly.

Saturday, 11 th May 2010 – “EUROPEANS!” (based on the novel The
Europeans by Henry James) is a full-length show with 17 original songs,
composed in a variety of styles and sounds. This will be performed at the
“Théâtre du Jeu de Paume” in Aix-en-Provence. Other performances are planned
but dates have not been set as yet. (See future newsletters for information.)

Thursday, 20 th May 2010 - Entrance Exam Date for College Mignet. The
inscription form can be downloaded from the Mignet school website now at:
www.clg-mignet.ac-aix-marseille.fr

We wish you all a great February holiday!
The APELEVIA Committee.