It may have been the first time in human history that so many students looked forward to returning to school in August! Kids and staff worldwide welcomed the news that school was officially “ON” with relief, glad to have a small sense of normalcy returned to their lives.
At Haut-Lac, we have truly seen and appreciated the value of being an international school in these times. The central tenets of school life here, which include a global attitude and philosophy of internationalism, have enabled us to remain connected with the world despite COVID restrictions.
How so?
For one thing, promoting internationalism in school breaks down the barriers erected by international travel bans. Although our freedom of movement has been curtailed in many ways, students have not lost their ability to travel the world. Instead, it is up to them to develop their curiosity and inquire into the cultures and countries of their classmates and fellow students.
With more than 50 nationalities represented at Haut-Lac, there is no shortage of countries for students to discover. Now is the time for them to make the most of their unique environment! Did you know that bread was invented in Egypt? Or that there is an obsession for mayonnaise among the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo? The facts we can garner about the nations of the world enrich our lives (even if only to win the next quiz you take part in).
-1.png?width=381&name=Sans%20titre%20(20)-1.png)
We understand cultures through language
The bilingualism we offer at Haut-Lac is another way for students to expand their knowledge of the world. By learning various subjects in English and French, they are able to see things from various angle and widen their perspective. Different cultures learn and approach things differently, a concept which bilingualism enables students to understand and value.
Being able to pick up words and phrases from other students and trade them between each other also establishes an exciting opportunity to learn something new every day. Mangiamo quando il pranzo? Twój lunch wygląda przepysznie. A que horas termina a escola?
Fun is NOT cancelled !
Another benefit of attending an international school in these restrictive times is the after-school club system. When so many activities have seen a drop in participants, or been cancelled or postponed, being able to pursue a hobby has become a privilege, rather than a given. During club time, students can release energy through sport, debate in MUN, play instruments in band and more. Covid has stopped a lot, but it won’t take away all the fun!
So long as safety precautions are reviewed and met on a regular basis (something we are always doing), life in this international school still goes on. Students learn to embrace the world through every day interactions with classmates and thoughtfully planned lessons, both of which shape them as global citizens. Without our community, we are nothing - something we have all come to learn and are constantly reminding ourselves not to take for granted.
Katie Harwood
