By Ms Di Lefebvre and Ms Rhiannon Richards, French teachers

We welcomed a group of 20 students from Lycée Notre-Dame in Le Mans, France, and their teachers, Mr Olivier Pley and Mr Julien Chartier to Radford on Friday 23 February. This is the school’s seventh visit to Radford College.

The exchange started in 2010 with the hard work and dedication of Mrs Jen Bateman, French teacher and teacher-mentor who throughout the years has led several groups of Radford students to Le Mans on a reciprocal exchange. We are extremely grateful for her efforts in establishing and continuing to promote this wonderful educational experience for both students and staff alike.

We are also grateful for the numerous families who have hosted the French students during their stay in Canberra. Without the support of families this exchange would not be possible.

On Monday we welcomed the students and their teachers with a Welcome to Country, followed by a prayer by Rev. Dr Katherine Rainger and a warm welcome from Mr Brad Cooney, Head of Senior School. We also enjoyed an historical perspective from Mrs Bateman about how the exchange started in 2010 and went from strength to strength. Since 2010 the College has hosted over 120 French students.

So far the students have attended classes and visited the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the National Museum. They also had a session in the College's cricket nets, which was a highlight for many. There are a few more excursions planned before they leave on Sunday, including a visit to the Old and New Parliament Houses.

A small group of Radford French language students are eagerly awaiting their own departure to France on Monday 8 April, where they will enjoy and be part of the Lycée Notre Dame community in Le Mans.

We are blessed to be able to offer these kinds of experiences to our students and extend our thanks to the Radford community for welcoming our French guests and making them feel part of Radford College. The support of the College staff is key to a successful exchange.