On Saturday 5th March 2016 38 pupils from Kilmarnock Academy went to Glasgow to meet a group of 42 French-Canadian pupils and their teachers who were visiting the UK for 10 days. The rendez-vous was arranged by Isabelle Rivard, our French Canadian Language Assistant, Mrs Stables and Nancy Bédard, the lead teacher for the visit.
We first met the group outside Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow and before the museum opened, pupils had time to find their “twin” and to start to get to know them. In the museum we all took part in an “ice-breaker” activity to encourage pupils to get to know each other. We then had time to look around the museum before lunch. The Scottish pupils brought a packed lunch for their Canadian “twin” and our visitors got the chance to taste some of Scottish specialities – mostly Irn Bru and tablet! The visiting teachers received gifts of a Scottish mug, some shortbread and some fudge. In return the Scottish teachers received a large tin of maple syrup, a bottle of “cidre glacé” made from frozen apples, a key holder and a phone holder. All the pupils also received a tin of maple syrup and everyone got a pin of the Scottish and Quebecois flags.
After lunch we boarded the buses again, each pupil with their visiting partner and headed for Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. The sun was shining for us so everyone enjoyed the views over Glasgow and took lots of photographs. Our final destination was Pollok Park where everyone visited the house and gardens. The gift shop was also a popular stopping off point.
Before we said our farewells, pupils got to choose either a Snowball, a Teacake or a Caramel Wafer, generously donated by Tunnocks of Uddingston.
Pupils were sad to leave their new friends and the Quebecois said their thanks and farewells with a song! Both groups of young people had a wonderful and very special day and we hope that they will continue to keep in touch with their “twin” and take the opportunity to practise their French with a native speaker. The pupils from Kilmarnock Academy were fabulous ambassadors for the school: their behaviour was exemplary, they left no litter, they were polite and pleasant at all times. Days like this make you glad to be a teacher and to have the privilege of teaching such wonderful pupils!
