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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-11-12, Page 25PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12,1997. Learning a second language main reason youths make exchange By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Francois Roy is home again. The 14-year-old native of Flers, Normandy, France, flew back Nov. 8 after a three-month visit here. Through the Ontario Student Exchange Foundation, Francois stayed with Don and Mary Lou Ruttan and family of RR4, Brus­ sels. The Ruttan's son Justin (They also have two daughters, Amber and Alyssa) will be travelling to stay with the Roys in February. His first impression of Canada was a damp one. "It was raining. It did for the whole day." Coming from a city with a population of 30,000 Francois found life in the country to be "a little different". He also said that cities here are so spread out compared to the "cramped "one in France. During his time in Canada, he was treated to all the highlights, including Wonderland, Niagara Falls, the Blue Jays and of course, a hockey game.Hockey, baseball and football are not popular in France, he said. He also tried skating, but wasn't impressed. "I didn't like it." The family took him on horse­ back rides through the picturesque Wawanosh and Westfield area, as well as around Hullett, Lucknow and Grand Valley. At Beaver Val­ ley Francois photgraphed pictures. The OSEF program costs $1,700. Justin is being sponsored by the local Optimist and Lions Club, as well as Howick Legion Branch 307.An application is submitted with a $50 non-refundable deposit. In France the students are inter­ viewed. Both Justin and Francois decided to go on an exchange in the hopes of improving their second lan­ guage. Having studied English for three years, Francois speaks it quite well. "We learn it for the whole year (at school). While Justin is studying French, 75 minutes every day for one semester, Francois spends three hours each week for the entire school year, learning English. "I think I will have a tougher time in France than he did here," said Justin, "as he has a better base in English." While living with the Ruttans, Francois attended F.E. Madill Sec­ ondary School in Wingham. He enjoyed the classes and even tried out for the volleyball team and trained with the cross-country team. Francois said, he liked school here, because students can choose the subject they wish to take and the school week and days are short­ er. In France students attend school from 8:20 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., four days a week, then attend two days from 8:30 a.m. to noon. While the teachers' strike meant Francois' last few weeks here were spent out of school, he seemed unaffected by the interruption. His family, he said, had sent him some homework, so the strike really had­ n't been a problem. Also, as there had been a strike by some of the secondary teachers in France last year, it was not an unfamiliar situa­ tion to him. Though Justin and Francois spoke only briefly on the phone and through letters prior to meeting, they have gotten on well. Justin says Francois has jumped in with the regular family routine, even attending camp with Justin. The two have had a good time introduc­ ing each other to the differences in their cultures. Food has been a big surprise for Francois. "We never eat a sandwich or pop, unless there is a picnic. We have breakfast, lunch, supper. Here, people eat, eat, eat, and tend to have pop at any time." Three dinners for Thanksgiving was a real experience for the teen, who says he has put on weight since arriving in Canada. Now with his guest back among his own family, 14-year-old Justin is thinking ahead to his trip. "I am looking forward to Paris, the Beaches of Normandy and just going to France." Brussels PS news Back to work at BPS We are finally back from the break with some news! Grade 1 is reading "One By One". It's about different animals and numbers. Rebecca and Annamieka say they like the animals and the colourful pictures. Grade 2 has been writing in their journals. They also have been reading a book called "My Little Sister Ate A Hair". William and Kari like the book and find the pictures very interesting. Grade 3 has been working on math problems. They also have been working on the computers making stories. Mike said "he enjoys working on computers". Christa said she also likes working on the computers. Grade 4 is reading Charlotte's Web by E. B. White. Baylie likes the part in the book when Wilbur trys to make a spider web. Wesley Lung Assoc. finds the book very interesting. Grade 4 is always excited on Friday because they get a prize of the week. Grade 5 is watching the movie Charlie And The Chocolate Factory. They have already read the book. Tate and Paige have enjoyed the movie so far, they each enjoy looking at all the candy. Grade 6/7s is working with Grade Is on games. Grade 6/7 and Grade 4 just finished their spider project. Jenna, Amy and Michelle are glad to be back at school. Over the break Grade 7/8 students were authorized by Mrs. Whyte to make a birdhouse. Some of the requirements were, write a one page essay, blue print of the birdhouse and build the birdhouse. All the 7/8 students are glad to be back to school. We all missed Mrs. Regier! launches Christmas campaign November marks the beginning of The Lung Association's 1997 Christmas Seal Campaign. Christmas Seals have been used around the world since the early 1990s to raise both awareness and funds to fight lung disease. They were first used in the battle against tuberculosis. Today they help fight asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. With one in five Canadians suffering some type of respiratory problem, donations to The Lung Association's Christmas Seal Campaign are as important today as ever. The Lung Association is funded entirely by voluntary donations and the annual Christmas Seal Campaign is its major source of funds. Monies raised support vital medical research as well as many health education programs in the community, such as the Lungs Are For Life school program, the Breathe Easy program and Asthma Information Evenings. The Huron-Perth community office has set an ambitious goal of $78,000 for the 1997 campaign to help continue their work to help those suffering from respiratory disease. When the package of Christmas Seals arrives in the mail, use them on cards and packages ... and remember that a donation to The Lung Association will help one in five Canadians breathe more easily. (ClBC ATTENTION CIBC BLYTH CUSTOMERS PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION IN HOURS FROM LAST WEEK'S AD Revised Teller Service Hours Commencing Week of November 3,1997 Mon. - 10:00 -3:30 p.m., Tlies. -10 - 3:30 p.m., Thurs. - 10:00 - 3:30 p.m., Fri. - 10:00 - 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY ONLY - NO TELLER SERVICE AVAILABLE - Diner ou snack? One of the biggest surprises for exchange student Frangois Roy of France was the number of sandwiches consumed here. Roy was a guest of Don and Mary Lou Ruttan, Amber, Justin and Alyssa of RR4, Brussels. Justin, right, will be visiting Frangois’ family in February. Stuck with a spare tire around the middle? Leave the car at home and walk. Sharing a Healthier Future> panncipacTion^® What's your Christinas Plans? Bring your employees, groups and friends to celebrate Christmas as a community. Saturday, December 13,1997 at the Blyth Community Centre Social Time - 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Roast Beef & Black Forest Ham Dinner 7:30 p.m. ~ Entertainment - Live Band Souch & Gower Dancing 9:00 - 1:00 a.m. Price for Dinner & Dance ~ $32.00 per couple paid before Dec. 1 st $37.00 per couple paid after Dec. 1st To book your groups please call Alex Blair 523-4964 Darren Richmond 523-9751 The Blyth Lions wish to thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.