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Sixty-six ninth-grade students from Mireille Choisy Middle School have been staying at the Les Gets ski resort in Haute-Savoie since March 27. This two-week school trip will take them from the snow-covered slopes to Paris.
An eight-hour flight from Saint Martin to Paris, an eight-hour bus ride from Paris to the Les Gets ski resort, not to mention the ferry crossing from Saint Barthélemy to Saint Martin. A long journey for the sixty-six ninth-grade students from Mireille Choisy Middle School and their seven chaperones. But the fatigue was quickly forgotten upon discovering the snow-covered slopes of Les Gets. In fact, after a good night’s sleep, the participants in the school’s annual field trip immediately hit the slopes. Not without first, for the novices, learning how to put on their ski boots.
For two weeks, the middle school students have the chance to enjoy a unique experience during their school years: a trip designed to be both fun and athletic, yet also studious and educational. Because after the runs and other moments of relaxation and fun, the teenagers dive into their schoolwork every evening. The trip to Les Gets will be followed by a visit to the French capital, Paris, featuring tours of the Cité des Sciences, the Senate, the Army Museum, and more. This trip was made possible to organize and fund thanks to the commitment of all participants: the Parents’ Association (Apel), the students themselves, the teaching staff, public and private partners, the middle school principal David Desiage, Vanessa Aubin for administrative coordination, and the medical coordinator.
In Les Gets, the students also attended the event called Alta Lumina. “A lovely poetic surprise—an immersive light and sound experience right in the middle of the forest,” says Joy Berlemont, a teacher and trip coordinator. “A magnificent walk, all through the snow, which actually led to a fun snowball fight before we headed back inside to warm up,” she adds. The middle school students were able to savor the lightness of a tartiflette in winter conditions, make their way down the slopes (without avoiding a few good “falls”), go to the movies, have fun, and work. “It snows every day and we have beautiful rays of sunshine during the day; the conditions are truly incredible,” says Joy Berlemont. The supervising staff is having a blast too.” A team of adult chaperones consisting of five teachers (Aubin Pommier, Eddie Popotte, Lætitia Le Gac, Charlotte Mallet, and Joy Berlemont) and two parents (Jenny Bel Harrat and Cala Winterdal).
On departure day, in front of the ferry terminal in Saint-Barthélemy, the parents looked rather serene. “We’re happy for them, even if our mothers’ hearts are a little heavy,” confides Christelle, whose son was about to discover the ski slopes. Beside her stands Elisa. “Of course, we’re going to miss them,” she says. “Getting to go on a trip like this is a real opportunity.” And she burst out laughing: “Let them enjoy it! We’ll forget all about them for two weeks!” Other moms were a bit more anxious. Like Lorie, who was savoring the last moments with her daughter Ambre before the big departure. “It’s nerve-wracking, even though I’m very happy for her. This is the first time we’ve been apart from her. It’ll help us prepare for what’s next since she’s heading to France to start her sophomore year. But still, it’s two whole weeks!” The dads weren’t unfazed by their little one’s departure. Even if it’s just for a few days. “ It’s really hard for us,” admits Gildas. “It’s the first time she’s gone on vacation without us. It’s a real twinge in the heart.” The first photos and daily “reports” from the adult chaperones must have reassured the most anxious parents. Even when they saw their dear teenager sprawled flat on her back in the snow after losing her balance on skis.
This Friday, April 3, the group will head to Paris.
