Français
More than 1,130 children on the island returned to school on Tuesday, September 1, the day after teachers and staff at public and private schools returned to work.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced a school year start like this.” A teacher at the Gustavia school complex expressed his delight. Unlike last year, teaching staff and school personnel were able to begin the school year in a calm and orderly manner. This was largely thanks to the fact that all teaching positions were filled. Not to mention the wide range of maintenance and improvement projects undertaken throughout the summer break at all schools by the Territorial Collectivity’s departments. This sense of calm made it possible to welcome with a smile the approximately 1,130 students on the island enrolled at Gustavia, at the Sainte-Marie de Colombier and Saint-Joseph de Lorient elementary schools, as well as at the Mireille Choisy middle school.
“They’re so lovely,” marveled a teacher from Gustavia as she looked at her first-grade students. Just a few minutes earlier, on Tuesday, September 2, the students and their parents were bursting with excitement at the thought of heading out into the playground and into their classrooms. Inside, parents helped their children fill out the communication forms and put their belongings away in their lockers… Then came the time for the parents to leave the classroom. Saying goodbye can sometimes be quite difficult in the very youngest classes. Take the Grands Galets preschool (Shell Beach), for example, where some little ones can’t hold back their tears. Fortunately, the teachers know how to reassure them—and thus prevent everyone from bursting into tears! At the middle school, there’s no need to comfort the teens.
“It’s going really well, even though we have a busy schedule,” says 10-year-old Lina, who is starting 6th grade, very seriously. “I was a little stressed this morning, but now I’m feeling better. I know everyone.” Next to her, her friend Malou, 11, is just as enthusiastic. “I was a little nervous too, but I’m feeling better now—and besides, my brothers are in 9th and 8th grade,” she says. As for 11-year-old Héléna, she’s “happy” to finally be starting middle school.
In a large hall, the middle school principal, David Desiage, welcomed the students’ parents throughout the morning. The regional councilor in charge of educational affairs, Francius Matignon, was also present.
In Colombier and Lorient, teachers and staff welcomed the students and their parents with the same cheerful calm.
Cell Phones Banned at Middle School: Nothing New
The ban on students using their cell phones on the grounds of Mireille Choisy Middle School is not a new policy for the start of this school year. As Principal David Desiage explains, the rule was already in place at the school. “Cell phones were banned last year for students,” he explains. “This applies to middle school students, as well as high school sophomores and students at the CFA (Apprentice Training Center).” ” Those who violate the rule will have their devices confiscated until the end of the school day.
The Vice-Chancellor Issues Her Guidelines
On July 1, Nicole Noilhetas assumed the position of vice-rector of the academy for Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy. She succeeded Harry Christophe. Ahead of the new school year, Nicole Noilhetas outlined the academy’s “pedagogical and educational priorities” for the 2026–2030 period. These are organized around four main themes: strengthening the acquisition of fundamental knowledge, promoting and developing multilingualism, combating school dropout rates, and working toward a peaceful school environment.
T-shirt sales in the middle school lobby
Thursday, September 3, from 12:10 p.m. to 1:35 p.m.
Friday, September 4, from 12:10 p.m. to 1:35 p.m.
Saturday, September 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Flat rate: 12 euros
Payment by check or cash.
