"The French exchange was the trip of a lifetime for everyone who attended. It not only helped us grow skills in French, but also built resilience, courage and growth mindset.

This trip was very exciting and helped us become better people.

One thing I liked in particular was building friendships in the group that I wouldn't have made otherwise. Between catching the Metro together, sharing the living quarters and eating breakfast, lunch and dinner together, we all began to talk and interact, something that likely wouldn't have happened otherwise.

Afterwards, I'm sure all the friendships made will stay for a while longer. I think the mild challenges have made the connections stronger, making this trip even more memorable." – Alice Kennedy

First day in Paris

"It was a beautiful sunny day when we arrived in Paris. As we stepped out of the Metro station, the Parisian smell of cigarettes filled the air, but the pure beauty of the buildings made up for the bad smell. We set foot on our new journey while lugging our heavy suitcases through the rigid French streets.

We all went on a. bus tour through the city. We saw lots of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and other city sights. It was our first glimpse of the beauty of the vibrant cultural structures and art. It was a great way to begin our adventure in Paris." – Maddy Jones

DIsneyland Paris

"Caitlin, Gemma and Madame Mansfield all spent the day at Disneyland. We went there on the Metro and the train. Before leaving, Caitlin and Gemma had to sit down and read the map to figure out what stops we needed to get off at to be able to hop onto the next train.

We spent around eight hours at the park going on a variety of different rides. The whole day was amazing apart from having to wait 40 minutes in line to be able to get on the ride. We were on the rides for about four hours before stopping and getting hot dogs and chips for lunch then spent another three hours at the park.

Caitlin and Gemma's favorite ride was Space Mountain. They went on it three times, but did it twice in a row."

The Louvre

"At the immediate sight of the Louvre, I was astonished. The entire museum was a literal piece of art. Within the museum was more than several areas of ancient art. The one that grasped my attention was the Renaissance paintings. Lilly, Alice and I spent much time observing and picking apart the emotion and feeling within the paitings, leaving us all with heavy hearts.

A painting that stuck out most to me was La Jeune Marytre/The Young Martyr. The painting was of a young girl who had been murdered and thrown into the river because of her faith. During the time, Christianity was new, and "wrong", explaining her outcome. She was draped in a fine silk cloth, and depicted with a thin golden halo around her head, stating she was in heaven.

Overall, the Louvre was an incredible experience, and I would love to go again." – Neave Cairns

Palace of Versailles

"We visited the Palace of Versailles, the beautiful former home of the kings and queens of France.

Within the palace, each room is decorated beautifully—from the stunning hall of mirros to the room of Marie Antoinette—which was my favourite area of the palace.

Even the seemingly simple hallways have an allure to them, with the marble walls and statues creating an almost calming atmosphere with the flicker of candlelight. All of these areas create a stunning place, not just with art and architecture but atmosphere.

This is what makes Versailles the most famous palace in the world." – Jaeden Martin

ANZAC Day in Paris

"Just after 5:40pm, we came out the other side of a tunnel, standing side by side with the Arc de Triomphe, France's tomb for all soldiers killed in action whose bodies weren't identified.

Although just another Thursday for many Parisians, it was a special day for us Kiwis as back home, all the ANZAC Day services were going ahead. Sophie B had prepared a wreath to be placed near the eternal flame, which, contrary to its name, is lit every night at 6pm.

A few armed soldiers were patrolling to protect the important politicians who were present.

To my surprise, we had been instructed to go into the ceremony where the public was not allowed. I was handed a small New Zealand flag to place alongside the wreath with Sophie. We were standing behind a few military personnel as the ceremony went ahead with speeches, military. music, and the French national anthem. After the other groups placed their wreathes and flowers, a few people shook hands with soldiers in front of me. We still had the wreath and flag in hand and weren't sure what to do.

The soldiers in front of Sophie, Mme Mansfield and I cleared away and we were greeted by an older gentleman who I assumed to be a French politician. He had somebody explain where we were from (in French). We exchanged a brief word before he moved on.

It was only after that Mme Mansfield explained we had just met the President of the French Senate.

A couple of minutes later, Sophie and I were instructed to lay the wreath and flag, bow our heads, and return to the group.

After a few group photos we were sent back into the public area. I wanted to take a photo of the soldiers but I thought it would be better to ask because they were on patrol.

"Je peux... un photo, s'il vous plaît?" He then gestured to me to come and stand beside him. I wanted a photo of him; I got a photo with him.

Tres bien dour.

Lest we forget." – Luke Redgwell

Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace/National Air and Space Museum of France

"The class split off into two groups, with one of those groups going to the Air and Space Museum. The museum had all kinds of old planes and helicopters, with some of them having been used in the wars.

We were also able to have a look in the Concorde and a Boeing 747; which both had virtual flight simulators.

In the outdoors part of the museum, there were two large spaceships that been used for space missions, with a number of old war planes as well. There was a lot of information about how the engines worked on most of the plances, and replicas of some of the first-ever planes.

The group ended their day with a visit to the gift shop, and headed home." – Cameron Lattaney

We've shared some photos to our school Facebook page from the trip: 30 April and 2 May