Letter from Caroline Brault group of 1987-88I have just visited your site. I really enjoyed my visit. I decided to write a little bit about my experience in your class ... only eleven years ago!
My experience in Intensive English class
In 1987-1988, I was in grade 5 at Gendreau elementary school. I heard about a new project which would give the opportunity to some students to learn English. I was immediately interested. I talked to my parents, and together, we decided I should try. So I gave my name. I was selected with 49 other students. Imagine how I was happy and proud!
August 1988... First day of school, new school... I didn't know if I was beginning in English or in French. But when I knew I was beginning in English, I felt very good. In class, Violet has been able to secure each of us. The two first weeks, Violet taught us some sentences in English such as : May I go to the bathroom?, Could you repeat, please? How do you say (this word) in English? Can you speak slower please? Little by little, we acquired enough self-confidence to speak almost always in English. Violet was never laughing at us, even though our mistakes were probably funny to her ears! After only one month, we were able to say almost all what we want. We still weren't bilingual, but we were very motivated to learn more and more. We never had the feeling to work hard in this class. But we were working hard. Violet was, and still is, so energetic. She was always proposing new games, new songs, new projects... I remember thumbs up, concentration, and the famous mystery box! I remember also some beautiful songs, such as Yesterday (Beatles). With Violet, it was never boring. We were 24 students. With Violet, we formed a big family. We quickly learned to appreciate each other, to work together, to help each other. Violet was there for each of us. We felt unique and important for her. We were all sad to leave her at the end of January. Today, I teach in Violet's school. I see her with her students. I wish I could grow young again and still be in her class. Mainly, I appreciate having learned English with her. Today, I can speak with almost everybody in the world. I can look at TV in English. I can rent films in English. I'm very lucky and I thanks you a lot, Violet. I hope you will be there for a long time again, you are very good in what you do!
Caroline Brault