Daily Life Made Easy
Carolyn Pénot Brand Marketing Consultant Translator
Nathalie Tirard Life Coach Trainer at Expat Communication
Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 1
Daily Life Made Easy
It’s all about «Knowing the Ways »
1. Getting Set-Up & Settled 2. Getting Around 3. Getting to Know-How 4. Knowing What to Do 5. Knowing Where to Go
Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 2
Daily Life Made Easy
1. Getting Set-Up and Settled
Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 3
Getting set up and settled
La Mairie (City Hall)
See in the « Survival Guide »
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closes 4 p.m. Mon.) Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
•Sign up for the welcome day organized by your city hall. Takes place in the Fall (and sometimes also in the Spring) •Examples of things to sign up for: School, « Dérogation » to attend LI, Cantine (Lunch), Garderie, Études, Centre de Loisirs, •Attend the annual city hall meetings (by neighborhood) Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 4
Getting set up and settled
La Mairie (Centre Administratif)
See in the « Survival Guide »
Hours Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closes 4 p.m. Mon.) Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Examples of requests that go through the admin center or your town hall: •Order trash cans for new homes or exchange existing ones •Request specific trash pick up (depending on town) (Bulk, Garden) •Urban planning (building permits, renovation) •Civil (French passports, birth certificates, etc.) •Request a « vignette verte » Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 5
Getting set up and settled
Tips for dealing with the French
• Always be polite, respectful & keep your cool • Explain your case & use persuasion power • No doesn’t always mean no… • Know how to follow the rules…and how to bend them • Turn on your charm • Kindness goes a long way • Don’t try to bypass the little guy « The customer is not King »
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Getting set up and settled
Housing: A few useful tips for your Arrival and Exit Inspection Visits
Visit is done by a representative of the agency or an official notarial clerk. Your presence is recommended. Arrival visit •Be sure to note any defaults (ceiling, walls, floors, appliances, plumbing, etc.) •Note any humidity, stains, tears on wall paper, painting peeling, calcium deposits, etc. •Check the gas, electricity and water meter readings •Take care of keys, badges, remote controls •If furnished housing , check detailed list of items •Keep copy of report •« Periode de chauffe » = one month
Exit visit •Make sure your children do not write on the walls and furniture. •Putty all holes in walls •Careful about hard water deposits •Take care of the garden •Leave it as you moved in Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 7
Getting set up and settled
Setting up utilities
• Electricity, gas, water, & telephone bills = Proof of address = « Justificatif de domicile » • Electricity – be sure account is set up to correspond to your billing preferences & usage for cost & energy savings. (HC vs. HP, KW) • Apply cost saving measures (turn off lights, close windows, lower temperatures, …) • Meter reading can be communicated by phone, mail or technician visit.
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Getting set up and settled
Internet , Telephone, TV connection made easy
You can change at any time, usually with 2 months notice. Send certified « lettre de résiliation » with accusé de réception (AR). Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 9
Getting set up and settled
Banking • RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) • Set up an account with an « attestation de travail », justificatif de domicile and indentity papers. • Internet banking exists • Checks are still used widely
1. Check amount in words 2. Check amount numerically 3. To whom 4. Where written 5. When 6. Signature
Bills – automatic payment using a « T.I.P. » Send your « R.I.B. » to sign up Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 10
Getting set up and settled
The post office « La Poste » •RAR « Lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception »
• How to send a package • Bring proof of identity to pick up packages. • Need signature and their proof of identity to pick up a package for someone else. • Banking • Arrange « procuration » for your spouse and vice-versa to avoid extra trips to the post office. •Reduced hours, especially during vacation
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Getting set up and settled
Insurance
Multi-risk home insurance coverage on rented accomodations is mandatory from the first day of the lease.
Examples of risks covered by multi-risk home insurance (your policy may vary) - Burglary, broken window, water damage, natural disasters, fire, explosion, lightening, storm, hail, snow -Third party insurance « responsabilité civile », legal advice
School Insurance is required to cover your child inside and outside school for damages they may cause. -May be included in your home policy – be sure to check
Insurance options can include: -Theft of backpack, home schooling assistance in case of long illness, broken glasses, musical instruments, broken tooth - Supplemental civil liability for you child
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Getting set up and settled
A few useful tips…about garbage and recycling
Heavy trash collecting
Collecte des Encombrants
Déchetterie = dump Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 13
Getting set up and settled
Hard Water « Calcaire » = Lime deposits
The water in France, especially in the Paris area, is very hard and the “calcaire” can damage your appliances and require special cleaning.
Use products marked “anti-calcaire” ou “detartrage” for the following appliances: • Clothes washing machine • Dishwasher – need to add salt if not included in your d/w liquid/tablet • Teapot / Coffee machine – use powder packages offered with the coffee filters • Cleaning stainless in kitchen/bath (Shower power, etc.) • Iron (use diluted white wine vinegar)
Stainless steel pots and pans – tend to get spotty. - Use white vinegar to rinse occasionally.
Tip – Invest in a hard water softener machine & filter « adoucisseur d’eau » to soften all your household water (thermus with cartridges). Culligan water dispensiers can be obtained as well. Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 14
Daily Life Made Easy
Getting Set-Up
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Daily Life Made Easy
2. Getting Around
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Getting Around
Public transportation
RATP http://ratp.fr
Covers RER A line and Metro, Tramway lines in Paris Club RATP Boutiques (27 locations for immediate customer service) Billet Ile de France TicketJeunes Mobilis Navigo Decouverte Pass Navigo Imagine-R – discountedWelcome Pass Program Navigo – Ci2F 2014 for students for 6eme and17 older Getting Around
Public transportation
SNCF Transilien SNCF – Train network IDF
Nocilien – Night bus services Velib – bike rentals Autolib – short term car rentals
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Getting Around
Public transportation
How to get a Taxi – call to reserve Taxi G7 Taxi Bleu Private companies (good for local business)
Cannot hail a Taxi – Can only get at a taxi stand
Safety - Look both ways in a pedestrian crossing - Pickpockets on Metro / RER
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Getting Around Driving
Who needs a French Drivers license?
In the E.E.C. - There is reciprocity with any European country – no need to exchange your license.
Outside the E.E.C. - Your international license and your home country license are valid for the first year of your Carte de Sejour. - After that you are no longer covered by your insurance and if your national license is not exchangeable, you must obtain a French driver’s license.
International Drivers License - Can be obtained through AAA in the US. Valid 1 year.
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Getting Around
Driving
The French license « Permis de Conduire » - New license holders have a 3-year probationary period with only 6 points (2 years if did « conduite accompagnée). - Afterwards, have 12 points if no infractions.
Auto Ecoles / Driving Schools - Required to go through a driving school to pass the french driving license. - Fehrenbach is a driving school in Suresnes that offers English language instruction for the written and road tests.
- see the Survival Guide for more details.
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Getting Around
Driving - Things you must have at all times:
On you: Car registration Insurance Certificate « Carte Grise » « Carte Internationale D’Assurance Automobile » ou « Carte Verte » In the car: Accident Form Yellow Safety vest & Triangle « Constat Amiable » « Gilet et Triangle »
Disc Bleu – free parking but time limited
On the car windshield: Inspection Sticker Insurance Sticker if car is over 4 years old « Vignette d’assurance » « Contrôle Technique »
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Getting Around
Driving - Conduite accompagnée
« AAC = apprentissage anticipé de la conduite”
Age 16 - can start to learn to drive with accompanied driving « conduite accompagnée »
After brief training at the auto school, need to drive with a licensed driver (of at least 5 years without infractions) for 3,000 km of accompanied driving. Can pass license at 18 years old.
If over 18 years old - only need 1,000 km of accompanied driving plus some driving school training.
Must display sticker on back of car during the learning period.
Once receive license, must display « A » on the back of your car for a few years
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Getting Around
Driving - Basic Rules -« Priorité à droite » Driver on the right has priority unless otherwise indicated. - for example - the Peripherique
- In a roundabout, whoever is already in the roundabout has priority - exceptions – Arc de Triomphe, Republique, Bastille
- Seat belts are required
- Children under 10 in the backseat unless special circumstances
- No cellphones / texting while driving
- Watch your speed - radars are everywhere!! Many signs but some are random/mobile - Coyote community radar system
- Watch your alcohol - no more than 1 glass of wine! Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 24
Getting Around Driving
Traffic info online http://sytadin.fr
107.7 Highway radio station
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Getting Around
Driving Parking Tickets Pay online at www.amendes.gouv.fr
Parking card in Paris « Paris Cartes »
Télépéage Electronic pass to pay tolls (get a discount) Can also pay parking in certain parking garages (ie.Vinci in Saint Germain) A14 – How to get the carpool card
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Daily Life Made Easy
Getting Around
Q&A
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Daily Life Made Easy
3. Getting to Know-How
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Daily Life Made Easy
Getting to Know-How
Financial & Money Saving
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Getting to know how: Finance
Taxes - Impots : http://www.impots.gouv.fr/
French Income Tax “Impots sur le Revenu” • French income tax filing happens in May for the previous year’s income. • For employees, the amount to be reported in the Tax form (Déclaration de revenus), appears on the December pay slip (bulletin de salaire) under the item « net fiscal ». • The Tax office « Centre des Impots » sends out a paper form. • Payment is due by mid September. • You can set up monthly payments.
« Taxe d’Habitation » • Paid by the person residing in the property (either owner, if living there, or the rentor). • Tax form sent in September and payment due late November to mid-December • Also included is a television tax if you have at least one TV in the household.
« Impôt Foncier » • Paid by the owner of the property. • Tax form sent in August and payment due by mid-October
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Getting to know how: Finance
Money Saving
Chèque emploi service - Simplified process to legally employ and pay employees for home services (eg: cleaning person, gardener, music teacher, childcare giver...) - Need to set up your employees online at www.cesu.urssaf.fr • Check is given to employee for their salary • At end of month you need to declare total hours that they worked at www.cesu.urssaf.fr • Payment of social contributions made through direct-debit • 50% of total cost (salary + social contributions) is tax deductible • ex: 12€ /hour + 6€ charges = 18€ so you get 9€ back in tax credit the year after
Carte famille nombreuses - For families with 3 or more children under 18. - Reduction on transportation (metro, RER, trains, buses), museums, cinemas, - Issued by SNCF, valid 3 years. Costs 19€. www.voyages-sncf.com
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Getting to know how: Finance Money Saving
CAF Caisse d’allocations familiales www.caf.fr Need to be a resident in France (not French) - For 2+ children under 20 years old, the French government gives you a monthly allocation, not dependent on revenue. - Per month 2 children=129.35€, 3 children=295.05€, 4 children=460.77 € & for each additional child +165.72€ - Other allocations available depending on family situation & revenue - Registration on https://creation.mon.service-public.fr
Comité d’Entreprise (CE) - Corporate organization offering employees & their families benefits & discounts
• Cheque rentrée – Back to School checks • Cheque cadeau - End of Year Holiday checks • Cheque vacances – Vacation savings plan • Contributions towards childrens’ activities, shows, amusement parks, etc.
- Check with your company for exact details of your Comité d’Entreprise Welcome Program – Ci2F 20142013 32
Getting to know how: Finance
Money Saving
Cartes de fidélité - Stores offer fidelity cards that give you either immediate reductions or you are sent checks towards future purchases. ie: Carrefour, Boulanger, Okaïdi, S’Miles
Carte Navigo, Imagine-R & Abonnement intégral - Bus passes available through Veolia Transport. - www.idf.veolia-transport.fr - 1 Place André Malraux, Saint-Germain-en-Laye - Carnets de tickets : - 1/2 price for kids under 10 - 1/2 price for every member of the family when you own a carte famille nombreuse
Negotiating discounts - When you buy a car, at the marché, for furniture and big electronics at Leroy Merlin , Darty, Castorama...
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Daily Life Made Easy
Getting to Know-How
Childcare & Activities
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Getting to know how: Childcare
Au Pairs -See the Survival Guide for complete details on the process - Ask people who have au pairs for tips
Babysitting - APELI and various Sections offer babysitting lists
Centre de Loisirs in your town - Childcare for Wednesday afternoons and during vacations. Sliding scale.
Garderies / Etudes - Before and after-school care of students - Available at maternelle/primaires at certain schools
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Getting to know how: Activities Activities for Kids
School organized: - Ask the Sport Teachers what is available at your child’s school - The LI has volleyball, badminton, basketball and swimming teams - Club International at the LI organises soccer leagues made up of Section teams. Coached by parents, the teams compete against each other on weekends - Speak to other parents
Outside sports / activities: - « Forum des Sports » Saint Germain-en-Laye took place September 6th. - « Forum des Associations » Saint Germain-en-Laye on September 27th (10h-18h). - Look on your town’s website for exact dates or ask at your Mairie. - Opportunity to sign up your child for the entire year.
Tip: Your child will most likely need a « certificat medical » to play each sport, so be sure to get one from your doctor at the start of the year.
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Getting to know how: Activities
Outside Sports / Activities (cont.)
- Swimming Pool / Piscine - Library (“bibliothèque”, “mediathèque” and/or “ludothèque”). Yearly membership rates. - Music Conservatory / Conservatoire - La Clef - Cultural center in Saint Germain for classes, ie: drawing,dancing, French... - Poney Clubs in Saint Germain, Fourqueux and Marly le Roi - French, American & British Scouts - Vacation & Summer camps - Summer Camp Forum at the Lycée International in March - Centre de Loisirs
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Getting to know how: School Supplies
Places to find school supplies:
Supermarkets like Carrefour, Auchan have a big selection of the most popular items
Bookstores (“Papeteries”) like Univers du Livre in Saint Germain en Laye and in Orgeval have harder to find items
Office Supply stores like Bureau Vallée (Port Marly, Orgeval) – give them your school supplies lists and they will put everything together for you
Internet : officedepot.fr, jm-bruneau.fr, top-office.com, cultura.com.
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Getting to know how: School Supplies
10 hardest-to-understand French items:
1. Feuilles mobiles/volante/Seyes : looseleaf paper 2. Copies doubles grands / petits carreaux : French specialty! (A4 vs A5) 3. Equerre 4. Chemise avec rabat : folder with elastic straps 5. Lutins / Protège-vue : transparent document covers 6. Protège-cahier : plastic notebook covers 7. Grand cahier (21 x 29.7 – A4) vs. Tres Grand Cahier (24 x 32 – A5) : notebook (various sizes…) 8. Intercalaires : dividers (plastic or cardboard) 9. Carton à dessin : drawing paper 10. Ardoise et feutres Velleda : white board and white board markers Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 39 11. Typex : white-out
Getting to know how:
School Supplies
See our website for photos and a more complete list of items Click « Education », then « Glossary »
Tip: Be sure to save your receipts in case you buy the wrong item!
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Getting to know how : the “cartable”
- Backpack - With wheels Facts : - « Externés » need only carry their section supplies 2 days a week in Primary. So a separate schoolbag may be a good idea, to keep their minds separated…
« Internes »: Primary : can keep their school supplies in their desk. And should bring back home only what is necessary for homework. Middle school : lockers for 6th and 7th graders,
BUT always very heavy bags, no matter what storage solution exists.
Unusual topography at the LI : lots of stairs and hills to climb! And the bus stop is all the way at the top…
A price differenceWelcome of roughly Program 10 – Ci2Feuros 2014 between the 2 options. 41
Getting to know how : Homework
French homework - In Primary, only revisions allowed, no new acquisition. Should be less than 30 minutes/day. And usually not written. But more is given during WE and vacation. Section homework : all homework is independent from the French side. The specifications vary per section.
IF encoutering problems : Step 1 for French homework : Write a note in the “cahier/carnet de correspondance” to establish contact with the teacher, Step 2 : Contact parent PEC, who will contact teacher on your behalf, and set up a meeting.
Finding help outside of school : On APELI site, list of “Big Brothers/Sisters” willing to tutor. Or within each Section. Some teachers may agree to some tutoring - inquire individually.
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Daily Life Made Easy
Getting To Know How
Q&A
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Daily Life Made Easy
4. Knowing What to Do
Entertaining & French Etiquette
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Knowing What to Do
Entertaining & French Etiquette
- Invitation to the house
Arrive late, but not too late
Bring something – flowers, chocolates, wine
No kids unless specified
Finishes late
Thanks afterwards
- Return the invitation
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Knowing What to Do
Entertaining & French Etiquette
The French Dinner Party will consist of
Apero – 1+ hour of champagne or cocktails, plus hors d’oeuvres
Dinner: Entrée Plat Cheese Salad Dessert Coffee Digestif
Tips: Don’t serve yourself /refill your glass – that is the host’s job. If necessary – subtly indicate that your glass is empty. Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 46
Knowing What to Do
Don’t hesitate to entertain
The French love dinner invitations, and will likely reciprocate.
•Good conversation + good food = wonderful evening •France is the gastronomic capital of the world, so take advantage of it! •You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to entertain – here are some options: - use a catering service (« traiteur », many available - make a simple French meal - serve dishes from your own country - use frozen foods (sauces, hors d’oeuvres)
Some basics need to be on the table - bread, water and wine. - cheese course (optional but appreciated by the French)
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Knowing What to Do
A Secret to French Entertaining
Picard is an amazing food store made up entirely of high quality, easy to prepare, and affordable frozen foods. Have 1,000’s of ways to simplify your life and make it more delicious. All you need to entertain – appetizers, entrées, sauces, desserts, meats, 100’s of varieties of vegetable mixtures. Special dishes for the holidays, recipes, monthly specials Home delivery available www.picard.fr Lots of french supermarkets also have high quality frozen foods.
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Daily Life Made Easy
Knowing What to Do
Q&A
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Daily Life Made Easy
5. Knowing Where to Go
Understanding the Shopping Culture
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Knowing Where to Go
Understanding the Shopping Culture
The French have a special relationship with food, which is important to understand.
As long as you eat correctly « manger correctement » all will be well in their eyes – nutrition, health, weight, etc.
Eating correctly means: Balanced « equilibré » 3 meals a day (No snacking between meals) Big meal at lunch Eating « together » at the table Not eating on the run Eating fresh Eating local – outdoor marchés, displaying country of origin, farm baskets Eating within season No take-out coffees, walking on the street drinking
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Knowing Where to Go
Understanding the Shopping Culture
The French traditionally like to shop often for food in order to get the freshest products. They traditionally don’t have large refrigerators.
Boulangerie Opens twice a day. Closed 2 days per week, each baker varies days Alternates summer vacation and day off with another bakery close-by. Boucherie – butcher Poissonnerie – fish monger Fromagerie – cheese monger Primeur – fruits and vegetables Patisserie – pastry shop Chocolaterie – chocolate shop
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Knowing Where to Go Understanding the Shopping Culture
Marchés – large villages have outdoor markets, or marchés, a few times per week. Sell fresh foods, clothing, household items.
Saint Germain – Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings Place du Marché.
– Wednesday & Saturday mornings Place Christian (Grande Ceinture) Parking easy, few people
Bring your caddy or keep shopping bags in your car
Farm baskets are becoming popular for organic and ecological reasons. • Association Pour le Maintien du Agriculture Paysane
Farm stands • Les Jardins du Mesnil, La Ferme de Gally Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 53
Knowing Where to Go
Understanding the Shopping Culture Shopping Tips
Go to the same shops & stands at the marché Build a relationship Be polite and make an effort to speak french They will go out of their way for you
When entering a store, always greet the salespeople « Bonjour Madame/Monsieur »
When leaving, always say goodbye « Merci. Au revoir Madame/Monsieur » and wish them a « Bonne Journée! »
Don’t touch the fruits and vegetables at the marché – unless they ask you to choose Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 54
Knowing Where to Go
Understanding the Shopping Culture
Hours of Operation:
Most merchants are open in the morning, close for lunch (so they can « eat correctly ») and reopen in the afternoon until early evening.
Days of operation are usually Monday - Saturday, although some are open on Sunday morning (Saint Germain). However, they may close part or all of Monday as a result.
Supermarkets - generally open Monday through Saturday. Some are open Sunday mornings. They do not close for lunch.
Banks – Some are closed on Mondays as they are open half day on Saturday.
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Knowing Where to Go
Understanding the Shopping Culture
Hours of Operation:
Pharmacy – They close one day during the week but are open on Saturdays. There is always a « Pharmacie de Garde » in the area that is open on Sundays. This name must be posted in the window of your local pharmacy. May have to ring the bell as the Pharmacy may not be open to the public at that time.
Post Office « La Poste » - reduced hours, definitely closed for lunch. Check your local post office for exact times. Usually open Saturday mornings.
Clothes/Shoe stores – many are closed on Mondays in Saint Germain but some stores are open Sunday morning.
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Daily Life Made Easy
5. Knowing Where to Go
Where to Shop for What
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Knowing Where to Go
RN 13 (Route Nationale 13)
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Knowing Where to Go
Shopping Mall / Centre commercial See the « Survival Guide » Plus car dealers and furniture shops
“Art de Vivre” - Orgeval Chambourcy
X X X X X X X
Orgeval N13 Chambourcy Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 59
Knowing Where to Go
A taste of home and ethnic foods
Finding ingredients from your country’s cuisine in Paris & around:
Posted in Paris has a full listing of ethnic food stores: http://postedinparis.wordpress.com/2010/08/29/in-search-of-the-right- ingredient-ethnic-groceries/
There are a lot of specialty shops in Paris and Saint Germain as well
Carrefour, Monoprix and many other supermarkets have an ethnic / international food section
And finally… Find a buddy to take you around Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 60
Knowing Where to Go Organic « Bio » & Fresh Foods
Biocoop in Chambourcy, Naturalia in St Germain & La Vie Claire in Le Pecq
Lycée agricole for French fresh products (also do landscaping)
La Boutique Gourmande GIE des EEA
Thiverval Grignon [email protected]
La Maison Gaillard, Les Alluets le Roi
Farm baskets are becoming popular for organic and ecological reasons. Association Pour le Maintien de l’Agriculture Paysanne
Farm stands Les Jardins de Mesnil,Welcome La Program Ferme – Ci2F de 2014Gally 61
Knowing Where to Go
Internet food shopping & delivery
Grocery stores all have their internet shopping sites Picard http://www.picard.fr/ Naturalia http://biodoo.com/ Carrefour Drive http://www.courses.carrefour.fr/drive Cora http://www.houra.fr/ Monoprix http://courses.monoprix.fr/ Auchan http://www.auchan.fr/ http://www.simplymarket.fr/ Super U http://www.magasins-u.com/
More expensive, but practical
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Daily Life Made Easy
Knowing Where to Go
Q&A
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Daily Life Made Easy
• Carolyn Pénot
• Nathalie Tirard
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Daily Life Made Easy
Appendix
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Getting set up and settled
Emergency numbers
Emergency throughout Europe/cell 112 not in English SAMU / Medical emergencies 15 Police emergency 17 Fire service 18 SOS Médecin (Doctor) 24H/24 36 24 Poison center (Centre antipoison) 01 40 05 48 48 Stolen or lost checks 08 92 68 32 08 Stolen or lost credit/debit cards 08 92 69 08 80 Carte Bleue/Visa/Eurocard/Mastercard
Watch out for lists receivedWelcome in Programthe mailbox – Ci2F (ads 2014 from local tradesmen) 66
Getting set up and settled A few useful tips…for maintaining your property If you have a garden, you must care for it. The lawn mower may be used only at certain times:
Weekdays 8h30 -12h00 &14h00 - 19h30 Saturday 9h00 - 12h00 &15h00 - 19h00 Sunday & Bank Holidays 10h00 - 12h00
All chiminies and the gutters must be cleaned every year. The chimney must be swept by a professional who will give you a certificate (rammonage).
Air each room in your home every day to prevent humidity. Close the shutters if you’ll be away Overnight/24hrs+. Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 67
Getting set up and settled A few useful tips…for good relations with your neighbors
Remember they think you are as foreign as you find them to be Be respectful of the rules Introduce yourselves, they probably will not. Be friendly and patient Remember the good ol’ rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
A party at the house? Apologize to neighbors in advance for any noise you may make or invite them!
A neighborhood party? In many neighborhoods an annual cocktail/apéritif takes places Get to know your neighbors
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A few useful tips…about
keeping/raising the language level
• Keeping your language – Summer Camps – Films/DVDs in mother tongue, – Playdates with Section classmates – Babysitters / au pair with your language
• Learning French – After school Activities – Summer camps in France – “Centre de Loisirs” in your town – Films/TV in French,
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Knowing What to Do
Rotating zones for vacation (Paris area is Zone C) • Heavy traffic on depart/return days for your Zone
Tipping / Gifts
December: • Annual calendar « Facteurs, Eboueurs, Pompiers») • Children’s activity leaders, coaches, music teacher, etc. • Your concierge or gardien • Little gifts for teachers
End of school year: • Bigger gift for teachers • Children’s activity leaders, coach, music teacher
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Knowing What to Do
Official Holidays and Traditions • Christmas / New Year’s • Galette des Rois • Mardi Gras • May 1st, 8th • Pentecôte, Ascension – long weekends • August 15th
Good to Know • Heures d’été / hiver – different from other countries
• Mother’s day / Father’s day – celebrated on different dates than elsewhere
• « Pont » - getting an additional day-off/make up a school day to have a long weekend (big in the month of May) Welcome Program – Ci2F 2014 71