Rhythmes Scholaires and shots of the Seine

 The parents and teachers at our school are not happy about the changes to the school day.  This sign says, "Our children are not guinea pigs."  Last year, the girls had no school on Wednesdays.  This year, they have school Wednesday morning.  Also, this year, school ends an hour and a half earlier on Tuesday and Friday.  These days, you can choose to leave your child at school until the regular time and they can participate in free extracurricular activities.  Paris decided to institute the changes this year, whereas other big cities in France are waiting until next year.   There is a lot of talk about the "Rythmes Scolaires" in the news and on the street among parents.

The change has been good for our girls.  They are enjoying their extracurricular activities.  Sylvia has cinema and musical theater and Lillian has origami and theater.  They both have friends in their activities and have a great time.  There is no time to socialize during class, so this is a great opportunity for them to spend some time with their friends.  

At our school, most parents do not see the value of activities where their children are not mastering skills.  Parents feel that the classes should be academic or taught by professionals.  I think they mean that it would be okay if there were dance class that was preparing their child for a dance academy, but not a creative movement course.  Also, the idea that someone who is not a "real" teacher can teach these courses leaves the parents feeling very uneasy.  

These posters are outside of our school.  They have also hung up pie graphs showing the results to the poll they gave about the changes to the school day.  We are in the minority on every answer.  The parents are not happy!  The majority even voted that they would consider not sending their children to school on Wednesday in protest.  I am grateful for the free activities that the girls are enjoying.

 I went to the Musée D'Orsay (on the right) last week and saw Masculine/Masculine. The Nude Man in Art from 1800 to the Present Day. 

 Another photo of the new pedestrian area along the quai.

Every pedestrian bridge in Paris is covered in locks.  You and your lover pledge your undying love to each other and throw the key into the Seine.  It started on Pont des Arts and has spread to all of the pedestrian bridges.