Sunset at FASTB on Monday, January 27, 2025 - from left to right: Willy LeBihan, Founder and Head of School of the French School of Maine and The French American School of Tampa Bay; Barbara Martin, Head of School at the Lycée Français de Toronto; Eric Thuau, Head of School at the French American School of Puget Sound; Bénédicte Brouder, Head of School at the French-American School of Rhode Island; Isabelle David, Head of School at the French-American School of San Diego; and Eric Veteau, Head of School at Lycée Français de Chicago; Colin LeBihan, Chef d' Etablissement at The French American School of Tampa Bay.

Dear FASTB Families,

As we step into February, our school is buzzing with activity, learning, and opportunities for connection that highlight the strength of our bilingual and multicultural community.

We are incredibly honored that The French American School of Tampa Bay was chosen to host this year’s AFSA Conference, welcoming leaders from 45 French-American schools across North America. This recognition by our peers reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, and families in building a thriving learning environment.

With our enrollment season in full swing, we are welcoming many visiting families from around the world, as well as from other French-American and IB schools. We encourage current families to take advantage of priority re-enrollment opportunities to secure their spot for the next school year.

Please take a moment to review our calendar reminders for upcoming events, including Café & Conversation, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Grandparents and special friends day and our much anticipated School Performance at Suncoast Church in April.



Thank you for being a part of the FASTB community. Your continued support makes our school a place where students thrive, families feel at home, and lifelong learning flourishes.

For any questions or further information, please feel free to contact us at office@fastb.org. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Please take a moment this weekend to dive into our classroom-focused newsletter, packed with highlights, updates, and a peek into the learning happening at FASTB.

À bientôt !

Willy LeBihan

Founder

Upcoming dates to keep in mind

• February 4th: School Open: initial Professional Day was rescheduled
• February 11th: Café & Conversation 8:30am to 9:00am
• February 18th: Parents - Teacher Conferences: start at 3:15pm
• February 19th: Early Release 11:45am (no lunch)
• February 19th: Parent Teacher Conferences: start at 12pm
• February 20th-24th: February Break - no school
• March 11th: Café & Conversation 8:30am to 9:00am
• March 14th: Grandparents and special friends day
• March 17th-21st: Spring Break
• April 4th: School Performance at Suncoast Church at 11:00am

45 Heads of School visit FASTB !

Willy LeBihan and Elizabeth LeBihan, founders of The French American School of Tampa Bay (FASTB) in 2018 and leaders of The French School of Maine for the past 25 years, have been dedicated members of AFSA for many years. It was a true honor for FASTB to be chosen by AFSA to host this year’s conference at the Hyatt Place in St. Petersburg, Florida. Being selected by our peers from among the 58 AFSA member schools is an incredible recognition of our commitment to French-American education. We deeply value the insights of our fellow heads of school, and their commendations and encouragement mean a great deal to us.

The AFSA (Association of French Schools in America) is a network of institutions dedicated to providing a high-quality French-American education. Accredited by the French Ministry of Education and supported by U.S. independent school associations, AFSA schools offer a bilingual and bicultural learning experience from pre-K through 12th grade. Guided by a Board of Directors, AFSA upholds academic excellence and defines the association's strategic vision under the leadership of President Bénédicte Brouder, Head of the French-American School of Rhode Island. Each year, AFSA schools gather for their annual conference, and this year, The French American School of Tampa Bay was honored to serve as host at the Hyatt Place in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Head of Schools of the following schools visited FASTB last week!

Atlanta International School, Austin International School, Collège Stanislas, Dallas International School, Da Vinci International School, Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, Ecole Bilingue de La Nouvelle-Orléans, Ecole Internationale de New-York, French American Academy, French American International School (San Francisco, CA), French American International School (Portland, OR), French American School of Miami, French American School of New York (FASNY), French American School of Princeton, French American School of Rhode Island, French American School of Silicon Valley, French American School of Tampa Bay, French Bilingual School of South Carolina, French Immersion School of Washington, French International School Cousteau (Vancouver, BC), French International School of Oregon, French International School of Philadelphia, French School of Detroit, French School of Maine, French-American School of Puget Sound, International School of Arizona, International School of Boston, International School of Brooklyn, International School of Denver, International School of Indiana, L’Étoile French Immersion School, Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Lycée Claudel (Ottawa, ON), Lycée Français de Chicago, Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans, Lycée Français de New York, Lycée Français de San Diego, Lycée Français de San Francisco, Lycée Français de Toronto, Lycée Français de Washington (Rochambeau), Lycée International de Los Angeles, Lycée Louis Pasteur (Calgary, AB), Lyceum Kennedy, San Diego French-American School, Silicon Valley International School, The Awty International School, The French American School of Miami, The Toronto French School, and United Nations International School.

Debra Wilson, President of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) adressed the heads of 45 AFSA Schools this week at the Hyatt Place, St Petersburg FL

Calendar Updates

We are excited to welcome grandparents and special family friends to campus on Thursday, March 14th for a memorable day at the French American School of Tampa Bay! Guests will have the opportunity to participate in engaging classroom activities alongside their loved ones, followed by a catered lunch provided by the school.

While this event was originally planned to coincide with our School Performance, please note that the School Performance has been rescheduled to April 4th. Grandparents and special friends are, of course, warmly invited to join us for that special performance at the next door Suncoast Church on April 4th!

Strengthening our Mission: A Conversation with Olaf “Ole” Jorgenson at the 2025 AFSA Conference in St Petersburg, FL

from left to right: Colin LeBihan, FASTB Chef d'Etablissement, and Olaf “Ole” Jorgenson, Keynote Speaker at AFSA 2025, Hyatt Place, St Petersburg, FL.

Strengthening Our Mission: A Conversation with Olaf “Ole” Jorgenson at the 2025 AFSA Conference in St. Petersburg, FL

Colin LeBihan, Chef d'Etablissement, recently attended (and help host!) the AFSA (Association of French Schools in America) Conference, where he had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with Olaf “Ole” Jorgenson, a highly respected educator and independent school leader. With over 35 years of experience in public, private, and international education, Ole has dedicated his career to enhancing student learning, supporting school leadership, and addressing key challenges in independent school education.

During the conference, Colin and Ole focused on the mission of the French American School of Tampa Bay (FASTB), exploring ways to further strengthen its growth and impact.

A key moment of the event was Ole’s visit to the FASTB campus, where he joined 45 other Heads of School in discussions about the evolving landscape of bilingual and international education. His extensive experience—ranging from leading Almaden Country Day School (ACDS) in California to serving on the boards of CAIS (California Association of Independent Schools), AISAP (Association of Independent School Admissions Professionals), and the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University—brings invaluable insights that align closely with our school’s vision.

By participating actively in conferences like AFSA and collaborating with School leaders such as Ole Jorgenson, FASTB continues to refine its commitment to providing exceptional bilingual education while embracing innovative strategies to support student success and enrollment growth.

We look forward to continuing these discussions and exploring new opportunities that emerge from these connections, ensuring that FASTB remains a dynamic and forward-thinking learning environment for all students.

Re-Enrollment Reminder

Dear FASTB Families,

We have loved watching your children grow, learn, and play so far this year! As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to remind you that our priority re-enrollment period is open until February 14th.

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure continuity in their bilingual education and a seamless transition into another exciting year at FASTB.

To finalize your re-enrollment, please complete the re-enrollment packet sent by FACTS. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at office@fastb.org

Thank you for being a valued part of our school community. We look forward to another wonderful year together!

Looking for one Host Family - March 2nd to 15th

The French American School of Tampa Bay is an official partner of the Teacher Training Institute (INSPE: Institut National Supérieur du Professorat et de l'Éducation) at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France.

This coming March, we are delighted to welcome two French graduate students pursuing Master's Degrees in Elementary Education: Mathilde GILLARD and Pauline MANOUVRIER. Completing an internship is an essential first step in the program of study leading to the Teaching Certification of Professeur des Écoles by the French Ministry of Education (MENJS).

Willy LeBihan, Head of School, and Pascale Crispin, Professor at the University of Burgundy, will supervise these internships.

We are currently looking for one host family for Pauline MANOUVRIER during her internship, which will take place from March 2nd to March 15th. Hosting a French student teacher offers a wonderful cultural exchange and language-learning opportunity.

If you are interested in hosting Pauline or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Willy at wlebihan@frenchschool.me

Meet Pauline Manouvrier, Student Teacher

Meet Pauline Manouvrier!

Hello! My name is Pauline Manouvrier, I recently turned 22, and I’m a student in France, preparing to become a school teacher—a career I’m truly passionate about.

As part of my studies, I’m thrilled to be interning at The French American School of Tampa Bay. I chose this opportunity because I love traveling, having previously visited countries such as England, Ireland, Malta, and Portugal. This year, I’m thrilled to be fulfilling my dream of exploring the United States!

I’m originally from Auxerre, where I live now in my own apartment as my parents have moved to the countryside. I also have two sisters—Manon, a pharmacist in Paris, and Lucie, who is still in high school.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring new cities, shopping, and visiting museums. I also love to stay active and especially enjoy running and going to Pilates classes with my mom who is a sports teacher.

I’m excited to meet my host family and immerse myself in a new culture and way of life. Looking forward to connecting with all of you soon!



See you soon!

Pauline

Critter Column

Photo Credits: Mindy Robertson

Step aside, Punxsutawney Phil—our local pond oracle has spoken! No shadow, no fuss… just a confident duck predicting more time perched on a log.