ASP Missy Magic! - American School of Paris

4/school news Special report /5Visiting Writer ProgramEnjoy these reports by both ASP Teacher, Virginia Larner and Student, SietseGoffard from this prestigious annual program.Happy Birthday!By Julie Cutelli, Extension PRogramBy Sietse Goffard (Gr11)“Rarely do high school students get tomeet an A-list celebrity in the world ofEnglish literature. What is even rarer,though, is being able to engage in anintelligent and intimate conversationwith the celebrity about the meaningof poetry.“That is exactly what made PulitzerPrize winner and US Poet LaureateRobert Hass’ visit to ASP so special.On Monday, March 29, ASP was proudto welcome him for a full and unforgettableday of poetry talks. He beganwith an address to the Upper School,introducing himself and his works.Most of us were already familiar withhis poetry, as students had been givenfree copies of Time and Materials, oneof Hass’ most well known publications.“The prominent poet followed up witha 45-minute question-and-answer sessionwith about 25 juniors and seniors.Hass responded to our endless questions,described his writing process,and expounded the sources of his poeticinspiration. Several questions centeredon his attachment to nature, arecurring theme in many of his poems.Hass, an environmentalist on the side,replied by stating that he has becomeincreasingly concerned with ecologicalawareness while living in his nativeCalifornia. Later, we asked for his insighton what it meant to be a poet.“Some say poets are just writers whocan stand the first draft of their work!”Hass told us, chuckling warmly. “Don’tbe afraid to write freely. Let yourselvesrevise your work as many times as ittakes for it to be just right.” This messagestirred confidence in us all, especiallyfor those who held reading andwriting poetry to be dear passions.“At the end of the session, most of uswere fortunate enough to have our ownpoetry book signed – a definite keepsaketo remember this unique and excitingday!” lBy Virginia LaRNerChair of the Upper SchoolEnglish DepartmentThanks to everyone who contributed tomaking our 2010 Visiting Writer Programsuch a meaningful and joy-filled event inMarch.Of course, without the generous sponsorof this annual and prestigious gala, alumnusSteven Barclay, we would not havehad the opportunity to welcome the list ofinspiring writers for the last eight years.This spring our guest poet Robert Hassdelighted student and parent and teacheraudiences alike with his reading fromTime and Materials and other anthologiesand his equally appreciated thoughts onenvironmental and human issues. TheResidence of the American ambassadorCharles Rivkin was the lovely setting ofhis evening address and book signing.ASP biology and Green Team students,led by Anne Bayley and Matt Duaime,had gaily decked posters about the environmenton hand in the ASP foyer to greetpoet Hass. After the readings, they senthim an anthology of their original poemsentitled Ode to a Worm.Likewise, INK, the school’s literary magazine,interviewed Hass following theanimated Q and A morning session, andits editors will feature their dialogue in itsspring issue.Much gratitude to Daryle Russell for hisobvious enthusiasm and expressed pridein greeting the poet, to Aaron Hubbard forhis continuing support of the program, andespecially Amanda Nagele for her untiringefforts and superb organizational skills inmaking everything run so smoothly.Finally, without the actual classroom teachingprior to this event each year, therewould be little student insight into the joysof discovering a new author and his/herworld of ideas. A debt of gratitude goesto the unfailing prowess and wisdom ofEnglish teachers Maryama Antoine, BrianBrazeau, John Kim, Duncan Mc Eachern,and Jeanne Salvato. lASP’s Extension Program is growingup and out! The programhas gone from quiet beginningswith only three teachers andeight students, to a now thrivingEnglish Language program, with over 1900students and a dedicated international staffof almost thirty. For achievements like this, acelebration was in order!Extension celebrated fifteen years of excellencewith parents, students, and staff onWednesday March 17 th and Saturday Marchl Director and founder of the Extension Program, Laurence Feniou at the celebrations20 th ! Teachers and staff were celebratedfor their efforts, their contributions and theirideas! The smiling faces of teachers andstaff past and present adorned the walls in atribute to the team that makes English learningat Extension possible. Parents and studentswere celebrated for their dedicationand commitment to the program through theyears. Parents could see how the programgrew and not only in members but in ideasthrough a special timeline dedicated to thelast fifteen years. Laurence Feniou, director,kicked off the festivities at both celebrationsby welcoming all the members of the Extensioncommunity and letting them know howmuch their support and enthusiasm helped inthe creation of Extension. Laurence has beenat Extension since the beginning and her creativeenergy and drive have been a real lifeforce to the program.Families and staff were treated to a deliciousbreakfast complete with chocolate fountainsand marshmallows on skewers! Extensionfamilies also participated in a raffle winningall sorts of Extension Prizes including oneweek at summer camp, or a semester’s worthof lunches in the school cafeteria. The bestpart was that Extension staff was able to celebratebeing together not once but twice!Extension’s festivities closed with a familyshow on March 20 th in the Theatre. Almostone hundred people were in attendance at“UBUNTU: Tales of Good Hope,” a bilingualstorytelling show, by Naomi Canard, a SouthAfrican storyteller. Students sangand danced, as Naomi told themabout her nation and the many differentpeople who live there. Allproceeds from the show went to theExtension Programs’ chosen charityLa Clairiere, a place for parents ofhospitalized children to stay so thatthey can stay together as a familyduring the hospitalization process.Here’s hoping in another fifteenyears that the program’s familiesand staff will have continued to growand prosper! lThe Aspect - April 2010 The Aspect - April 2010