Last year, during the réunion de rentrée (back-to-school meeting), the teacher reminded us:
“N’oubliez pas de signer le mot et de prévoir un goûter demain !”
(Don’t forget to sign the note and pack a snack for tomorrow!)
And I thought: exactly! These tiny instructions are the difference between chaos and calm in your child’s school life.
Starting school in France can be exciting… but let’s be honest, it’s also stressful — especially if French isn’t your everyday language.
Whether you’re a femme expat, a mum who moved to France for rugby, or the partner of a professional rugby player (yes, life as a WAG in France!), you want the same things:
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Your child to feel comfortable.
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To understand everything the teacher says.
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To ask your questions without feeling lost in translation.
Don’t worry — I’ve got your back.
This guide isn’t just vocabulary — it’s the kind of phrases teachers actually use with parents in meetings, WhatsApp groups, and emails.
🎯 Key Vocabulary
« la classe » – classroom
« la cantine » – lunchroom
« la cour de récréation » – playground
« l’étude » – after-school homework time
« la garderie / le périscolaire » – daycare / before-and-after school care
« la maîtresse / le maître/ le prof » – teacher
« le directeur / la directrice » – principal
« Prévoir un goûter » – Make sure your child has a snack
« Remplir le papier « – Fill in the form
« Apporter le cahier de liaison « – Bring the communication notebook
« Vérifier les devoirs « – Check homework
« L’association des parents d’élèves (APE) » – The parent-teacher association
🗣️ Useful Phrases Parents Can Use :
“Bonjour, je suis la maman de…” – Hello, I’m [name]’s mom.
“Je ne parle pas très bien français, mais je veux comprendre.” – I don’t speak French very well, but I want to understand.
“Merci pour toutes ces informations.” – Thank you for all this information.
“Est-ce que je peux poser une question ?” – May I ask a question?
“Pouvez-vous répéter, s’il vous plaît ?” – Can you repeat that, please?
“Je suis un peu perdue, vous pouvez m’expliquer ?” – I’m a bit lost, can you explain to me?
“Combien d’élèves dans la classe ?” – How many students are in the class?
“Mon enfant mange à la cantine, comment ça se passe ?” – My child eats at the lunchroom, how does it work?
“Est-ce qu’il y a une garderie après l’école ?” – Is there daycare after school?
“Où sont notés les devoirs ?” – Where are homework assignments written?
💡Asking these questions helps you fully participate in your child’s school life — and ensures you catch all the little instructions that make life easier.
Take a deep breath.
Smile.
You don’t have to be perfect.
Every question you ask is a step toward confidence, independence, and understanding French in real life — from the playground to snack time.
Even if you’re a compagne de joueur de rugby professionnel, an expat mum, or a woman building her life in France, you can feel autonomous, enjoy your adventure, and handle back-to-school like a pro.
✨ Download my Survival Kit to start speaking French with the essentials : CLICK HERE
And if you don’t want to learn alone, message me on WhatsApp: +33 06 64 14 57 75.
We’ll practice together, with support and real-life situations adapted to your daily routine — so that you can feel confident, independent, and truly at home in France.
