The French Club was founded in 1999 by Mrs. Allbritton and then-Salmen-student Brett Curole.  The purpose of the club, first and foremost, is to encourage and reward student involvement through the exploration of French culture.  We also strive to cultivate the ideals of service to the school and community and camaraderie among students.  In order to achieve these goals, we coordinate and participate in numerous activities throughout the school year.

In August we have an annual membership drive.  Dues are ten dollars per annum, and these defray the cost of various French Club activities.  Also in August, we design and order school uniform shirts with the French Club logo and t-shirts with the Homecoming theme.  Any member who is interested in designing or purchasing the shirts should attend meetings in August.

Every fall we decorate a float for the Homecoming Parade.  Members in good standing are allowed to be part of the Krewe, i.e., to ride the float and throw to the crowd.  Students always think it is fun, and we encourage you to participate in this event!

December is a time to contribute to the community.  Our members choose a theme for our Christmas tree in Slidell’s “Christmas Under the Stars” celebration which takes place every in Griffith Park.  Once we choose a theme, French Club members make ornaments by hand.  Past themes have been Qu’il neige, Les Santons de Noël, and Père Noël.  We take a field trip to the park to decorate the tree, and following our excursion, we have lunch at a French restaurant.  Our students volunteer a few hours of their time at the festivities in the park.  It is a worthwhile endeavor that we really enjoy doing.

Shortly after New Year’s Day, we begin preparing for the king of French holidays – Le Mardi Gras.  We usually challenge the Spanish Club to some sort of competition.  We’ve held water balloon tosses, arm wrestling contests, raw egg relays, and a Rock, Scissors, Paper contest.  Let’s say that the results at this point are about fifty-fifty.  Of course, we eat La galette des rois afterwards.  And in accordance with tradition, the person who gets the baby is crowned king (or queen) of the party.

As in the fall, during spring, we like to contribute to the community.   We often collect and donate Easter toys, candy, and stuffed animals to children in need.  Also in spring, we take a field trip to a place of interest in the francophone world, such as the 1850 House on Jackson Square, the Laura Plantation, Le monde créole Vieux Carré tour, the Degas House, and the St. Louis Cathedral.   

Our year culminates in a semi-formal banquet at a local French or French Creole restaurant.  We have dined at Palmettos, La Provence, and Jasmine, to name a few.  We usually play some games, share some stories, and naturally, enjoy fine food together.

This year we would like to raise funds for a scholarship for a Salmen senior who plans to continue to study French at university.

If you are interested in joining, please listen for announcements at the beginning of the school year.  We would love to see you!  À bientôt!