Despite the obvious challenges posed by an establishment of that nature and his enjoyment of his work there, M. Bianco says he needed to satisfy his curiosity and find a new challenge. And although it’s early days, it seems the L.I. is meeting those needs. He likes the fact that the L.I. is a rather complicated institution: “I don’t do this job simply to manage day-to-day affairs, I like to be surprised. And so far, it appears that here the unexpected is an everyday occurrence, which I find very motivating. If there’s a problem, I’m not interested in apportioning blame or making mountains out of molehills, I like finding solutions.” When asked what potential problems he sees at the L.I. and what projects he has in mind for the school, he doesn’t hesitate: “Firstly, there’s a definite lack of space here, not necessarily to take on more pupils, but rather to accommodate more comfortably the existing students and staff. There’s not really anywhere for them to rest or relax. And with the kind of pressure they’re under, that’s definitely something they need. Their well-being and happiness is very important. Plus, although the environment is very pleasant, it’s also very noisy, which together with the rapid pace exerts extra pressure on our children. I don’t have any definite solutions yet, but it’s something I’m thinking about. We have a lovely site here; it would be wonderful if we could make the most of it.” He would also like to improve technology in the school, both in terms of the number of computers available, as well as by ensuring that L.I. families are better connected and can go on-line to check grades, information about homework, and so on. He thinks the school’s internet site, which is the L.I.’s window to the outside world, could also benefit from an update. What he has no wish to change and indeed would like to encourage is the opportunity the L.I. offers pupils to broaden their cultural and linguistic horizons. He supports the many diverse faces of the L.I.: the theatrical productions, clubs and organizations, and the many parent initiatives. He feels well-settled in his new apartment already, and although he’ll be on his own during his first year here having left his wife and two of his three sons in Rennes while his middle child completes his Bac, he says the positive side of that is he has a lot of time to dedicate to the L.I. And if there is one message that M. Bianco wishes to convey to parents and particularly to pupils, it’s this: “Remember how lucky you are to be here. Continue to work together and have pleasure doing it. There are too many occasions in life to be sad – be optimistic and take pleasure in coming here each day.” Tiffany Snel-Wark
Lycée Renovations to begin Although the project has yet to be officially validated, both the Conseil Régional de l’Ile de France and the Conseil Général des Yvelines have both approved a very substantial budget for the renovation and expansion of the Lycée International. 60 million euros will be invested. The first phase of construction - a new gymnasium with sports fields and a track, as well as new faculty housing – will begin end 2013. This will be followed by phase two, the renovation of the current academic buildings and the construction of a new Maternelle building, which should begin in 2014. Phase three will include the renovation of the library and cafeteria.
PHOTOS BY MARJOLEIN MARTINOT
FA L L / W I N T E R
2012
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