There definitely was some talent on stage this week at the LFNY. An time to enjoy a new series of the Week in Pictures.

This year was a special landmark for the musical theater at the LFNY: it was the 30th anniversary of the program. Every year since 1983, Remy Loumbrozo and his team have been producing shows that stay in people's memory. This time, the chosen play was Peter Pan.

Scott Hunt explains in three questions what the role of the Development Department is at the Lycée Français. What is Development? Development is a term used to describe all fundraising activities at the school. We raise funds to bridge the gap between our expenses and revenue that comes from tuition. Beyond this very technical definition of development, our objective is to support the school in offering the best learning environment possible for our students, and in helping to create a strong community of parents, teachers and staff who are fully committed to the academic success of our students. What is the Annual Fund? The Annual Fund is one of three development programs at the school. Gifts to the Annual Fund go directly to support activities in the current school year.  They are also used to fund specific needs of the school as defined by the LFNY’s Board of Trustees, for example, electricity used to power our classrooms, teacher salaries, and student scholarships. The new climbing wall for our students is an example of project sponsored by the Annual Fund. What are the other development programs? School Events are the second main program of the Development Office. This program is very visible in our community. The recent Spring Fair, the Skating Party, Fall Festival, and our annual Gala are all events organized by the Lycee with tremendous support from our volunteers. The activities are important because in addition to raising funds, they help bring our community closer together.  Funds raised at these events, coupled with those raised by the Annual Fund, help our school keep a balanced budget. The third program, not as well known, is called the Capital Campaign. Donors to this fund give a gift that is unrestricted, or choose to donate directly to specific programs such as: teachers salaries, scholarships, or our Cultural Center. The Capital Campaign is also used to fund long-term projects for donors who are looking to give major gifts to the school. The school draws on the interest raised  from these funds, to ensure the long-term financial stability of our school.

Artist in residence Brigitte Nahon worked over a week in April with all the 6th graders to create modern sculptures that use gravity and balance. Read the takeaway of this residency by one of the school's art teacher.

A school focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) encourages students to be top academic performers, and also top friends and citizens, says Ron Astor, an expert on the topic interviewed here by French teacher Nathalie Anton. SEL is being implemented across Primary and Secondary at the LFNY, as you may have read in the Winter edition of the LFNY Magazine.