School spirit

I think I figured out something that is missing from French schools--school spirit!

While I do admit that I wasn't the biggest sports fan back in my day, there is something to be said for having a school mascot, teams, clubs, pep rallys, etc.; these are all means to fostering communities be it schoolwide or just between students and teachers of mutual interest.

There is definitely not this spirt of community here. I feel like the students and teachers are more at odds because they interact only in a competetive classroom setting--there is no room for getting to know the student or teacher as a person (I'm thinking particularly in the senses of coach/athelete or mentor/club participant). When I think back to high school, I remember most the teachers who had a hand in the clubs I was in--Honor Society, French Club, Band. I also remember beig proud of my school's and fellow students' accomplishments in sports and academic competitions.

The school I work at is just a workplace. Imagine the different experience that a French assistant at a US school would have--a French club, football games, school dances, art performances! I miss the feeling of celebrating school.