The unforgettable memories of former middle school students

The middle school, a former CEG (Collège d'Enseignement Général), left its mark on many generations through its commitment to education and its community.

Élie Di Russo, a French and history-geography teacher at the school (1970 to 1982), then assistant principal at the Voltaire middle school in Toulon, remembers this difficult period: "At that time, the school was threatened with closure. We defended the school with fervor and determination. We were more than friends; we were members of the same family on a mission for the public education service.

We had invaluable help from the parents and Yolande Calcavino, president of the parents' association (FCPE), which was the only association at the time.

Some parents preferred to send their children to other schools, putting the middle school's future at risk. With the help of the town hall and the parents, we fought to keep our local middle school, which is essential for the Londais and Londaise."

EXCELLENT CONTACTS Marc Brunet, a former French and history-geography teacher who was at the school from 1974 to 2013, recalls his unusual career path: "At first, I was a French teacher, then I was appointed as a Spanish teacher in a somewhat 'dictatorial' way by the principal." Mrs. Polenzani, a teacher who arrived in 1972, remembers her early days: "I was 21 years old and had 17-year-old students. I taught all kinds of subjects, from Italian to sewing.

We had to adapt, because there were no new teachers for each subject."

She also recalls the "outdoor hours" spent in the olive garden. This former teacher adds: "We come from a category of teachers that no longer exists, meaning we studied at an École Normale and then at the training center for PEGC (Professeur d'Enseignement Général des Collèges). The state funded our studies in exchange for which we signed a 10-year contract of good and loyal service to the Éducation Nationale." Mr.

Schmitt, a former English teacher, started in 1978 after leaving the army: "At the time, we were all an endangered species. I had to learn to teach Spanish almost overnight. I remember my first interview with my principal at the time, and that day, he asked me what I was selling.

I replied that I was selling English and French. My principal retorted that he wasn't very interested and was looking for Spanish! So I learned to teach Spanish.

I would study my Spanish lessons at home in the evening and teach the next day. So I passed on more Spanish than French. In fact, I never taught it.

On the other hand, I gave sports, music, and manual and technical education classes." Despite the challenges, he is pleased with the excellent contact he has maintained with his former students.

Pierre Minaïr, who arrived at the school in 1974, also recalls his memories: "We did a bit of everything, even gym. When we did the 60-meter dash, it was on a path alongside the vineyards. These remain unforgettable memories."

Among the students, Jonathan, who spent six years at the school, shares: "They were very good teachers, I didn't want to leave," and Anne Jacquemin, a former student, remembers a warm atmosphere: "At the time, there was no school bus service, so it was my teachers who took me to school. We have kept in touch thanks to the teacher-student reunions that we organize regularly."

Mr. Barberis, a student from an earlier generation, testifies to the impact of these teachers on his life and that of his family: "My children had these teachers, teachers around the table, and my sister too. We had a special relationship."

In short, the middle school is not limited to memories of teaching, but it also embodies a human adventure where the commitment of teachers and the passion of students forged a tight-knit community. The teachers, who chose to stay at the school, show a deep attachment, asserting that if they had to do it all over again, they would do so without hesitation.

And former students remember these formative years with emotion, illustrating the lasting impact that the school had on their lives.