Paris Private School’s Recognise the Value of Early Etiquette Education
Revival of the belief that it is never too early to teach children the fundamentals of good behaviour is apparent at certain private schools.
(PRWEB) February 2, 2005 -- Marymount School is the first private school in
the Paris region to recognize the value of encouraging good manners early on,
and is doing so through their after-school program. Just a few months after the
initial offering of public etiquette courses, parents encouraged their
children’s private schools to make the courses available on-site. The courses
are led by Minding Manners, Paris’ only etiquette consultancy specializing in
youth etiquette. Minding Manners offers programs for children, teens and young
adults based on reinforcing valuable social, life, communication and leadership
skills. The headquarters is located at 91, rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré in Paris
8th. Programs are offered throughout Paris, the Hauts-de-Seine and the Yvelines.
The way was led with the offering of a 90-minute seminar on “Holiday
Etiquette/Courtesies That Count” for their 6th, 7th and 8th graders (11 - 13
years old). As this customized program was presented just before the end of the
year holidays, the focus was on appreciation and table manners. The children
were enthusiastic, full of questions and eager to share their new found
knowledge with their friends and family. “Many of our students come from
privileged backgrounds such as ambassadorial, diplomatic and other high ranking
civilian families; therefore they are often exposed to elegant functions early
on. As such, their parents also recognize the value of strong social skills”,
explains Sister Anne Marie Hill, Marymount Headmistress.
“Many of our
parents were eager to sign their children up for the off-site after-school
program offered in Neuilly-sur-seine, yet the logistics of organizing
transportation for the children was an issue. To facilitate the matter, we are
now offering the programs on-site for children ages 5 - 7 this winter term, and
for children ages 8 - 12 in the fall. Parents of students who have already
participated in the off-site programs have reported back with high ratings”,
confides Ms. Claudia Boswell, Director of Marymount After-School Activities. The
aim of the programs is to build the life skills and confidence that generally
accompany good manners. The Etiquette and Dining programs cover topics such as
proper introductions, table manners, telephone etiquette, etiquette in public
places, public speaking, self-respect, respect for others, the art of
conversation and how to write a proper thank you note. Each session lasts
90-minutes and is presented in English.
The American School of Paris is
looking to potentially follow the lead by offering the Etiquette and Character
Education segment of the program after school through their Extension Office.
“We appreciate the fact that this program emphasizes everyday etiquette based on
self-respect and respect for others, thereby offering parents the aide of an
outside voice, reinforcing their at-home efforts”, says Ms. Sandra Cabouat,
After-school Coordinator for the Extension Program at the American School of
Paris.
Likewise, Sinclair House School may provide a special segment to
their 4 - 6 year old students. “Good manners go hand in hand with the Montessori
method, which is given great emphasis at our preschool”, declares Bénédicte
Vaissage, Sinclair House School Director.
"Manners and good character are
the hard assets on the road to success that will determine the quality of a
child’s relationships for a lifetime", said Tamiko Zablith, who is the Founder
and Director of Minding Manners. She adds that the graduates will be polished
and prepared to meet life’s social and ethical challenges with grace and
integrity as they will have acquired skills that will endure throughout their
scholastic, professional and personal lives. Although the programs are currently
attended by students from the upper-middle to upper class, Tamiko Zablith
remains firm in her affirmation that good manners transcend social class,
economic status, academic achievement, race and gender and that all youth
greatly benefit from such skills. Ms. Zablith is France’s only internationally
licensed Youth Etiquette Consultant. She was trained and certified by the
Protocol School of Washington, the leader in etiquette and protocol training for
children and adults. She received her initial finishing instruction as an
honored Xinos in the Beta Phi Chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa honors sorority for
which she was presented as a Debutante in Beverly Hills, California in 1987.
Additional instruction was obtained in London, England. Professionally, she is a
member of the International Association of Protocol Consultants, the Association
for Moral Education and the Boston University Center for the Advancement of
Ethics and Character. Locally, Tamiko Zablith is the Vice President Leader
Liaison for MESSAGE Mother Support Group.
Corporate Etiquette,
International Protocol and Tea Etiquette programs are also available for adults.
For additional program information, visit www.mindingmanners.com,
or call +33 (0)6 98 97 12 29.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prweb203672.htm