Three questions for the President of the Parents' Association at Écoe des Roches

Olivier MICHEL: How did you come to discover École des Roches?

Sébastien HEURTAUX: First, an observation.

Who hasn't heard of the École des Roches? The reputation and culture of excellence of this century-old institution is so deeply rooted in the collective memory of French and international education.

I knew this prestigious school by name, but my daughter came to me one day and asked to watch some videos about the school, its boarding school, its Anglo-Saxon culture and its magnificent uniforms, saying: Dad, I want to go there. I want to live with children from all over the world and discover community life.

O.M.: What role will parents play at École des Roches, and what do you expect from ALUMNI DE L'ÉCOLE DES ROCHES ?

S.H. The primary role of our Parents' Association is to create a link between parents, who are scattered all over the world, and the school as the place where our children live.

The missions are numerous, and range from explaining to parents the highlights of school life, such as parent/teacher meetings and class council meetings, to offering them an attentive ear for any remarks, advice or suggestions they may need to make to the school.

In this respect, we enjoy excellent relations with both the teaching staff and the school management.

The relationship between École des Roches alumni and our association is a key issue.

The explanation can be summed up in 3 key words: legitimacy, transmission and support.

Indeed, the strength of the alumni network over the past 110 years has given every Rocheux the opportunity to become part of the alumni community, not only to benefit from the mutual support network, but also and above all to bring this association to life, while providing guidance and support to École Centrale students throughout their studies, whether they are looking for an internship or looking for informal exchanges on their future professional life and role in society.

O.M.: In your opinion, what are the advantages of sending your children to École des Roches? And what are its strengths?

Of course, the 50 nationalities on campus are an asset and a privilege that few schools in Europe can boast.

The quality of boarding and house life is probably what young people value most throughout their schooling.

In addition to the excellent academic training offered at l'École des Roches and the wide range of courses on offer, what I'll remember most is the ability to support young people on a daily basis, to help them grow up to become the adults of tomorrow, by instilling in them today the values of respect, responsibility and mutual aid, as well as performance and surpassing oneself.

In a word, the school of life.