Testimonials - French Lessons

Ms Bird is a very very thorough and helpful tutor who has extensive knowledge about French and the HSC course. She makes difficult lessons very bearable (even fun!) and always ensures that I'm ready for exams well in advance. In addition to the vast amount of resources she provides, she is also always ready to help with great advice on how to manage stress and the HSC. I have definitely improved greatly from her help and could not recommend her more!

Mahalia, HSC Student (Killara)

“It has been wonderful to have tuition where lessons focussed on my exact needs. Gay identified exactly where I was at. Material and teaching assisted me where I needed it, and was paced so that I was challenged, but not overwhelmed.”

Linde (Copacabana, Central Coast)

I am going to France for 7 months and Gay’s beginner course was ideal preparation. The classes are full of laughs but we still got through a lot of material. We focused more on what was applicable to travelling as opposed to fussing over the technical nature of the language which was great. Classes were the highlight of my week!”

Trent (Parramatta)

I enrolled at French Collection to enable me to achieve my goal of having a simple conversation in French. I’ve been struggling with my school girl French whilst visiting and living in France for many years. I thoroughly enjoyed the classes as Gay makes them fun and uncomplicated. I feel that I have progressed and look forward to the next stage. I would highly recommend French Collection to anyone wanting to learn in an informal and informative environment.

Suzy (Willoughby)

“Prior to holidaying in France I decided to take a beginners course in French, I was fortunate enough to find Gay, who gave lessons on the Central Coast. The lessons are given in her home in a relaxed learning environment. Gay is a wonderful teacher who, with her great sense of humour, explains everything in an informative, fun way, without being intimidating. Apart from Gay’s knowledge of the language, Gay also has extensive knowledge of Paris and its regions, which is invaluable. I’m looking forward to continuing my French after my holiday!”

Lisa (Saratoga)

“When I was accepted at late notice into an exchange program to France, at first I was immediately thrilled, then I had a worrying thought – how am I going to learn French in 6 weeks?! Thank you Gay, you went above and beyond my expectations from our very first contact.”

Jacqui (Avoca Beach, Central Coast)

“Bonjour, I am in my senior years and took the French Beginners class with Madame Gay, not having any prior experience with language. Loved the classes. Now I am armed with the necessary language skills to make my trip to France less daunting! Would definitely recommend Gay's classes".

Linda (Davistown)

“Learning French with Gay is always a lot of fun. She is a well prepared & patient teacher & her classes are full of energy & interest. Anyone at any level would benefit from her classes.”

Liz (Killcare)

“I joined a small class, mostly keen travellers with some memories of French from school all keen to get some skills to enhance the experience of being in France. Gay provided a wonderful learning environment. Supportive, encouraging, practical and great materials. I would thoroughly recommend this learning experience. Gay is a wonderful teacher and she understood perfectly the needs of each of her students. It was the next best thing to being in France!!"

Pauline (Epping)

Paris School - Homestay: I was incredibly lucky to be placed in a very traditional Parisian apartment in the 1st Arrondissement just off the famous Rue Montorgueil. It was such a treat to see shop keepers setting up early each day, something I don't usually see as a tourist! My host was a lovely woman, and although she spoke not a word of English, made me feel very welcome in her home. It was certainly an incentive to improve my French quickly! I was taken on a tour around the area and walked to the Accord school on my first day. Given my ...

Victoria - West Pennant Hills (NSW)

“Gay’s French classes were informative, inspirational, well-structured and fun, and after an 8-week term, we were able to successfully book a restaurant in Paris by phone for our forthcoming trip. Very highly recommended”.

Ann & Bob ( Glenhaven)

“In March this year I began a Beginners French language course with Gay. I was part of a group of six students and we met weekly at Gay’s home. This has been a delightful experience! As I hadn’t studied French since high school I was very nervous. Gay immediately put everyone at ease with her warm and friendly manner. Gay was so encouraging to everyone in the group that we all quickly became confident and felt at ease with French conversation. Gay systematically covered all essential aspects of the language so as we can look forward to speaking with confidence ...

Trish (Epping)

“Learning with Gay was a great experience and I always looked forward to every lesson. The teaching was fast paced but catered to our group’s learning ability and we were always able to slow down whenever needed. I would highly recommend Gay as a tutor. The lessons were great fun and her teaching ability allowed me to grasp the basics (and more) of the French language quite quickly.”

Kayla (Parramatta)

“Ms Bird’s enthusiasm for French is infectious! She inspires her students with her passion. She is flexible with lesson timing; will run late to finish off a topic rather than stop sharp at the end of the lesson time; and is in frequent email contact between lessons, providing continuous support. Apart from her excellent language and teaching skills, Ms Bird is a genuinely caring and warm person. Studying with her was an eagerly anticipated weekly delight. She gave me a great sense of confidence in my HSC French exam.”

Elias (Castlecrag, HSC Student)

I walked into Gay's Beginners 1 unsure of how long I could persevere given that I had not even school French in my past and a three score and ten birthday in the near future. Two terms on, am absolutely delighted and preparing for Paris trip in near future with a greater feeling for French culture as well as language in my baggage . Classes are also such fun that it would be a real hardship to give them up - Gay is a born teacher!

Alix ( Koolewong)

“I have had quite a few false starts in beginners French classes over the years, with as many teachers. Gay has been the most wonderful, patient and organised teacher out of all. Her teaching skills mean I always feel supported and I’m never left feeling judged or silly for asking questions. No matter what state my French is in, she always takes notice and starts where we need to be. I cannot recommend her course and her as a teacher more highly.”

Justine (Pearl Beach)

“My husband and I have been having private lessons with Gay for nearly a year and during this time our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Lessons are well prepared and at the same time Gay provides a relaxed and encouraging approach that enables lessons to be fun and flexible. She is clearly passionate about France and about sharing her knowledge of the language and culture.”

Heather (Epping)

“My husband and I attended the beginner classes with Gay prior to a holiday in France. We highly recommend Gay’s courses; the beginner course gave us quite a lot to use in France but at the same time was not overwhelming. A relaxed and intimate setting in a very small group is the key – you don’t feel intimidated or like you’re being left behind. Gay is a great tutor and we look forward to learning more.”

Debbie ( Kings Langley)

“I attended lessons with Gay, together with my wife and daughter, for the purpose of acquiring some basic skills in the German language. I found the lessons to be well prepared, suited to our level of experience with German and culturally relevant. The lessons were conducted in an enjoyable, relaxed and informal atmosphere and were of great practical value on our visit to Germany and Switzerland.”

Guy (Cheltenham)

Thanks for making my learning experience fun, and for inspiring me with a desire for life-long learning.I really appreciated your SUPER approach to teaching, especially your:Support and your high expectations that my co-learners and I could achieve our goals.Understanding our needs as learners of a foreign language, and for your ongoing encouragement.Passion for teaching, which shone through in your patience and praise of our achievements.Engaging/interactive lessons, using a variety of teaching strategies (especially the role-plays)Relevance of lesson-plans to everyday situations.

Sandra (Umina)

“French lessons held in a very pleasant, homely and comfortable setting. Mrs Gay Bird is a very skilful and enthusiastic teacher who puts much effort and preparation into the session and pitches it to a level that is not threatening but still extends her pupils. The notes provided were very helpful and obviated the need to purchase expensive texts.”

Nano (Epping)

“I started coming to Ms Bird at the beginning of this year and I can definitely see the effect that her engaging HSC tailored lessons have had on my recent school French marks. When the HSC is over I can see her lessons sustaining my interest in the French language and culture”.

James (Drummoyne, HSC Student)

“ Gay, I have really enjoyed our French lessons. You have been a wonderful teacher. And you always keep us on our toes. We never know what surprises we will encounter each week. Your funny and interesting asides make lessons very entertaining.”

Claire (Mangrove Mountain)

“Having tried a number of ways to improve my French speaking ability and comprehension, I found having individual lessons with Gay extremely productive and rewarding. Gay was able to concentrate on my personal level of ability with the language and geared her lessons to suit my interests, requirements and capability at the time.”

Margie (Cheltenham)

”I am now in my 8th month of learning French with Gay and will not be stopping anytime soon! Starting out with an 8 week beginner class was an excellent place to begin. The class was small which allowed us to get to know each other and get through the material at a comfortable pace. I have continued my learning in a small group of 3-4 people. Gay always has our lessons well prepared and we are able to slow down or speed up when needed! Along with her excellent teaching skills there are always a lot of laughs. I ...

Victoria (West Pennant Hills)

“Learning French with Ms Bird has so far been an extremely helpful and rewarding opportunity. It is fun and very enjoyable. I would recommend it for everyone.”

Christine (East Killara, HSC student )

I” recently joined a small group of students, with Gay Bird as our teacher, to participate in a series of weekly French lessons over a period of eight weeks. The lessons were conducted in the relaxed comfort of our hostess’ home in Epping. Gay’s ability to create a sequence of highly relevant and very interesting lessons that enabled her to cater to a wide range of needs was evident at the outset. Also, her ability to always engage and inform us all in encouraging and innovative ways has convinced me to return to another series of lessons this exemplary teacher ...

Marguerite (Epping)

“I had a wonderful experience learning French with Gay. The lessons were easy to follow whilst also being interesting and stimulating. The environment and atmosphere of the class was always welcoming and encouraging. I would recommend this class to tout le monde!”

Katie (Beecroft)

"If you are interested in learning the French Language - and so much more - your search stops here! Gay Bird is an exceptional teacher of language - no matter what your level. She is passionate about the French language and all things French. Her teaching manner is patient, enthusiastic, warm and welcoming and she can take you from useful basics for fun with the language as you travel, right through to competent conversational French. After participating in both the Beginners' 8 week course and an additional conversational extension class, I can thoroughly and enthusiastically recommend Gay and her French ...

Georgina (Beecroft)

I have been going to French classes with Gay for about 5 months now, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every lesson. I started going as I am visiting France soon for the first time, and wanted to revive my high school knowledge. I am feeling much more confident, thanks to Gay, and am looking forward to my trip. The group I am learning with are delightful, and I have not known an lesson to be without much laughter. I thoroughly recommend Gay to anyone who wants to become even more enthusiastic about France and French than they already are.

Melanie (Bateau Bay)

“I truly enjoyed everything about the course offered by Gay. Not only did I gain confidence to be able to converse in French for my holiday in Paris, but Gay also covered many practical and informative aspects of life and travelling in France. It surpassed what I thought I would learn in such a short time. She was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and her course was well organised and professional and most importantly fun.”

Jayne (Pymble)

“We cannot speak highly enough of Gay and Chris’ French lessons. They went out of their way to squeeze us in halfway through a course, and helped us catch up. They have also given us advice on places to go on our upcoming trip to France. The atmosphere at the lessons is welcoming and informal, and the content is interesting and relevant.”

Emma & Damien (Terrigal)

Gay creates the most enjoyable learning atmosphere in her lessons. No matter what your level, she is tuned to everyone's needs. Her classes are interactive, and you learn in a supportive and fun environment. If you have tried other classes or are unsure where to start, I can recommend Gay's classes wholeheartedly.

Sandie (Eastwood)

Deciding to learn French was very different for me however, after only my first term I have gained a lot more knowledge than I thought I would and am still continuing to practice. The delivery of the course is well presented and informative, would recommend to all. Thank you!

Tamara (Telopea)

“Gay’s German lessons were interactive, stimulating, well organised and fun! They were also tailor-made to our family’s travel needs.”

Carolyn (Cheltenham)

I was lacking motivation to maintain consistent work ethic in battling through the French HSC course. However, after seeing Ms Bird, not only has she taught me valuable exam and study techniques and the intricacies of the French language, but she also taught me the beauty of French culture and traditions. She is always willing to help unconditionally, constantly sending encouraging emails to make sure we’re still powering through and not burning out. Her bright smile, lively personality and perfectionist attitude continually makes lessons productive, intriguing and enjoyable.

Vanessa, HSC Student (Rhodes)

I attended a French Beginners course in first term 2013 and found that Gay created a warm and encouraging environment for her students in which it was a pleasure to learn. Highly recommended!

Ann (North Epping)

I have just completed an eight week French class with Gay as our teacher. I thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience, and I know that I will be much better equipped at speaking and understanding the French language when I holiday in "France this year. Gay is an excellent teacher and communicator, and she is always willing to assist with any questions one may have regarding all things ‘French’. She is patient and kind and caters for all levels of competency, from the beginning student to the more advanced. Gay encourages all students to work at their own pace and installs ...

Peta (East Kurrajong)

Paris School: After being very apprehensive about a week in Paris alone, I took Gay's advice and enrolled in the Accord School for a 5 day course. It was one of the most rewarding and fun weeks of my life! My teacher, Valerie, was a gorgeous young woman, and aspiring actress, who was so helpful not only with the language, but various tips on Paris - she told us all the hip places to visit! I had the opportunity to improve my French which was fantastic, but most of all I experienced Paris with my new friends from all over the world. It ...

Victoria - West Pennant Hills (NSW)

“My husband and I studied French with Gay as we were planning a holiday in Paris. Gay tailored our lessons specifically to our needs and the sessions were relaxed and very informative. I would not hesitate to recommend her as a French teacher.”

Melinda (Gordon)

As someone who has attended French classes here in Australia as well as overseas, I can truthfully say that Gay’s classes have been the most enjoyable and the most effective of any I have attended. Gay has a natural gift for teaching and is absolutely one of the best. She is warm, funny and perceptive and her enthusiasm for the French language and all things French is infectious. Lessons are informative, entertaining (she has a wicked sense of humour!) and above all, fun. Gay has the ability to create a learning environment where students feel at ease with each other ...

Jenni (Wagstaffe)

“The best New Year’s resolution I have made has been to learn a language. The second best was choosing the French Collection. Starting in a travellers French class was a great introduction and that theme has been continued throughout the year which has made the class very interesting and enlightening. From learning very helpful everyday phrases, through to how to use the Metro and order a meal. Gay’s engaging personality and easy teaching skills have been the reason I have continued for the whole year and will continue next year. I can honestly say there hasn’t been a week when ...

Lyndall (West Pennant Hills)

“Gay is a lovely teacher, she is very encouraging, friendly and helpful. She is very thorough and patient in her lessons and always made sure that I understood the meaning and pronunciation of words, grammar and all the other complexities of the French language! I was learning French because of my honeymoon in Paris and her knowledge of the city as well as the language was invaluable to me.”

Ruth (Sutherland)

I wanted to learn French because my husband and I love France and we have travelled there a number of times. The class was wonderful. I learned so much, the group was great and we had so much fun! Gay is truly an outstanding teacher.

Margaret (Mooney Mooney Creek)

I loved every minute of my French classes with Gay at French Collection. She is such an amazing teacher and always adapted to the varying levels of students in her class. The theme based learning is very practical and really helps it all to sink in. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in learning the language in an awesome and fun environment.

Nikki-Lee (Ermington)

'With her bubbly, friendly personality and professional qualities, Gay creates the perfect environment for learning. Our lessons were interactive, creative and Gay is always very encouraging. We would recommend French Collection to anyone wanting to learn French.”

Jess & Nathan (Wyong Creek)

“Excellent way to learn Beginners’ French. Gay was a fab communicator with lots of patience and great handouts. I learnt to speak French & did not get lost in Paris.”

Dian (Wentworth Point)

I've loved picking up French again with Gay in her friendly, informal classes. The classes are well-structured, varied and enjoyable, and I have felt encouraged and supported both by Gay and the other students I am learning with. I feel like I have learned a lot in a short amount of time and feel more confident in my speaking ability. I definitely recommend to anyone considering starting or continuing to learn French.

Emily (Woy Woy)

“Prior to holidaying in France, I undertook with a small group of people a short course in French conducted by Ms Gay Bird at her home. Gay’s excellent teaching skills, fluency in the French language, great sense of humour and her extensive contemporary knowledge of French culture, Paris and the regions of France made for a most enjoyable and valuable learning experience. All the course participants particularly appreciated Gay’s comprehensive course notes, her attention to detail with respect to the course work, and her genuine interest in improving the language skills of all the group members.”

Paul (Epping)

“I was fortunate enough to have Gay give me a crash course in conversational French prior to a four week Rotary Exchange visit to Brittany.”

Howard (Manly)

Testimonials - Accommodation

Champagne: Chateau d’Etoge is classically French – French charm and delicious food in one package. It's an ideally located French country “chateau” in the Champagne area only 20 minutes or so from Epernay where Moet & Chandon cellars are. Food is a specialty. The formal dining room is an experience in itself with quality French food from a menu that changes daily. We had a great degustation one night and à la carte on another and had an extensive choice for delicious breakfasts in the Breakfast room each morning.

Don & Sue - Frenchs Forest (NSW)

Burgundy - Chateau de Vaulx: on our recent visit to France, both my husband and myself found Château de Vaulx to be one of the highlights of our trip. The owner, Marty, is a most charming, accommodating and convivial host. We particularly enjoyed the 'table d'hôte' meal in his beautiful dining room, and coffee afterwards, outdoors, on the front lawn overlooking the distant countryside. On our next visit to France, we will definitely return to Château de Vaulx and the Burgundy region.

Peta and Glenn - Kurrajong (NSW)

Provence: We can highly recommend La Bastide Sainte Anne to anyone seeking quiet sophistication in a superior B&B. The rooms are gorgeous, generously proportioned and tastefully appointed. Breakfast on the sunny balcony, with views across the olive grove to the ancient Pont du Gard aqueduct, is a delight. Can we stay another night, Amanda?

Jim & Sybil - Narrabeen (NSW)

Chez Camille: The warm reception, service and personal care at Chez Camille made it feel as though you were staying in someone's home so their hotel name suits. The food was seasonal, tasty and wholesome and served in the softly sunlit atmospheric covered courtyard. Our room was spacious and lovely... a traditional style with warm antique furniture.

Pamela & Ken (Roseville, NSW)

World War 1 - Somme - Château d’Omiércourt: when French Collection suggested this château I know why. Stunningly beautiful, in every facet from its facade, manicured grounds and conveniently located to the World War 1 sites.

Paul & Adrianna - St Mary's (NSW)

Hotel Edward 1st: I loved Edward 1st, obviously the most opulent accommodation in the charming village of Monpazier . The room we had on the first floor was light, spacious and stylishly presented. You looked out onto the front garden and entrance. The food was absolutely delicious and dining room decor cool. I want to go to Monpazier and stay there again.

Pamela & Ken (Roseville, NSW)

Les Glycines was such a gorgeous modern boutique hotel near the river where you could do walks and kayaking. Gracious and welcoming ambience. They had a lovely kitchen garden and their nouvelle style cuisine was exceptional. Lovely spacious garden, and great pre dinner drinks on the patio. Another perfect choice by French Collection.

Pamela & Ken (Roseville NSW)

Dordogne - Hotel Edward 1st: this lovingly restored Hotel by its owners Arjan and Marije was a pleasure to visit. The Hotel is situated within walking distance of the old town square with its charming shops. The Hotel's restaurant run by Arjan, offers delicious food and wine in intimate surroundings. The breakfasts are particularly enjoyable. Both Arjan and Marije were welcoming and gracious hosts. This is a lovely hotel in which to stay when visiting the Dordogne area.

Peta & Glenn - Kurrajong (NSW)

Paris - Left Bank: The staff at Minerve were very friendly and helped us with all our bookings and plans during our stay. I have recommended the hotel to friends since!

Tina - Eastwood (NSW)

Château Vaulx: The château perched high on the rolling hills of Burgundy was everything you'd ever imagined of French provincial scenes. Idyllic. When French Collections offered us the choice requested one of the higher priced rooms and it was worth it for the space and outlook onto the chateau garden. There was a concert event on the evening we arrived. Since French Collection had already established such a trusting and close relationship with Marty the Chateau owner, he invited us as though we were friends not customers to join the musicians for dinner in the garden. They served a delicious ...

Pamela & Ken (Roseville, NSW)

Champagne: Chateau d’Etoges was recommended and booked effortlessly for me by French Collection. This was the highlight of our trip to France. Elegance, history, and a gastronomic encounter to rival the best. I highly recommend this experience as one not to be missed.

Paul & Adrianna - St. Mary's (NSW)

Pyrénées: Had a great stay at Clos Mirabel in the Pyrénées. Location, hospitality and breakfasts of local produce were superb, and we're now considering returning in winter for the access to the snowfields.

Monica & Jason - Glenelg (SA)

Loire: Les Fleurons - delightful accommodation to be had in Amboise. Ideally located and a short walk to all that this quaint town provides. Tim & Carolyn are the best hosts, very helpful and obliging. The renovated 17th century building has been tastefully modernised and yet still retains the charm of yesteryear. The room we had was spacious, had tea making facilities (rare in France), nice en-suite bathroom and looked out onto the castle walls whilst other rooms were just as good and overlooked the river. Recommended.

David & Marketa - Kenthurst (NSW)

World War 1 - Somme: We stayed at the Château d'Omiécourt for the ANZAC Day Villers Bretonneux service. The château and the hosts were just wonderful. Highly recommended !!

Jerry & Candice - Mosman (NSW)

French events

French Market
Alliance Francaise Film Festival
Pétanque

French Events

Discover French happenings in your Australian locality – see below !

hotel-des-ajoncs-dor-mussels-frites-cancale

French Country Market – Central Coast

The market provides an opportunity to feel, see and taste a French experience. It is held at the Chertsey Primary School, Willow Road, Springfield. It is typically held in May and November each year and the entry fee is around $2.

Alliance Francaise French Film Festival

Alliance Francaise holds its annual French Film festival around March and April. It proudly brings us the best new cinema from France. The Australian festival is not only the biggest film festival here, it is also the largest outside France. The festival operates in 6 major cities across Australia.

Venues in Sydney may include:

Palace Verona
Palace Norton Street
Chauvel Cinema
Hayden Orpheum Cremorne

For the latest information, go to this site.

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Pétanque

Not sure whether this Melbourne club is still running. It was/is run by UFE-VICTORIA and meets Saturday afternoon at the Camberwell Petanque Club. Try here for more information: http://pisteup.googlepages.com/home

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