St. Stephen’s Students are Reviving an Almost Lost Art of Keeping in Touch

Before social media, there was pen, paper and the postal system to keep friends connected to each other’s lives. Although both communication methods are still used, the pen pal concept is not as popular. But Middle and Upper school students in St. Stephen’s French classes have penned a new twist to the pen pal concept. 

The new program is called the “E-P@l Project.” Introduced by Modern Languages Department Chair Julie Ronquillo, who recently moved to Austin from The John Cooper School in Houston, says the goal was to provide students authentic experiences with the French language in innovative ways through speaking and writing.

“I wanted to try to break the walls of the classroom and give students something beyond that to make them engage and want to learn more,” said Ronquillo.

In August, about 60 St. Stephen’s students taking French 1, 2, 3 and 4 were paired with a student taking English at Lycée Jacques de Vaucanson, a day and boarding high school in west-central France located in the city of Tours, south of Paris. St. Stephen’s French instructors Julie Ronquillo, Valerie Kelly and Alix Lacelarie-Kautz worked closely with the current English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor at the French school, Delphine Pozzoli, to match students who have common hobbies, interests and personalities, with the hope that it would lead to stronger connections.

Pozzoli and Ronquillo are close friends, and met while Ronquillo was obtaining her master’s degree at Université François Rabelais, Tours, in France. Once they became classroom teachers in different countries, the two knew their students could learn a lot from each other. While this is the first year for St. Stephen’s students to be part of the E-P@l Project Ronquillo has had a lot of success with it in previous schools where she has taught.

Keiko Robinson ’27 who is from Oklahoma and has family in Japan was paired with a student in France who is fascinated with Japan. Shriya Kandhaadai ’27 was paired with a student who shares a love of singing and performing arts, which has led to energized conversations about shows and performances they are each involved with.

Students have been tasked with a variety of communication assignments through videos and writing “old school” letters. Sometimes the lesson requires students to communicate in their native language, and other times they are required to communicate in the language they are learning. This allows native English speakers to strengthen the English of native French speakers and vice versa.

Katie Krauss ’26 says she had really enjoyed getting to know her pen pal, Irsana, who is 14-years-old and loves cats. Krauss took Irsana on a video tour at St. Stephen’s that included showing off the Chapel and the place where she studies: Becker Library.

“She showed me around her school as well — and it was snowing outside!” said Krauss. “I've most enjoyed just sending casual videos back and forth where we talk about our school day or giving a fit check with friends. It is very interesting to see the different culture and activities in France compared to here.”

When sharing videos, the students use a vetted and safe, secure and private online platform approved by the French National Education Ministry. Each student records and sends the content to their e-p@l through the portal, while respecting specific topics and following clear guidelines. Once posted, the video can only be viewed by the specific pen pal pair, and the instructors who have special access to oversee all submissions. 

Another highlight for Krauss and her classmates was when they received a large package in the mail from the students in France right before the winter break. It was filled with handwritten cards and French candy. St. Stephen’s students also shipped a holiday package to their French pen pals, which was filled with Spartan swag, handwritten holiday cards, ornaments and American sweets. 

Ms. Kelly praises the program for sparking excitement among her French 2 and 4 students and broadening their perspectives, while enhancing their French language skills through writing, reading and learning about French culture. 

“It’s been a great experience and checks so many boxes,” said Kelly. “We’re trying to change the routine and not always teach the same thing,” said Kelly. 

Several pen pal partnerships have blossomed into friendships, which Mrs. Lacelarie-Kautz says has been special to witness.

“It makes me happy when they talk about wanting to visit France, meet their pen pals, and explore their schools, towns and customs,” said Lacelarie-Kautz. “I’m so glad we’ve added this pen pal exchange to our program at St. Stephen’s. It will bring great benefits to our French program, improving the students' learning experience and helping them grow their language skills in meaningful ways.”

To learn more about the partner French school click here.