A review panel made this decision without consulting teachers, parents or school communities.

Students from White Hills Primary, Big Hill Primary, Laurel Street Primary, Crusoe Secondary College, Eaglehawk Secondary College, Weeroona College Bendigo and Bendigo Senior Secondary College will in the future no longer have the opportunity to learn this language spoken by 42 other countries in the world.

French students have always enjoyed the rich culture of France, particularly aspects relating to food, the arts, fashion, history and sporting events.

From now on, parents who want their children to learn French will need to send them to Catholic College, Creek Street or Girton.

I, for one, am deeply saddened by this hasty decision.

Barbara Pelly,

French teacher

Weeroona College Bendigo