THE CANTEEN
The French International School Boule & Billes canteen favors homemade food, a balanced diet, awareness of taste and prevention.Presentation
Food should be a source of pleasure and health for your children. Boule & Billes schools are committed to you, based on the following values:
"HOMEMADE"
A traditional French, Vietnamese, and international cuisine is made on-site daily in our kitchens by our team of chefs.
Meals and snacks are prepared with fresh, quality ingredients, and we make sure to avoid "ultra-processed" foods.
BALANCED DIET
The menus we offer are carefully designed with a focus on increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables.
We regularly submit our menus to a (French) dietitian to ensure that the menu offered to the children meets their nutritional needs.
TASTE EDUCATION
Developing taste and learning
In order to awaken children's senses and curiosity, new dishes are regularly introduced into the menus.
Activities are regularly offered to children:
- Themed meals (Christmas meal, seasonal meal, according to the holidays of the year…)
- Taste week (with the participation of local restaurateurs)
- Francophonie week with dishes related to Francophone countries
- Cooking workshops
It’s worth noting that a vegetarian menu is offered once a week, on Thursdays!
PREVENTION
Food allergies are taken into account, and certain special diets can be considered as part of an Individualized Care Plan (PAI).
Timetable
Meals are taken at:
- 10:55 a.m. for nursery
- 11:20 a.m. for kindergarten
- 11:55 a.m. for elementary school
CANTEEN LIFE CHARTER
CHILDREN'S RIGHTS – CANTEEN LIFE CHARTER
The child has rights
- To be respected, to express themselves, and to be listened to by their peers and the staff.
- To report any concerns or worries to the manager.
- To be protected from aggression by other children (pushing, teasing, threats…).
- To have a meal in good conditions, in a relaxed, warm, and attentive atmosphere.
The child has responsibilities
- To respect basic rules of politeness (please, thank you…).
- Respect other children and catering staff, be polite and courteous with classmates and adults present.
- Contribute to the smooth running of the meal through a responsible attitude.
- The school canteen is a place for communal living
It is an opportunity for the child:
- To learn how to live together
- To discover new flavors
In order for everything to go as smoothly as possible, there are a few basic rules that must be respected by everyone.
Before entering the canteen:
- I have the right to view the menu.
- I have the right to sit with whomever I want.
BUT
- I must line up calmly, without pushing my classmates.
- I need to wash my hands.
- I must settle down quietly in the school canteen, respect the adults and my
classmates.
During the meal:
- I have the right to speak calmly with my classmates.
- I have the right to eat at my own pace.
- I have the right to be served again if there is enough left.
- I have the right to be respected by adults.
BUT
- I must respect adults.
- I have to take into account what I am told and respect the decisions of the canteen staff.
- I need to eat neatly and use my paper napkin.
- I mustn't play or waste food, and I taste everything!
- I have to share with my classmates (the dishes in the salad bowls).
At the end of the meal
- I participate in the service of putting away the plates and cutlery.
- I put my stool under the table before leaving the canteen.
- I leave calmly without pushing my classmates and I go to the playground.
AND
- I have the right to go play in the yard or to participate in the workshops that are offered.
- I agree to abide by the school canteen rules.
FAQ
Where can I find the canteen menu?
It is located here
Do the children eat rice every day?
No. We serve starchy foods every day, but they vary depending on the menu: pasta, potatoes, rice, cereals, or bread. The goal is to ensure a balanced and varied diet.
My child doesn't like vegetables, can he/she have only meat + starchy foods?
We encourage children to try all foods, including vegetables.
We respect their appetite, but we accompany them in the gradual discovery of new foods, without forcing them.
My child has food allergies, what should I do?
We take allergies into account as part of an Individualized Care Plan (PAI).
When possible, we adapt the menu.
In cases of severe or multiple allergies, we may ask parents to provide a meal to ensure the child's safety.
My child follows dietary restrictions for religious reasons. How do you manage?
On days when a forbidden food appears on the menu, we offer a suitable alternative.
Please provide us with written confirmation of any restrictions to ensure consistent follow-up.
My child is vegetarian, what are the options?
A vegetarian menu is offered once a week for everyone.
For children who are vegetarian on a daily basis, a vegetarian option can be served every day upon request.
Are the menus approved by a nutrition professional?
Yes. A French dietitian regularly evaluates our menus to guarantee their nutritional balance.
Are the meals prepared on site or delivered?
All our meals and snacks are prepared on site, every day, in our kitchens by our team of cooks.
Do you use fresh produce?
Yes. We favor fresh produce and limit ultra-processed foods as much as possible.
Can I view the menus in advance?
Yes, the menus are communicated to families:
- on the website
- via communications sent by the school
- or via the internal application (if applicable)
My child eats very little at the canteen, how do you manage?
Our teams support the children with kindness, encourage them to try new things and ensure that they eat enough.
If we observe regular difficulties, we inform the parents in order to find solutions together.
Does the canteen offer sweetened water or sodas?
No. The children only have access to water during meals.
Sugary drinks, sodas and flavored waters are completely excluded.
Every morning, we serve fresh fruit juice prepared on site.
A small amount of sugar can be added only when the fruits are very acidic (lemon, bitter orange, passion fruit).
Exceptionally, during festive events, a small dose of grenadine may be offered. This remains rare and regulated.
Can my child have as many seconds as they want?
Yes, children can have seconds in reasonable quantities.
We encourage them to finish their first portion before asking for more, in order to limit food waste while respecting their appetite.
Do you have a self-service area?
No, we do not have a self-service area.
In kindergarten, meals are served at the table, and an ASEM (school assistant) remains present to help the children eat and ensure that each one receives appropriate portions.
In elementary school, the dishes are placed in the center of tables for 4 students: the children serve themselves, under the supervision of the canteen staff, who ensure that the meal runs smoothly and that hygiene and conviviality rules are respected.
Would you like to know more?
Our team is available at a time that suits you to show you around our campuses. If you would like to meet us and book a guided tour of Thao Dien or Binh Thanh, please fill in the online visit request form: