Arnaud Patural has been appointed headteacher of Sainte-Marie in Lyon (www.sainte-marie-lyon.fr), in agreement with Monsignor de Germay. He takes over from Marc Bouchacourt, who has led the school complex for more than 20 years. Mr Patural is a philosophy teacher. He is married with three children. In his younger years, he taught at Marist schools in Lyon and Riom. Since 2006, he has been headmaster of the Bourges Centre school complex, which has nearly 3,000 pupils from primary to higher education. We welcome him to the Marist network and assure him of our support and prayers for his new mission.
Valérie Fournol writes about her journey at Sainte-Marie Lyon: I wanted to be a teacher. During my schooling, I attended demanding institutions, where I met people who believed in me despite my difficulties. I quickly understood the concept of effort, but above all the beauty of everything we can receive and give. After fifteen years teaching in Cycle 3, I arrived at Sainte Marie in 2012 to teach the final year of nursery school. I enrolled my three children. At first, I had trouble understanding the square, the circle… which one fits into the other?
At Sainte Marie, I found the same high standards of work expected of pupils and adults alike. Over the years, through my experiences, the people I meet, the site and its architecture, I have come to understand the essence of this school, its spirit… what it allows and instils in each of us. I am touched, my children also receive a lot and are equally touched.
In 2015, Mr Bouchacourt offered me the position of primary school prefect. This institution welcomed me as I am, it strives for excellence in everyone, but above all, it guides and trusts. This offer is a calling; it is time for me to give back everything I have received!
I have been in this role for 10 years, I have had wonderful encounters, I feel nourished intellectually, spiritually and humanly. I feel both strong and humble. In 2025, I was offered the position of headmistress. I decided to take on the role and work in this institution with the aim of welcoming and supporting with hope and joy all those who enter this institution: the pupils, their families, my colleagues and the staff.
A warm welcome and prayerful best wishes to Arnaud and Valérie!
