The board of Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans has found a new home, at 631 State Street, and arranged a long-term lease with St. Francis of Assisi Church. This location is convenient for the many Lycée families who live close by and the new building, with a capacity for upwards of 500 students, gives the school room to grow.

The application process for the 2012-2013 school year began Dec. 1 and runs through Jan. 9. An open house on Jan. 7 will provide information about the school just ahead of the deadline.

Mignhon Tourné, the board’s treasurer, reported that the school is looking into its health insurance program to see if teachers and staff are getting the best benefits for the money.

Jill Otis, the school’s principal, reported that the open house on Dec. 8 was very successful. The school was decorated with poinsettias, and a musician played.

Otis also announced that on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 15-16, the school will mark the holidays and enjoy hot chocolate. A special guest will come to the festivities; Otis would say only that the guest’s favorite color is red.

Sarah Montes, president of La Liaison, the school’s parent/teacher organization, reported that the group participated in the Marché de Noel, a winter market in the French tradition. The market was held Dec. 10 on Lycée’s Claiborne Campus, with participation by artisan vendors and an abundance of French food and music. A book reading in French, sale of French books and activities for children were featured. Montes also reported that La Liaison’s membership drive in November raised $2,000 for the school.

The board met at the First Presbyterian Church. Nine people were in the audience, including a reporter from The Lens.

A special board meeting on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 3 p.m. will discuss a resolution for the enrollment agreement. The next regular board meeting is scheduled Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m.