Ruth's life long love affair with French language and culture began in primary school in Adelaide. She was most fortunate in having a French native speaker as her teacher throughout her school years. Thanks to the dedication of Madame Jaquillard, who patiently spent hours reading the classics of French literature aloud to her class, Ruth acquired a deep love and understanding of French language and culture as well as an accent that is often mistaken for that of a native speaker when she visits France.

 

Ruth's love of French culture took on a further dimension at Flinders University where she majored in French under Prof. Ian Laurie. Founder of the Adelaide Film Festival, Prof. Laurie also established the first Australian course in French cinema. Later in life, Ruth completed 4 years of Ph.D. studies in French cinema at Melbourne University, which inspired her to write and direct three independent Australian feature films to date.

 

The proud mother of three grown-up daughters, all of whom studied French to VCE level and beyond, Ruth has tutored her own girls and numerous primary and high school students. Consequently she is thoroughly familiar with the AIM,  VCE and IBA programs. She also welcomes university and adult students of all levels, including beginners. She endeavours to impart to all her students the same fluency with the French language and love of French culture that her teachers inspired in her.

 

Ruth was awarded the DALF (Diplôme Avancé de la Langue Française) by the French Government after passing the final examinations with High Distinction.

 

She visits France regularly, where one of her daughters currently lives and works in Paris as a professional concert pianist.

 

In 2018 Ruth spent a month in the south-west of France as Writer and Director of the film "Just Add Water", which has been produced with both full English and French language soundtracks.