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Month: May 2020

No oral exam, no 3rd trimester: Bac 2020

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/05/2020

The oral exam for the baccalaureate in Monaco is cancelled this academic year and third trimester will not count towards final results, in line with a decision by France’s education department.
As part of its new phase of deconfinement, the French government announced on Thursday that the French baccalaureate oral test will not be applied for the 2020 academic year.
In a press conference on Friday, Isabelle Bonnal, Director of National Education, Youth and Sports confirmed that the same will apply in Monaco, because “the Principality of Monaco applies French educational programs for public and private establishments under contract.”
Only results obtained during the first two months of the academic year will be assessed for the baccalaureate. However, students are still encouraged to go to classes for the remainder of the final term.
“The student’s progress observed after the reopening of high schools will be indicated in comments in the school booklet. Likewise, assessments will be made of the school book concerning the pupil’s attendance and their commitment to school work during confinement and until the end of the year,” said Ms Bonnal.
Monaco first announced on 3rd April that final exams of the baccalaureate would be cancelled in favour of continuous assessment. Friday’s announcement confirmed Monaco’s position.
Only the grades of the first two terms will be taken into account as part of continuous assessment to obtain the baccalaureate.
As every year, the baccalaureate diploma will be decided by a committee of the Academy of Nice chaired by an academic and composed of inspectors and teachers. The jury will analyze the candidates’ school work, study the academic results obtained by each candidate during the final year of the first two terms (as well as the first year) and take note of the assessments made by the teachers.
With regards to a return to a larger number of classes, like France, Isabelle Bonnal said the department would “carry out an inventory in order to judge all the opportunities for additional openings, perhaps two to three days a week, and always respecting the health security of students and staff.”
The only oral tests maintained are those of pupils who fail to obtain the baccalaureate in continuous examination.
 
Photo: Isabelle Bonnal, Director of National Education, Youth and Sports ©Direction de la Communication
 

Grimaldi Forum reopening doors

by: Stephanie Horsman
30/05/2020

Since the strictest of the lockdown rules were lifted in early May, the Grimaldi Forum team has been hard at work to make the venue a safe and welcoming place for the public when events start back in autumn.
The Grimaldi Forum has been scrubbing, sanitising, building and reorganising since 4th May in preparation for the resumption of a full events calendar come September.
The Forum has a litany of regulations they are putting in place to assure the public and the staff are in a safe and healthy environment. Amongst the new measures they have adopted are the mandatory taking of temperatures upon arrival at the site, obligatory mask-wearing, visors for hostesses, systematic cleaning and disinfection of all equipment and contact points such as ramps, door handles, elevator buttons and public facilities, as well as daily cleaning of staff uniforms.
To heighten security even further, they have placed disinfectant mats at the main entrances, mounted self-service dispensers for gel at strategic points all over the building, trained security guards in Covid-19 protocol, are providing an isolation room for suspected cases, and put up social distancing signs to remind the public of their obligation.
Grimaldi Forum has worked hard to reschedule, rather than cancel outright, as many events as possible. They have been highly successful and have managed to reorganise dates for 20 out of 25 events.
 
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Monaco’s iconic venues to re-open doors

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/05/2020

The official unveiling of the new Casino Square on Tuesday 2nd June will coincide with the reopening of Monaco’s iconic Café de Paris, followed by a host of other SBM institutions.

The reopening of SBM-held locations began in May with the Promenade Shopping Monte-Carlo boutiques, just ahead of the Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo. As wonderful as it was to see a small semblance of normality return, there was still a long way to go. All of Monaco’s bars, restaurants and gaming establishments were to remain closed until further notice.

That notice came on 20th May, when the government announced that 2nd June was the official date these places would finally be authorised to open again.  

Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer is planning to celebrate by inaugurating the new Casino Square on 2nd June as well as reopening the iconic Café de Paris, showing off their renovated terrace. Mada One at One Monte Carlo will also resume activities that day.

https://www.facebook.com/MonteCarloSBM/videos/705712053518525/

The next day will see another big reopening – the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, which will include L’Orange Verte, Blue Gin, and Cinq Mondes spa and boutique, though no sauna or hammam will be available due to health reasons. The reopening of the Blue Bay restaurant should be announced by the end of June. Regarding the swimming pool, lagoon, fitness and sea access, their reopening will depend on obtaining the authorisation issued by the authorities. 

Friday the 5th is another banner day with the Monte-Carlo Casino and the Café de Paris Casino springing back to life. The games rooms, terraces and Le Salon Rose will be ready to welcome visitors once again.

The following Friday, fans of Bar Américain and Le Grill at the Hôtel de Paris can rejoice, as they are the next to reopen. It is also anticipated that this day, the 12th June, will see the Monte-Carlo Beach Club’s return, though the official word on this is still pending.

On Tuesday 16th June, Buddha Bar reopens, and the 24th sees Coya Monte-Carlo inviting guests back.

The final reopenings are the Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel, which is on track for 3rd July, and the Hermitage Hotel, which is hoping to have doors open by 8th July. All dates are subject to the evolving health situation.

As safety precautions are on everyone’s minds at the moment, SBM has implemented a vast laundry list of new measures to ensure the health of patrons and employees alike. The lounges, bars, spas and restaurants have been reorganised to protect the public, whilst still maintaining the top-drawer service and quality expected from the group.

“The resumption of our activities related to games, hotels and restaurants, well-being, shopping and entertainment is an eagerly awaited moment for the Group,” said Jean-Luc Biamonti, President of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our customers and our employees. So that the most exclusive destination in Europe is also the safest, we have taken all the necessary measures in compliance with government directives, for the serenity of our customers.”

Photo: SBM 

 

Saint Nicholas Church goes green

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/05/2020

Saint Nicholas can now boast green credentials, having just been informed they will be having new solar panels installed on their roof, making them the Principality’s first solar-powered church.

As part of the energy transition programme put forth by the government, Saint-Nicholas Church in Fontvieille will soon have 72 photovoltaic panels placed on the roof. These collective panels will produce 19MWh of electricity that will be tied directly into the church’s power lines.

This will make the church 100% energy self-sufficient and will even produce “spare” electricity which will be passed onto the Fontvieille post office. In environmental terms, these new panels will reduce CO2 atmospheric output by an extraordinary 1.55 tonnes per year.  

Once Saint Nicholas’s is completed, the Monaco Building Maintenance Service will be busy turning several other sites into eco-friendly endeavours. Next up will be installations at Fontvielle School, Villa Paloma Museum, SMEAUX, Sacred Heart Church the Children’s Home and Villa Floerstine, which will be the future new home to the Department of Labour.

Monaco’s energy transition plan is committed to lowering the total greenhouse gas emissions in the Principality by 50% by the year 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to reach a carbon neutral state by 2050. Reliable non-polluting energy sources are only one cog in the wheel toward this goal. The other two parts include finding and using  alternative transportation modes and the lessening of general waste.

 
 

Oceanographic Museum reopens with deals and loads of fun

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/05/2020

After 11 weeks of forced closure due to the health crisis, the Oceanographic Museum is reopening to the public. Get ready to reconnect to one of Monaco’s most popular and beloved venues with fun activities and great deals.
Beginning Tuesday 2nd June, the ‘Temple of the Sea’, Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, will once again welcome visitors to explore the wonders of the oceans in a safe environment.
The reopening has come with many new health protocols to ensure the best possible conditions for all to enjoy. It is requested that tickets be purchased at least a week in advance online to avoid congestion at ticket counters. Those who choose this option will benefit from a 10% on the price.
Additionally, the museum will limit the total number of guests by 50% in order to allow them to respect social distancing rules, as well as requiring patrons to wear masks at all times whilst at the facility. Sanitising gel will be available from dispensers placed all around the museum, and “barrier gestures” will clearly mark safe distances for visitors to go by.
Finally, popular attractions such as ‘Touch Basin’ and ‘ImmerSEAve 360​​°’ have been adapted in order to offer participants maximum security by limiting contact.
This year’s Fête du Musée will be a 100% digital online experience allowing as many people as possible to enjoy the event without having to leave home. From 6th June to 6th July, and including World Ocean Day on 8th June, the museum is offering a month of experiences geared toward 3 to 14-year olds and their families.
Some of the events on offer are virtual museum tours, videoconferences with big-name divers and underwater photographers, interactive marine-themed games, and a writing competition co-sponsored by Kids Matin.
To top it all off, the Oceanographic Museum has launched its newest campaign entitled Let’s live the ocean, where participants create content for the preservation of marine life via a specially design app.
In order to be a part of the fun, simply go to www.tous.oceano.org, select a favourite species from the moray ribbon, the Napoleon fish, the cow fish, the gray angelfish, the yellow fin pufferfish or the radiated jellyfish and take a picture mimicking the chosen animal. Participants then share the photo on social networks with the hashtag #TousOCEANO accompanied by an ocean-themed message.
Discount tickets to the museum can be pre-bought online at https://billetterie-oceano.tickeasy.com/fr-FR/accueil and more information can be found on the museum website at https://musee.oceano.org/en/
 
 

SBM continues upwards trend in 2019-20 fiscal report

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/05/2020

SBM revenue was up 18% last financial year, placing Monaco’s largest employer in a strong position to battle repercussions of the Covid-19 health crisis. Nonetheless, the group acknowledges a “substantial deterioration” in next year’s financial performance.
During a digital press conference joined by Monaco Life on Thursday evening, Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) President Jean-Luc Biamonti presented the results of the 2019-2020 annual report ending March 2020, and the SBM’s positive results for the second consecutive year.
He revealed that Société des Bains de Mer and its subsidiaries generated revenue of €619.8 million for the entire financial year 2019/2020 compared to €526.5 million in 2018/2019 – an improvement of 18%.
“This €93.3 million increase in turnover is the result of an improvement in revenues in all business sectors, recorded continuously throughout the financial year until the end of February,” said Mr Biamonti. “The last month of the fiscal year, however, was strongly impacted by the consequences of the Covid-19 epidemic.”
All of SBM’s casinos and restaurants were closed in mid-March when Prince Albert ordered the lockdown, followed by the Hermitage Hotel and the Méridien Beach Plaza. Only the Hôtel de Paris and the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort remained partially open to accommodate customers, particularly permanent residents, but occupancy remained low.
It is estimated that SBM lost €15 million in turnover in the last month of the 2019/2020 financial year due to the impact of the pandemic.

SBM President Jean-Luc Biamonti during Thursday’s press conference, all rights reserved Monaco Life

Gaming
The gaming sector reported revenue of €239.8 million, compared with €222.7 million in 2018/2019. This growth was largely due to improved revenue from slot machines, which rose by 11% to €113.0 million for the financial year as a whole. Revenue from table games also rose by 5%.
Hotels
Hotel revenue was €284.3 million, compared with €253.7 million in 2018/2019. The increase has been attributed to the full opening of the Hôtel de Paris and the success of Coya.
Rents
This area saw the most significant increase in revenue for SBM, mainly due to the leasing out of new spaces at the Hôtel de Paris and in the One Monte-Carlo complex, and the gradual take-up of residential leases at the One Monte-Carlo complex.
The rental sector therefore reported revenue of €96 million, compared with €51.9 million previously.
Operating result
As a result of strong rental revenue, SBM Group was able to achieve an operating profit of €22.6 million, compared to an operating loss of -€9.6 million during the previous financial year.
Net income
Net consolidated profit was €26.1 million, compared with a profit of €2.6 million for the fiscal year 2018/2019, an improvement of €23.5 million.
In terms of financial structure, shareholder’s equity amounted to €649.4 million as at 31st March 2020, compared with €622.3 million at the end of the previous fiscal year.
Impacts of the Covid-19 epidemic
Mr Biamonti acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the SBM Group’s business with the forced closure of most of its public establishments. However, the Group was able to retain most of its revenue from commercial and residential rental activities. “This serves to confirm that the diversification strategy adopted in recent years, to develop the Group’s real estate assets and rental business, was indeed justified,” said the SBM president.
But April to September is generally the strongest time of year in terms of business, so the Group expects a substantial deterioration in financial performance next financial year.
Mr Biamonti acknowledged that, given the rapidly evolving nature of the situation and the lack of visibility of the epidemic’s effects on its activities, SBM is not yet able to foresee the exact scale of this impact.
 
 
 
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The SBM achieves positive annual results