Re: German-speaking children to French part
It'll be the same as for any other non-French speaking children: they'll be placed in the correct class for their age, almost certainly offered additional French support several times a week within the school building (although that can depend on the school and the numbers needing the tutoring), and will otherwise pick it up from their teacher and classmates.
They will have the advantage for communication that the teachers will also know German as it is taught from 3rd grade. And it will make a nice easy lesson for your children at the beginning, and a positive bonus when it comes to secondary streaming (based largely on scores in French, Maths and German).
It's possible that your 10 yr may redouble a year, in order to get the language secure before moving into the all-important 5th and 6th grades where it is decided what secondary stream they will follow, but this happens for many, many kids for language reasons and there is no stigma attached (I'm half-expecting my 9 yr old to have to do the same).
We live in a village between Lausanne and Morges and have found the school system excellent and the local amenities beyond brilliant for families, and everyone has been very welcoming and friendly without a hint of 'being a trouble' by putting our non-French speaking kids into the local school.
Good luck for your move.
kodokan
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