Based on the observation of the heterogeneity of the category 'newcomer allophone students', the article purports to reflect on the links to be forged between languages and experiences, histories and relationships with languages. The aim is to propose a conceptual alternative allowing a different definition of francophonies (in this case, school francophonies), by taking into account the plural and relational dimensions of francophonies, as well as the diversity of their members. Thus redefined, and excluding the idea of linguistic mastery, school francophonies could mobilise the fundamental opacity of the language of the school (academic discourse) as a lever enabling students to adopt a distanced posture with regard to languages and learning at school.