English Language Centre
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRE PROGRAM
We have commenced Semester 2 with 13 new, highly motivated students at the English Language Centre (ELC), studying 21 weeks of an intensive English programme before their mainstream curriculum in 2019. Our ELC students have come mainly from different parts of China and two students are from Vietnam. The students have decided to pursue their goal at the college because we offer the international students a safe, secure and caring environment with a strong focus on student success and achievement. Wantirna College has established a good reputation, particularly in China because of our excellent ‘Teaching and Learning Program’, ‘Positive Community Engagement’ and ‘Vision and its educational Philosophy’.
A high proportion of our students are here without their families. The school is responsible for their wellbeing and accommodation. Our college has puts a great deal of thoughts into matching students with their homestay families. So far in Term 3, the students have experienced various activities to make a smooth transition and adjustment into their schooling and life in Australia and this is what the students have commented on in their class.
Sunyi Song
ELC coordinator
Our Class
English
We have learnt a lot of new words in Ms song’s class, and read an Australian novel called ‘Onion Tears’ to enhance reading and understanding through texts. While reading, we learnt many strange words and made some questions to understand the story more deeply. We also exchanged some questions in English, exercised our English speaking ability that enabled us to strengthen our dialogue. We have done a lot of reading and these readings are very good for us to learn new words and practise reading skills. It is very interesting to learn words in a short story.
In Mr Stollery-Jones’s class, we have written some essays. In the writing of the essays, there were inevitably some mistakes. Mr Stollery-Jones helped us correct them and gave a speech after writing. This is a very good practice for our pronunciation and speaking skills. We have learnt some Australian history in Mrs King’s class and we have been quickly able to integrate into the new environment and learnt a lot of new knowledge.
Lingwen (Tracy) CUI (Year 9)
Maths and Science
This semester is coming to an end. During my study in Australia, I have experienced many unique experiences. What impressed me most was science. Mrs. Gallagher is our teacher. She is very enthusiastic. I like her lessons very much. She can teach us to remember words with bingo games. I like her very much.
In science class, we have learnt Mathematics, physics and chemistry. Although we have learned in our own countries，language is the biggest obstacle for us all. In chemistry, we have learned the name of chemical instrument. In Maths we have learned how to calculate the range，Q1，Q3，IQR and so on. After that we have learned data and the difference between the categorical data and the numerical data. We have learned light in science class，and we did experiments and drew light. We have used a variety of mirrors such as Concave mirror, Convex mirror and plant mirror. Mrs. Gallagher showed us the video about light to help us understand. Through learning, I know what refraction and reflection are. How did the rainbow come into being and Why is the sky blue? That is very interesting.
In science class every student tries his/her best to listen to the lesson, because we like her class, her class is very lively which will not let others feel bored. Mrs. Gallagher is an experienced teacher. She knows our shortcomings and has patience to explain. We all like her very much.
Chuxuan (Charles) YU (Year 9)
Home Economics
It is so unbelievable that we can have a home economics class in Wantirna Secondary College! Most of the classmates didn’t study this intriguing lesson in our own countries at all. But we all listen carefully and have a delightful period in this term.
Our home economics class teacher is an easy-going and attentive person. We call her Ms Haggar, we also have a good helper, Ms. Lin. Although we just have 4 periods in this term, Ms Haggar teaches very carefully and show all the steps how to make a delicious and gorgeous food. So, are ready to join our fantastic periods?
The first period, Ms Haggar taught us safety and equipment when we are cooking food. It is so intriguing information we never know before. After class, we all expect that we can cook in the next period. We all jumped up in excitement! Then the second and third periods we cooked salad wraps and chocolate balls, Ms Haggar told us every step and skill. I whispered, “Wow, it is as difficult as fly to the sky!” Yeah, it is my first cuisine, I wanted to try my best and work hard. Because I didn’t want my first cooking to be so unsuccessful. From cutting the vegetables to pouring some milk. From rolling a wrap to mixing all ingredient by our hands. From washing plates to wiping the kitchen bench, I always see a busy figure----Ms. Haggar. She always explains the steps to us patiently. I can see Ms Lin help us to explain and repeat very attentively what Ms Haggar said before. I can observe all the classmates as happy as a blooming flower. We enjoy it like fine air. The last period, Ms Haggar arranged homework about how to make a muffin. It is not only an assignment but also it’s a way to learn about Australian ingredients. This can give us a deep understanding of Aussie.
We finished this fantastic trip about home economics class this term. We not only take it as a real lesson but a lesson we can enjoy as well. I am looking forward to the next term home economics class. I wish it is a captivating and cheerful trip next term.
Haoyang (Vimmer) LIU (Year 8)
Physical Education
About two months ago, we had the first PE class in Wantirna College. I found many differences between my old school in China and Australian school, such as we need to change sports uniform and many sports I can’tdo in the past.
In this class, our PE teacher Miss Hillebrand introduced herself and taught us some simple but interesting dances. The first dance we followed and learnt was really easy. Miss Hillebrand said it was always seen in the party. She instructed us, “Just move your feet in proper order toward the front, back, left and right, and jump between these acts.”
But at first, we all felt a little bit shy because we just met each other a week ago. When we followed the teacher, we were not always able to do correctly. However, after we learnt other dances and made a fresh start for this dance, we didn’t feel shy as before anymore. All of us felt relaxed and it made us look like really having a party. After this PE class, we have more conversation in the class and we became closer classmates.
In the next PE classes, we learnt many sports like: shotput, discus, javelin, Australian football and cricket. I have never played Australian football and cricket, so they are very strange and confusing for me at first. But after Miss Hillebrand taught us the basic rules and some skills, especial when I played well, I felt success. Every PE class continued about for two hours and we usually get a lot of fun in each class.
Sicong (Tom) LIN (Year 9)
Activities
Orientation Day
It was a sunny day when I came to Wantirna College. My mother drove me to school. I was so excited and nervous. On the way to school, I was imaging what the situation would be like at the first day in my new school. Maybe there would be many nice new friends or some handsome students with blue eyes and blonde hair. When I arrived at school, I went into the gate with my uneasy heart.
A few days ago, I came here to check the way so that I wouldn’t be lost on the first day. I was deeply impressed by the scene I saw in the school. There was a huge schoolyard compared with the middle school I attended in China. There were tall green trees standing in the middle of the buildings. It has many teaching buildings, expansive Australian football field, basketball field and big sports centre.
I found my way to the front office leading to the meeting room by Miss. Zhang where some other international students sat and that was where I met Mr Wang. He warmly welcomed me and I sat with them. Some time later, Mr Wang started the introduction with a PPT presentation. He clearly explained the staff and the school rules. The principal, Mr Murphy also gave a speech to welcome us. Then, Mr. Wang led us to tour the school. We saw the grand theatre, bright and clean canteen, lots of nice classrooms. We met our Maths and science teacher, Mrs Gal that morning as well.
After visiting the whole school, we returned to the conference room and had lunch. It was so sumptuous and delicious, but I didn’t eat a lot. I thought at least I needed to give my classmates and teachers a good first impression. Mr.Li asked me several times, “Are you still hungry?” My mouth just said no.
When we finished our lunch, the technology staff came and helped us to set up our computers. It took a lot of time. During the computer set up, we alternately went buying our uniforms at the uniform shop. I thought it might be the best and the most diverse uniform. We have a school and sports uniform. We have shorts, trousers, jumpers, shirts and jackets.
After setting up our computer, we finished our first day at Wantirna College. It was full of excitement and tension. We met each other and knew each other, and we would have an opportunity to get to know each other in the next few months.
Dingwen (Emily) CAO and Tianyi (Brian) GAO in Year 9
Library Introductory Session
‘Books are a summary of human knowledge. – Shakespeare’. When we visited the library, we were able to see the tables neatly arranged. There were many students studying. On your left, you could see the photocopy room and computers. During the introductory session, we learnt that if you forgot to take your computer you could use them and we could use the printers too. There were bookshelves neatly filled with all kinds of books. Mr Saccardo and Mrs Hall told us that if you could not find books that you wanted, we could use the Library website or simply asked them for help. What impressed us was the reading area on your right. We could see many sofas around there. Mrs Hall mentioned that if it was early in the morning, you could see the beautiful sunrise around the reading area. It was a very good information session for us to be able to use the library for our study. I thank Mr Saccardo and Mrs Hall for their time and useful information.
Xinghan (Jony) CHEN (Year 10)
Excursion to local shopping centre
On August 2th, Ms Song organised an excursion to the Knox Shopping centre as part of the ongoing orientation program for our ELC students. We were given an opportunity to familiarise with the local area including shops, services and recreational opportunities to help us adjust our living in this new city.
I think Knox is a good shopping centre for those living in the outer east. It’s very big. Knox has a cinema surrounded by an outdoor eating precinct that is packed with restaurants and people. Also in the Knox there is a library where we can go to do our homework and read some books.
The Knox shopping centre is different compared with other shopping centre in China because this is closer to our daily needs. The things we can buy in the shops are all necessities in our lives whether it's entertainment or shopping. I have found out that the Knox is a very convenient place for us to visit and this excursion has provided us a chance to see and learn our neighbourhood. We also have felt more close to each other through this excursion.
Boyi (Katrina) YAO (Year 9)
Athletics Carnival
Wantirna College Athletics Day was organised 4 weeks ago. I was very happy that day because I received an honour.
That day, the weather was good and it was a great day. Everyone was very excited. We were divided into 4 houses to compete for the House Cup. They were blue, yellow, green, and one team I have forgotten. I was in the blue team. I was honoured to participate in this Athletics Carnival. I had two competitions, one was 400m track and field, and the other was high jump. I often play basketball so I could jump very high and run very fast. In these competitions I got two second places, and what impressed me the most was the high jump.
When I was jumping, I never thought I could jump as high. I didn't think it was a tough game. I just challenged myself again and again, from the initial 1.2m to the last 1.55m. This was an incredible attempt for me! So I remembered that scene vividly. My classmates and teachers were saying to me, "Vaken, you can do it, you are the best one." I was very happy that everyone was encouraging me. That was the second time I participated in a high jump competition. The first time when I was 15 years old, I took part in a high jump competition in China, but I was eliminated.
This time I got second place, how exciting it was!
In the 15-year-old age group, one person broke the record at the time. He skipped 1.85m and the whole audience was applauding him. I think this was very unbelievable.
There were a lot of competitions on that day, such as the exciting 100m, and the very long 3000m, I enjoyed that day very much, because I love sports, the most important thing for everyone is having a healthy body, let’s do the exercise together.
Yuji (Vaken) CAO (Year 9)
School Production
6 weeks ago, I watched ‘Legally Blonde’ with my classmates at school. Before watching it I was very excited and eager to watch it. I liked it so much because of the grand settings and the romantic content.
During the school production viewing it made me feel fluttery and highly enthusiastic. It had many beautiful scenes. The scene I liked most was when Elle explained to her fellow lawyers, “Physical exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins makes you happy. Happy people will not shoot their husband”. It was about her belief and trust. I was very happy for Elle because she succeeded and found a good boyfriend. Everyone loved and respected her.
Through the production, I have learnt that success can come to people who work hard and do their best and if we are lazy and do not work, success never comes to us. Nothing is impossible when you try hard. Never judge others by appearance but assess their heart and how they do.
I thank Mrs Birrell for giving us an opportunity to watch this amazing production.
Hoang Gia han (Hannah) NGUYEN (Year 9)
Subject selection
In English Language Center, we chose the subject we would have the next year. Before I got to school, I heard about this subject selection program and I thought it might be really hard work because there were many choices and there were some subjects I had not even heard of.
I was surprised when I opened the subject selection booklet. There were so many choices out there and I got lost. However, in the first week, we began to study the process when our teacher handed out the booklet which showed us what subjects we could choose in different years and what the subject would be taught. Before the selection day, some of the students who had graduated from the ELC last year came to our classroom and gave us some information about the subjects that they had chosen. They were very patient in giving us advice. They told us what their feelings were about their subjects and showed us information about the lesson. We had a very useful lunchtime and had a deeper understanding. After that, I went to the office to ask for some help from Mr Wang. We were getting clear about our own decision process for our choice.
To my surprise, one week before the School Selection Day, we had a curriculum information night from 6 o’clock to 9. All teachers were there and put some special things about their subjects to show. There were many students, their parents and all the teachers. The night was full of local and international students. The teachers over there would tell you more detail about the subject. Every turn you made, there were teachers to tell you clearly about what you would learn and do in class. You could choose the subjects you would be interested in. I was very surprised because it was the first time I took part in this kind of information night. However, with our English skills we were not able to communicate with these teachers, because there were many technical terms they used. So Mr Wang, our international teacher, was our translator and helped us to find the teacher we wanted to talk to. All teachers were still with us until 9 o’clock and when all these students and parents left, they began to leave.
Thanks for their help to make us understand these subjects. It helped us efficiently choose subjects we wanted, whereas we only could collect messages by ourselves. We thank the patient teachers for answering our question during the night. Thank you for your attention to our study. Like climbing a mountain, they became stairs, which could help us climb easier than using our hands to climb.
Xueyi (Shirley) HU and Hangshou (James) YU in Year 10
City Excursion
On August 30, our class made a fascinating journey to the multicultural, bustling and vibrant Melbourne City. The trip was very delightful with many memorable moments and precious practical experiences.
At first, we had a great start. All of my classmates looked really happy. I also felt energetic like a lion and very excited about this trip. After we took a bus and train to the city, we prepared to go to the intended place.
First, we had an expectant visit to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), where famous paintings of the great artists are displayed. You cannot imagine how I felt when I stood there. A magic world with sprawling paintings filled all the room and they were so lively, that made the viewers feel like they lived in that paintings. The mystery of the messages inside the elegant portraits of the people in the royal family attracted me, even if I could not understand its meaning. Also, you could see what ancient Chinese life looked like through the luxury potteries.
Next, we headed to Eureka Tower. The beautiful tower looked gorgeous in the sun. When we visited inside the tower, we knew that it has the quickest elevator in the southern hemisphere, at a nimble 9 meters per second and it took just 38 seconds for us from the ground to level 88. At the level 88, there were many things that you could experience, the unique Edge. When I stood on the Edge, I felt like all the world was in my sight. Instead of being scared because I stood in a glass cube suspending me nearly 300 meters over Melbourne, I was completely immersed in the breathtaking vista of this city.
Finally, the last place was just a small lane filling with the graffiti on the wall by using the color spray. However, this narrow lane is known as one of the most attractive destinations. Why? Because it's unique and different from that modern world. This lane is something new, more colorful, more dynamic that every young people want to experience once in their long life. Through these graffiti, they can prove themselves and show their passions to everybody.
To me, these three destinations gave me a different impression. NGV brings us the classic and nostalgia. The Eureka Tower presents modernity and development, and the Hosier Lane is an interesting corner of this bustling city. These places also gave me a lot of knowledge and I’m looking forward to the next city excursion in next term.
Nguyen Phuong Linh (Lisa) DO in Year 8