EAL and
International students
My Bogong Experience
by Sang Nguyen, ELC
Last week, during the morning of 28th November, 10 Footscray City College students, teachers and I travelled by bus to the Bogong Outdoor School in Victoria. Michael Hardiker organised our destination and camp activities for us because some of the students were doing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I was very keen to see the Victorian countryside.
We arrived in the evening and I breathed in the fresh air. I viewed the beautiful mountains and gum trees, so different from my city in Ha Noi. We were introduced to many new friends from Eagle Hawk Secondary College. In the evening we gathered in the Environmental Centre and played games such as “Finding Nemo”. I shared a bedroom with three other students and was very excited about what would happen the next day so I couldn’t sleep!
During the week there were many interesting and new activities to do. The highlight of Tuesday was when Jamie taught me to climb using abseiling indoor rock climbing equipment. During the lesson, I was scratched by a rock because I was distracted by the height! Luckily, my teachers and my friends gave me some encouragement, so I wasn’t afraid anymore. When I made it to the ground, everybody applauded and smiled at me. That small thing made me very happy.
Later in the week I hiked to Mt Cope and Langsford Gap via Cope Saddle Hut and camped for the evening. I helped to prepare dinner and found fresh water in the creek. I slept in a sleeping bag for the first time and was warm even though it was a very cold night. In the morning we rock climbed at Strawberry Saddle then hiked back to the the school.
I learnt many things that I will always remember such as assembling a tent, tasting vegemite, making new friends and walking for five hours.
My best memory was when Jamie invited me to walk to the peak of the mountain and it was a great opportunity to learn something about myself.
English Language Centre visit to the NGV
by Rebecca Nguyen, Year 8 ELC
Earlier this year, my Language Centre peers and I visited the National Gallery of Victoria - International Art.
We travelled to Melbourne by train with our teachers, Adrienne and Beth. We arrived at the Gallery to view the Degas Exhibition and create art in the workshop. We completed an abstract oil pastel drawing and Rosemary our mentor helped us to frame our work.
I was delighted and proud to have my class exhibit our work at the recent Footscray City College student art exhibition. We had written about our experience at the National Art Gallery during our english class and now could review the exhibition where our work was displayed!
I had a great experience!
International students reunite
By Maureen O'Flaherty
SInce making friends while studying at FCC during 2007, past international students Birte Kröger and Hilda Lou keep in regular contact. Birte and Hilda have remained great friends, staying with family and friends when visiting one another in Germany and China. Most recently they both attended the wedding of an ex-FCC student in Tasmania. Birte is studying Psychology in Germany and will continue with further studies in Psychotherapy. Hilda works at an Accounting firm in Melbourne after studying at RMIT and in London, and lives in Wheelers Hill with her mother and brother. During Birte and boyfriend Andrés’ road trip of Australia, I met up with them in Northern NSW where we had a wonderful time reminiscing and enjoying the tropical beaches, rivers, and markets.
Pictured below:
1. Birte and Hilda in Tasmania
2. Laurie, with Hilda and Birte in Laurie's daughter's coffee shop in Williamstown. Birte and Hilda lived with Laurie in Homestay arrangements while studying at FCC.
