Languages Snapshot
…from the Languages Department!
Kaya!
Welcome to our Term 4 edition of Hello from the Languages Department!
This term has been full of exciting opportunities for our students to explore and celebrate languages! Both our Japanese and French programs have hosted a variety of fun and enriching events designed to bring language learning to life. From cultural activities to interactive experiences, students have had the chance not only to build their skills but also to deepen their appreciation for the traditions, food, and customs of these vibrant cultures.
In the following updates, you will find highlights of these wonderful events. I hope you enjoy reading about the creativity, collaboration, and joy that have filled our classrooms and school community this term.
Languages Week was held in Week 4 and was once again a highlight of the year. Staff and students across the school embraced the celebrations, which included pétanque games (lawn bowls) at lunch time, staff cultural dress, fun photo booths, and daily language-guessing competitions (with 80+ entries most days). Prizes were awarded each day to both individual students and CORE groups. Prize winners can be seen in the Japanese section of this Parent Update.
The canteen joined in the festivities with an international menu featuring Udon noodles, crêpes, and gyoza - an absolute hit with students. Staff enjoyed a special morning tea, complete with crêpes, waffles, sushi, and a French baguette with cheese. There was plenty of batter for more than 100 freshly cooked crêpes, with some staff donning bérets while giving the crêpe machines a try.
A special thank you goes to the language staff, our language assistants, native speakers, canteen team, and all staff and students who participated to make the week such a fabulous event.
I would like to wish our Year 12 Language students all the very best with their upcoming Mock and ATAR exams. They have all worked hard and are ready to demonstrate their language skills.
I hope you all have a wonderful holiday.
Melinda Kennington, HoLA Languages 😊
こんにちは Kon'nichiwa!
Term 3 has been a busy term with several visits from Japanese delegations to Applecross Senior High School.
WASSEA Visit
On 31 July, four representatives from Hyogo Prefecture, the sister state of Western Australia, accompanied by a member of the Department of Education, visited our school for several hours. The delegation included two members of the Board of Education, as well as two Deputy Principals from Senior High Schools in Hyogo Prefecture. They were interested in how schools in Perth were structured and how they operate. They were keen to know about Gifted and Talented Programs, as well as how students are supported in the school.
Rex Lilleyman, Deputy Principal, answered all of their questions in great detail. They participated in a morning tea, followed by a tour of the school. They visited several classes, including a Science Incursion where students were using forensic processes to solve a crime.
HIROSHIMA Memorial
The 6th of August marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, followed by that of Nagasaki on August 9. There was a display in the library to mark this solemn occasion, including paper cranes, as well as photos and information about various aspects of the time. Students, in their CORE classes, made cranes and placed them on the floor in the library in front of the display, creating a sea of cranes.
Seiryo Senior High School Visit
Thirty students and two teachers from Seiryo Senior High School arrived in Perth on 31 July. They visited the school from 1 to 8 August and participated in Japanese lessons. This enabled Applecross SHS students to practise their Japanese, and Seiryo SHS students their English. Both Australian and Japanese traditional games were played in class. Students participated in a Drama class and also played some football with a Year 12 General PE class.
Each day, Seiryo SHS students worked with their English teacher to learn more about Australia’s customs, flora, fauna, and money. I took a special English class with students and talked about clan groups of Scotland, showed them my tartan and Coat of Arms, as well as tokens used by Australia’s first people. Students then developed their own individual Coat of Arms, based on their Australian experiences.
Seiryo SHS students also visited Ardross Primary School, where they performed a dance and mingled with the students. A visit to SciTech and a local university also formed part of their stay. Their final day ended with a visit to Caversham to see native Australian animals prior to returning to Japan. Several students from Applecross SHS hosted students, and I am sure that some strong bonds would have been formed during that week.
Languages Week
Languages Week in Week 4 was packed with daily competitions and activities such as “Guess the language”, “Guess the country”, and “Guess the flags” in CORE classes. It was an enjoyable week, as evidenced by the number of students who participated in the daily competitions.
Guess the Language competition winners:
Day 1: Greek - Elena Venetz Year 7
Day 2: Norwegian - No winner
Day 3: Russian - Lucas Wu Year 9
Day 4: Spanish - Mikaela Ngo Year 12
Day 5: Turkish - Shailly Tajeddini
Year 11 Japanese Dinner
On 13 August, Year 11 Japanese students dined at Tansawa Modern Japanese restaurant in the city, accompanied by Ms Nishikawa and some native speaker assistants. Students were able to eat a range of foods from starters to desserts in the “omakase” style. This means, “I’ll leave it up to you”. The chef selects and prepares a set menu, and everyone in the group receives the same dishes.
Craig Murray, Teacher in Charge - Japanese
Bonjour!
French Language students have been having a lot of fun both in and outside of their classes during Term 3.
French Club
The French Club was a real success again this term. The Year 7 to 11 students of French attended the French Club to take part in a variety of activities while enjoying some typical French snacks at lunch time on Wednesday. The ‘1, 2, 3, Soleil’ game during languages week proved to be particularly popular!
French Exchange 2026
The 2026 French Exchange is in the process of being organised and 23 of our current Year 9 and Year 10 students of French will be travelling to France for 2 weeks at the end of March next year. Through the Exchange program we have with Lycée Sainte Famille in Amiens (France), these lucky students will embrace the idea of staying with a French family and experience French school life, as well as the daily routine of the French people.
Help from France
We were lucky to have Pierre Coyral, the son of the principal of our sister school in Amiens, join our team for four weeks at the beginning of the term. He assisted French teachers across all year levels, and especially in upper-school classes, helping to prepare students for their oral assessments. His knowledge of the French language and culture as well as his ‘joie de vivre’ made him a great asset in class.
In-class activities
Our French students have improved their understanding of the language this term through the study of engaging topics that connect to their everyday lives and interests. They participated in several educational activities in class, such as French vocabulary battleships and the mighty game of Le Béret. Students were also given the opportunity to learn in collaboration with their peers, participating in tasks such as running dictations, completing jigsaws, or creating posters.
Year 12 Dinner Excursion at Chez Pierre
As part of the French curriculum, students visited Chez Pierre, an authentic French restaurant in Nedlands. Students had the opportunity to experience a French meal and beverages with their teacher. Communication to order meals and beverages was in the French language to consolidate learning and assist them for future travel plans to French-speaking countries. It was also a way for Year 12 students to come together one final time to celebrate their achievements in the French language.
Mael Coret, Teacher in Charge – French