Languages Corner

In addition to the Remembrance Day commemorations held locally at GEC, I had the privilege of accompanying a small group of students to a French Ceremony held at the Shrine of Remembrance by the Association des Anciens Combattants Français de Victoria. 

Under the wind and the rain our students made their way to lay a wreath and pay their respects to veterans of war. Several French sailors were also present at the ceremony, as the frigate Vendémiaire is currently moored in Melbourne, reminding us of the ongoing connection and cooperation between France and Australia.

On the 11th November, it is traditional in France to read letters by soldiers of the First World War to their relatives. This serves to remind us of the personal impact of war, and that many soldiers were ordinary people just like us, with similar hopes, dreams and ambitions.

The affectionate name for the soldiers was poilus (or ‘hairy men’). These letters are often referred to as lettres de poilus. Please click on the images to read one such letter written by Louis Didelot. This was read out during the ceremony.

Daniel Bouchet-Hibbert

Teaching and Learning Leader

Victorian Education Excellence Awards

Congratulations to our wonderful Japanese teachers who won the Dr Lawrie Shears Outstanding Global Teaching and Learning Award 2024. You can watch the video that was produced to show at the awards this year, featuring our staff and students. Please find the link here: https://vimeo.com/1113135313/62d4b9479d?fl=pl&fe=sh