LANGUAGES
GOOD-BYE AND SEE YOU SOON!
It only seemed a few days ago when our host families picked up their German exchange students from the airport. But last Thursday students already completed their four-week program at McKinnon.
Their three-day tour along the Great Ocean Road accompanied by Mr Nutting and the German staff, Mr and Ms Klewitz, was enjoyed by everyone. They visited Warrnambool and saw the Shipwrecked sound-and-light show, walked around various parts of Loch Ard Gorge and surroundings, visited the Twelve Apostles, walked through the rainforest in the Otways and had lots of fun during a surfing lesson at Anglesea.
On Sunday 21 October, all hosting families met at Allnutt Park in Wheatley Road for a farewell picnic. Parents provided their German guests with another traditional Australian experience and the achievements of this program were celebrated. German students and participating teachers were presented with participation certificates and showed their appreciation to their host mums with a rose.
Hearing all the wonderful stories and experiences that were shared in the last few weeks, there is no doubt that this is a well-established program enjoyed by McKinnon families and students. McKinnon students will return the visit to the German host families and the Alfred Wegener Schule in March 2019.
I would like to thank Mr Nutting and our German colleagues for the organisation of this program and all McKinnon teachers involved for contributing to the students’ experiences. I also express my sincere gratitude to all families involved – without you this program would not be possible.
Andrea Fowler
Head of Languages
IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE LEARNING
Although the following article was written for the American educational context, it was shared by the Modern Language Teaching Association of Victoria to highlight the same issue we face in Australia. Please read why Language learning should be considered in your children´s education:
2018 FRENCH FESTIVAL
FRENCH EXCHANGE 2018: PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING - TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER
There will be a meeting for the 16 students travelling to France and their parents on Tuesday 13 November at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre. We will discuss the upcoming departure and cover important topics like what to pack and expectations at the school and with the families.
We look forward to seeing the students and their parents and giving them an opportunity to answer questions and clarify their expectations.
Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Ludmila Antal
French Exchange Co-ordinators
FRENCH EXCHANGE 2019: INFORMATION SESSION - WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER
There will be an information session for any current Year 9 students interested in next year's exchange program and their parents on Wednesday 14 November at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre.
During this session, we will outline the program and what it involves. We will also explain the application process and key dates. Applications will be due by Friday 23 November.
Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Ludmila Antal
French Exchange Co-ordinators
NEW CALEDONIA LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL TOUR 2019 - INFORMATION SESSION - WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER
There will be an information session for any current Year 8 students interested in next year's New Caledonia Language and Cultural Tour and their parents on Wednesday 21 November at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre.
During this session, we will outline the program and what it involves. We will also explain the application process and key dates. Applications will be due by Friday 15 December.
Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Ludmila Antal
New Caledonia Tour Co-ordinators
GERMAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM
A month ago students from the Alfred-Wegener-Schule in Germany travelled all the way to Australia as part of the German exchange program. I had the great opportunity to take part in this program, to further my German-speaking skills and to learn about the country’s culture. My exchange partner Lara has enjoyed her stay here. She has seen sites like the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Federation Square here in Melbourne.
We also had the opportunity to take her to Phillip Island and experience the kangaroos, penguins and many other native Australian animals. We talked about the difference in cultures and food.
This program has given me a chance to enhance my German vocabulary and grammar.
I look forward to going to Germany next year to learn more about German culture, to see some of the tourist spots and to experience the life of a German.
Keenan D’Souza
Year 9 Student