LANGUAGES

BERTHE MOUCHETTE COMPETITION 

The Alliance Francaise’s annual Berthe Mouchette competition is running again this year. We have a number of Year 7 to 10 students participating in the poetry section, and our VCE students are also taking part. Keep an eye out for updates.

FRENCH STUDENTS

Sign up for the Alliance Francaise newsletter and stay up to date with all things French in Melbourne!

Coming up in July - the Bastille Day French festival. They are looking for volunteers - go to their website to find out more!

LANGUAGES SOCIETY - UPDATE

Our student Languages Leaders have been working hard to plan activities to foster the love of languages at McKinnon. They have organised a calendar and are thinking about exciting activities to run for our classes during the colder months. The society is running a logo competition and a poster competition and is looking at setting up an instagram page. 

AFTV JUNIOR VIDEO COMPETITION

Year 7 and 8 French students are encouraged to take part in the AFTV Junior Video Competition for Years 5 to 8 - LA FRANCOPHONIE À TRAVERS LE MONDE

THE STUDENT LANGUAGES LEADER OF THE FORTNIGHT: Christina Tan

I am Christina, one of the Language leaders for 2022 at the East Campus. I enjoy languages because I find learning new languages very fun and useful. You not only can learn a new language but also use it in your everyday life. 

THE LANGUAGE TEACHER OF THE FORTNIGHT: Karin Paal 

What is your first language? 

English

Where did you learn a language or languages other than your first language? 

I learnt German from my Dad at home and at high school. I also learnt French at High School and Japanese and German at University in Tasmania, as well as studying in those countries.

Why did you learn that or those particular languages?

I learnt German because my Dad came from there. I learnt French because I loved it and continued to the end of Year 12. I was going to study French at University, but Japanese sounded like a more challenging and interesting language!

What advice would you give to students wanting to improve their ability in the language(s) they are studying? 

As well as working hard in class and doing the extension activities your teacher provides, look out for any other online resources and movies in the language. Also hopefully you can take the opportunity to visit the country on exchange or scholarship, as this is the best way to learn.

Why do you think it is important to study a language?

I think it helps your brain to solve problems and process information better. It also helps you understand people from different cultural backgrounds. Of course it is just good fun too!

Why did you choose to become a language teacher?

I just love languages and teaching German, Japanese and English. I love seeing students make progress and being excited and surprised at how quickly they learn. 

Is there anything else you would like to add? 

Never underestimate your inbuilt ability to learn languages!

Jenny Lynd

Languages Learning Area