LANGUAGES

Italian news

As our senior Italian class dives into Units 2 and 4, with Year 12 exams just around the corner, we have welcomed Fabio to BHS. Fabio, an Italian native-speaking student from Verona, has joined the Italian studies program with the aim of sharing his knowledge and lived experience of Italian language and culture with local BHS students. Year 11 and 12 students have already greatly benefited by having the chance to practise their speaking skills with him. While Fabio has shared a comprehensive presentation in Italian language on the city of Verona, the city of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Giulietta, and brought some delicious homemade Torta Caprese to class, the Australian students have also been keen to share their culture and customs with him. We all had a lot of fun making fairy bread together last week and sharing some lamingtons and other Australian treats. If you’re interested in learning to make Torta Caprese (chocolate cake), here is a recipe: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipe/torta-caprese/50y1hp6h4 

A lot is happening in the Italian faculty this term, with the organising of the 2025 Italy trip well underway, and 14 students and 3 staff members locked in to immerse themselves in a whirlwind of Italian sights, sounds and flavours.... From Milan to Rome, passing through Florence, Sorrento, Pompeii, Siena and Pisa, this itinerary is sure to be both memorable and lifechanging! 

Finally, we wish to offer a belated BENVENUTO (WELCOME) to Mr Tonon, who joined the school as a teacher of Italian across Years 7-9 at the end of Term 2. Mr Tonon is an Italian native-speaker with teaching experience across secondary and primary schools in Geelong and Melbourne. Mr Tonon lived in Italy for most of his life, loves to play soccer and contributed to our multicultural day earlier in the year with some lovely homemade focaccia. He is looking forward to bringing his language (and excellent Italian cooking) skills to the classroom. 

The Italian team 

A reflection from Fabio (Italian exchange student):

My experience in Australia was enriched above all by my family who welcomed me. From day one, they made me feel like I belonged integral part of their world, offering me support. I immediately noticed some cultural differences compared to Italy, but this was precisely what made it such an interesting experience. The Australian school, for example, is a lot different from the Italian one. Here, the environment is less stressful and you give a lot importance to group work and practical activities. I found that the students are more involved in the lessons and there is a more direct relationship with the teachers. Even the school timetable is more flexible and is given longer importance to the development of personal as well as academic skills.

 Also, the landscapes here in Australia are beautiful and so different from those in Italy which I am used to: vast spaces of uncontaminated nature and a large biodiversity. Another difference I noticed is related to sports. Here in Australia, football and netball are very popular, while in Italy they are non-existent. Participating in sporting events is a way to feel part of the community, and people's enthusiasm is contagious. Even the way of eating is different: Australian cuisine is influenced by different cultures. Grilled meat is very common, as is fish, while breakfast is often salty, which is unusual for me. I'm discovering new ones flavours and habits that are making me appreciate this adventure more and more.