Languages Corner

Excursion to the Shrine of Remembrance

On Tuesday 27th June, 9C and CNED students visited the Shrine of Remembrance as part of our World War I Humanities unit. It was a great day for the excursion in terms of weather because of the clear skies. Once we arrived, we ate our lunch outside the Shrine before our tour. 

During the tour, we heard stories about soldiers and nurses and we were also given objects from the war to be passed around. One of these keepsakes was a tin gifted from Princess Mary for all the soldiers for Christmas that had inside a letter from a loved one to one of the soldiers. 

At the Shrine, we gained a better understanding of how the Shrine was built. We also learnt how they use the Shrine during special occasions like Remembrance Day on 11th November where engineers calculated for the sun to shine directly on the marble Stone of Remembrance. We all had an enjoyable time and learned a lot.

Isabella Kelaher and Neave O’Keeffe 

Year 9C

Bastille Day Celebrations

The first week of term 3, GEC celebrated Bastille Day. Students in the French classes learned about the events of the French Revolution and the significance of Bastille Day for French people. The Crepes for Change truck was back at school. Students were able to buy delicious crepes while also supporting the amazing work of Crepes for Change in fighting homelessness.

Celine Fompudie

Languages Learning Area Leader

French Model UN

On 25th July, some of the Year 11 French class went to the French Model UN at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership in North Melbourne. My experience there was unforgettable, to say the least. Whilst you may say speaking in French for an entire day sounds daunting, especially as a non-native speaker, I’m here to tell you it was the complete opposite.

As the representatives of India, my teammates and I had been working on our position statement for months, and to present it to the other delegations, in French and in its entirety, was incredibly rewarding. The caucus was similarly enjoyable. The debates between countries that played out, especially when they became heated, were riveting to watch. 

My team also engaged in an unmoderated caucus, where we attempted to get as many signatures as possible for our amendment: to give countries with a malnutrition rate of 10% or higher the opportunity to use less sustainable agricultural practices so they can focus more on feeding their population. Challenging to do in French, yes, but reassuring when we got lots of signatures. 

Then came time to vote on the proposed amendments: the Model UN’s raison d’être. Unfortunately, our amendment was not passed, as Madagascar reneged at the last moment, but to just have ours shown on the screen, signed, and debated was a treat in itself. 

The Model UN was a highly successful day and one that I would say has definitely benefited my French speaking skills. I can’t wait to go again next year! 

Zac Servadei

Year 11