Japanese News

On Sunday, 11th August, several of our students participated in the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria (JLTAV) Junior Speech Competition. They presented their Japanese speeches to a panel of judges, along with teachers, students, and parents.

Participants included:

• Grade 3-4 Division: Liam J and Nico A
• Grade 5-6 Solo Division: Aria B. (who delivered both a set speech and an original speech)
• Grade 5-6 Pair Division: Angus M. and Ollie B. (who performed a set conversation and their own original dialogue)

Our students worked diligently to prepare their speeches, practising during lunchtime and after school. The competition was intense, much like the Olympics, where even a brief pause or minor mispronunciation could lead to point deductions.

Liam and Nico presented their dialogue, "Two Sushi Chefs," in which a Sumo wrestler visits their sushi restaurant. They humorously portrayed the chefs making sushi after sushi, only for the wrestler to demand even more!

In her speech, Aria pretended to be talking on the phone with a Japanese friend about her trip to Japan. She vividly described the places she visited, the food she tried, and a peculiar place she went to, leading to a humorous conclusion.

Angus and Ollie’s conversation incorporated various Japanese language elements, including months, seasons, and preferences through questions and answers. Their dialogue was perfectly suited for primary school level, in contrast to the more advanced, AI-generated translations heard in the competition.

Though GPS students didn’t take home any medals, their performances stood out for their emotion and excellent acting skills. While other contestants delivered their speeches with plain tones and straight faces, our students entertained the audience with their lively and expressive speeches. They were the only group that truly captivated the crowd!

A heartfelt thank you to the parents for their support at home and for bringing the students to the venue in Hawthorn. Your encouragement played a crucial role in their wonderful performances.

Well done/よくできましたYoku dekimashita to our competitors!