LANGUAGES
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THE LANGUAGES KLA IN TERM 2
Term 2 is looking to be another busy one for the Languages KLA. Keep an eye out for Compass events appearing and information from language teachers.
In week 3, we have the Education Perfect championships - we hope to defeat Amaroo School this time. In week 8, there is the Year 9 Languages Expo for our seven Year 9 language classes.
For French, we have the Berthe Mouchette competition, as well as the beginning of planning for a 2026 exchange with our French sister school for next year’s Year 10 French students. A return of djembe classes for our Year 8 French students will also take place this term.
For German, there is the poetry competition, always a hit with Year 7s, the German film festival and the early stages of planning for the 2026 exchange with our German sister school for next year’s Year 10 German students.
YEARS 10, 11 AND 12 FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL EXCURSION
On Thursday 27 March, French students from Years 10, 11 and 12 had the exciting opportunity to immerse ourselves in French culture during the French Film Festival. This year, we watched Monsieur Aznavour, a captivating film that explores the life and legacy of the legendary French-Armenian singer, Charles Aznavour.
From the moment the film began, students were drawn into the world of Aznavour, experiencing his journey through music, love, and self-discovery. The film, enriched with archival footage and personal recordings, provided a unique insight into his extraordinary career and cultural impact. Watching the film in French allowed students to enhance their language skills by listening to authentic dialogue and gaining exposure to the rhythm and expression of the language in a more natural environment. It enabled students to exemplify their understanding of the language to ensure a wonderful experience of the film.
Beyond the linguistic benefits, the film also deepened students’ appreciation for French culture and history.
Overall, the excursion was a fantastic experience, reinforcing the students’ learning in an engaging and meaningful way. A huge thank you to the French teachers for organising this excursion. We look forward to next year’s festival!
Au revoir.
Lereesha Govender
Year 10 Student
YEAR 8 FRENCH - POISSON D’AVRIL! TUESDAY 1 APRIL
Although students were busy finalising their speaking tasks, they enjoyed a brain break in the form of le poisson d’avril!
Did you know?
French people stick a paper fish on unsuspecting others' backs and yell “poisson d’avril!” (the equivalent of saying “April Fools”).
The exact origin of this tradition is somewhat unclear. Some say it dates back to 1564 when King Charles IX decided to change the start of the year from 1 April to 1 January. People who clung to the old calendar became the target of jokes - and were even given fake gifts, including… fish.
Others link the symbol of the fish to Christian traditions, notably the ichthus used by early Christians in Roman times.
Students enjoyed making their own poissons d’avril and pranking each other, I certainly noticed a couple of teachers later on with paper fish on their backs!
Madeleine Rémont
East Campus French teacher