Languages update

This term has been jam-packed with exciting events and achievements in our Languages Department. We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication and accomplishments. 

Planning for the German exchange in November and December has begun. We look forward to reuniting with students and teachers from our sister school in Lippstadt.  

Our Year 10 students enjoyed an educational excursion to the Chinese Museum (see the previous issue of this newsletter for an overview), while Year 8 students explored the Queen Victoria Market on their German excursion (see below for a wrap-up by students). 

Year 9 students had a fantastic time at the Film and Food Festival, featuring a German lunch at Hofbräuhaus and a German movie screening. 

Looking ahead, we have an exciting Year 7 German incursion with the Goethe-Institut and a pretzel morning tea. 

We are also thrilled to welcome Susmitha Nalamasa, our new German Language Assistant. She will be offering small group speaking practice and lunchtime activities.  

Please read on for a more detailed report about the Queen Victoria Market excursion from our students, and introducing Susmitha Nalamasa... 

Hello, my name is Susmitha and I am from India. I have been living in Melbourne since last year and it is going great. I speak Telugu, Hindi, English, and German. I love to cook and go for walks. 

I am the new German Language Assistant here at Box Hill High School and I am really excited to meet you all and get to know you better. I am glad to become a part of the Box Hill High School team and look forward to giving my best. 

Queen Victoria Market 

by Abby, Spriha, Stanko and Utkarsh 

Year 8 German 

On the 23rd and 26th of May, our German classes embarked on an exciting excursion to the Queen Victoria Market. The day was packed with learning, exploring, and tasting new foods, making it an unforgettable experience for all of us. 

We started from school at 9:00 am and travelled by train to the market. Some of us, like Utkarsh, Reuben, and Palash, walked around together and saw many cool and interesting things like stalls selling clothes and toys. We talked to many people, learned about the history of the market, visited the dairy and meat hall, and collectively had a good time. 

In two groups we experienced the market in free time, while the other group went on a tour. 

The tour was a major highlight, offering insights into the market's origins and the international foods in the dairy and meat hall. We learned about the market's rich culture and history, including cheeses and breads from around the world, how the meat arrives in the hall, and how so many different countries opened their own shops and stalls. 

Our guide told us fascinating stories about the market being built more than 90 years ago on a former cemetery. We saw, and even tasted, some of the German treats on offer!  

During our free time, we enjoyed exploring the market on our own. Many of us bought bracelets, posters, jackets, and German foods like Bratwurst! The market was huge and packed with all kinds of stalls, even on a weekday. 

The culinary delights were amazing. Many of us enjoyed a delicious Bratwurst or Weißwurst with various toppings like mustard, tomato sauce, onions, and jalapenos. Some of us, who weren’t fans of sausages, opted for other treats. Some of us bought soft pretzels, which were delicious, and we also got free steaming hot jam donuts at the end of the tour. 

The rest of the day was spent roaming around the market and enjoying the lively atmosphere. Melbourne really is such a multicultural place! 

Overall, our trip to Queen Victoria Market was an incredible journey through history, culture, and cuisine. From learning about the market's origins to tasting a variety of international foods, we all had a blast and created memories as a class. If you ever get the chance to visit, don’t miss out on the pretzels and jam donuts!