LANGUAGES

CUCKOO´S CALLING

On Thursday 4 August, four 57 seater buses filled to the last spot, made their way to the Dandenongs. German students from Year 8 to Year 12 participated in this annual tradition that has been part of McKinnon for more than 20 years.

Although it was the first time for Year 8 students and they were not quite sure what to expect, the older year levels spread the excitement long before the event. For our Year 12 students it was sadly the last opportunity with school to indulge in a very traditional Bavarian experience during a stressful VCE year.

Why do we want students to enjoy a meal and traditional entertainment at the Cuckoo restaurant?

You could argue that students could cook a meal at school or at home. What does it make such a different experience?

Many students do not eat traditional German food at home. Some might know a Schnitzel, German sausages or Sauerkraut because they have been introduced to it by their family. However, for many of our students this is a very new experience. Eating with knife and fork, eating soup with a spoon and surf yourself food as you have never seen before seemed to be a challenge for some students. When asked how we eat the soup the German way by one of the first time visitors, I realized that this kind of intercultural learning is hands on and really worthwhile.

Every year, students enjoy tasting food they never had before, they indulge in a wide range of desserts and the traditional entertainment with sing along, cowbells as musical instruments and popular dances gets many students off their chairs.

This excursion offers only a small experience of Bavarian culture, which is only one state of Germany. For many students in the past years it sparked the interest in learning and experiencing more of that.

On leaving the restaurant, we received the staff’s praise for our students’ exceptional behaviour during our visit. Congratulations to all students for their excellent conduct – it was a pleasure for all teachers to accompany.

Thank you especially to Mr Nutting for organising this event and to all participating teacher for their assistance on the day!

Andrea Fowler

Head of Languages

GERMAN EXCHANGE PROGRAM: PRE-HOSTING MEETING

Students participating in the current round of German Exchange welcome their German guests in mid-October. These students are reminded of the important pre-arrival preparation meeting for all students and at least one of their parents, to be held on Sunday 28 August at 2pm in Croydon. Please keep an eye on information emails.

Mr Nutting

German Teacher