Middle School

Language Day

Year 9 Languages Day at the Academy was unforgettable, especially for those of us taking Japanese.  The highlight was a kendō (剣道) incursion, where we learned about the traditional martial art and the history of it from skilled practitioners Gary Oliver and Clare Rippon.  We also got to try some basic moves; the excitement obvious as we wielded shinai (竹刀), which are bamboo swords.  The culture shock for most, if not all, of us was the fact that we had to take our shoes and socks off to do the activities, which were nonetheless humorous and educational.  After the incursion, we headed into the city to eat, specifically, Japanese cuisine for lunch.  We split into small groups, and my friends and I chose a cozy restaurant that had a variety of dishes.  This experience expanded my awareness of Japanese culture and made me appreciate the fact that all languages/cultures are unique in their own way." 

Mailys Nguyen 

On Language Day, the Year 9 cohort began the day by listening to a presentation on the advantages of taking up languages for VCE.  We learnt why it is not only beneficial for our study scores to scale up, but we also were told of the other various benefits associated with learning a second language and what it may bring in our futures.  With more potential job opportunities, better thinking and memory processes and when travelling we can immerse ourselves more greatly into other cultures.  

Afterwards, we headed into the hall where we ate a delicious morning tea with sushi, croissants, and cannoli.  The Italian students then made their way to the NGV to look at Italian artworks and artists.  Before finishing the day at Lygon Street, where we were surrounded by many Italian restaurants to choose our lunch from!  Overall, the day was great, with helpful information in relation to our possible future language pursuits.  The Year 9 Language Teachers definitely made this day memorable for the students! 

Greta Zabotto

Year 9 Language Day Language Day had so many exciting things to do with the French students visiting the NGV as well as going to Laurent for lunch. During the NGV excursion we analyzed two portrait paintings of a woman and a man. We then moved onto the next section where we drew our own interpretation of Art Nouveau furntiture. We then walked into a large red room with many pictures, one being particularly sad with a sheep and lamb surrounded by crows. We then moved to the French bakery called Laurent. This was my favorite part where we enjoyed many different foods from French cuisine. I really enjoyed eating un pain au chocolat as well as un eclair. I enjoyed Language Day as I was able to learn more about the French culture I've been studying along with eating the delicious food. 

Ivana Matic

Ms Natalie Dickson

Languages Learning Leader