Faculty Report

Those among us who have studied a foreign language in their lifetime, probably would agree that the very first day of a language class can be both a powerful and a disorienting experience. Out of the blue, we are exposed to new sounds, new words, new intonations and often to a new alphabet or even a new body language. We start to feel uncomfortable, overwhelmed and vulnerable navigating unchartered territories when, often for the first time, we are immersed into a completely new code of communication.

At the College, we offer Japanese, Chinese and Italian language classes. Here we see how students transform that initial spark, both awkward and funny, into a beautiful personal journey which makes them gradually master their target language. To see this visible progress in the students over time is always an incredible source of motivation, satisfaction, encouragement and pride. It is equally a solid statement and a constant reminder that another language can be learnt with time, patience and a strong personal drive. An additional language broadens horizons and can make people more flexible and curious in their discoveries. It may transform lives with more inclusive attitudes towards other cultures. People who speak more languages develop a stronger awareness of their identity and of their surrounding reality.

To nourish their genuine steps, at the College this year, we have continued offering our students’ cohort exceptional quality content, meaningful activities, with the help of our native language assistants. We have encouraged students to refine their skills, embrace cultural incursions and excursions, challenge themselves in several state competitions, and raise their enthusiasm and imagination with real life experiences and rewarding host programs.

The two most prominent recent activities have been our Exchange experience with 15 students from Daisho Gakuen High School (Japan, Osaka) from the 22nd of July to the 3rd of August and Languages Week held on school grounds from the 5th to the 9th of August. Both initiatives enriched school life with new cultural input, creative and original activities, along with international friendships which connected people, families and studies.

On another note, we would like to congratulate Lachlan Thai (Yr 9 Italian) who achieved a third place in the Finals, Non-Italian division, of the Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition held at the University of Melbourne. We recognise the great results of Justin Ng (Yr 9 Chinese) who won the first prize at the Chinese Reading Awards held at the University of Melbourne, and we celebrate Cohen Masters (Yr 8 Chinese), Ryan Kim (Yr 8 Chinese) and Vinuk Guruge (Yr 7 Chinese) who also attended the same language competition. As well, we acknowledge the success of Jules Perang and Edward Ho (Yr 11 Japanese) who competed in the Japanese Speech Contest at the University of Melbourne discussing the following topics “Japan’s work culture” and “Failure, the basis of success”. 

These outstanding achievements would have not been possible without the dedication and the commitment of our caring language teachers.

Finally, we formally initiated plans for two Study Tours to be held respectively in Japan and in China in 2025, and we are preparing for our departure to Italy at the end of 2024. We trust that all the incredible efforts spent in imagining, planning and shaping these life-time experiences could impact our students’ young lives positively. May their language journey, commenced years ago amid personal surprise and curiosity in their very first language class, be beneficial for their prospects and dreams.

Denis Passalent

Faculty Head Languages