Languages  

Koonung Secondary College Shines at the United Nations Model in Melbourne

A Day of Diplomacy and Leadership

On Thursday 17 July  2026, Koonung Secondary College made its mark at the prestigious Modelled United Nations Conference, held at the Victorian Academy of Leadership in North Melbourne. Organised by the United Nations Association Victoria, this event brought together bright young minds from across Melbourne to simulate the workings of the United Nations, fostering diplomacy, public speaking, and collaborative problem-solving.

Koonung Secondary College was proudly represented by two teams of three students each, who took on the roles of delegates for Canada -Payoja Basak, Lucy Cooper and Kian Shafaie, and Thailand -Steph Barnes, Emily Nash and Renos Vassiliades. Our students stepped into the shoes of world leaders, debating global issues around Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, the use of Facial Recognition and AI powered weapons, negotiating resolutions, and advocating for their assigned countries’ interests.

What set our students apart was their exceptional public speaking—and all of this was done flawlessly in French, adding an extra layer of impressiveness to their performance. They engaged with peers from other schools, articulating their positions persuasively and building alliances to advance their proposals.

The highlight of the day for me came when our delegates successfully convinced other representatives to vote for their amendments—all while maintaining the elegance and precision of the French language and the politeness of the diplomatic ways. This achievement is a testament to their preparation with their French teacher Ms. Madeline Rigoni, and the courage and enthusiasm they show in speaking French. Watching our students command the room and influence the outcome of debates in a second language was truly inspiring.

As their French assistant, I couldn’t be prouder. Our students not only participated—they led and they persuaded, all in perfect French.

Events like the United Nations Model are invaluable in developing the next generation of leaders. They provide a platform for students to hone their communication skills, understand global perspectives, and learn the art of compromise and consensus-building.

A huge congratulations to all our participants -and their teacher- for their outstanding performance. Your dedication, talent, and linguistic prowess have brought honour to Koonung Secondary College, and we look forward to seeing you continue to grow and excel in future opportunities.

Isabel Rice

Language Assistant -French

La modélisation des Nations Unies a été une experience vraiment gratifiante. Le matin, nous sommes allés tous ensemble au centre ville trop tôt, mais dès le moment où nous sommes arrivés, nous avons découvert que ce serait un jour magnifique. Pendant la journée, nous avons présenté devant toute l’assemblée un discours au sujet de l'Intelligence Artificielle et des positions de nos pays la Thailande et le Canada. Plus tard, nous avons collaboré avec d’autres étudiants de Melbourne et nous avons essayé d'atteindre un amendement. Finalement, nous avons tellement aimé cette experience que nous reviendrons l'année prochaine!

Lucy Cooper and Emily Nash

Arriving at the French Model UN venue and sitting down in the hall with the rest of my team, I was filled with anticipation about how the day would go. It ended up being a terrific experience that allowed me to use my French skills in a different context to where I would normally be in the classroom. It was also a really immersive environment and a great way to get to know how French students from other schools are learning. Overall, I spent a really great day at the event with my friends, and I would highly encourage any French students next year to give this opportunity a go.

Kian Shafaie

Year 7 French Poetry Competition 

In Week 1  of Term 3, the Languages Domain at Koonung held its annual Year 7 French Poetry Competition. All Year 7 French students learned and recited the poem L’Homme de Couleur by Senegalese poet and politician Léopold Sédar Senghor to their French teacher. The top three students  from each class were then selected from each class to recite their poem in front of a panel of judges in the final round. The following students were awarded certificates during the Year 7 100 Days of High School assembly on Thursday 30 July: 

7A: Aysan Pourmasoumi (1st place winner), Maya Henry and Sadie Donald (3rd place winner

7BD: Anise Hills, Laani Nadarajah, Matthew Nguyen and Riarn Furi.

7EF: Adrina Bashiri Khoshraftar (2nd place winner), Ethan Ebin and Xander Clarke.

Congratulations to our winners and finalists, and to all students who participated in the competition. Reciting a poem off by heart to your teachers is no mean feat – even in your first language, let alone your second or third! The French team is so proud of the effort, commitment, resilience and enthusiasm you all demonstrated. 

Madeline Rigoni 

French Teacher and Languages Domain Leader