In the Know

Languages News

Lucie Dickens, Academic Dean of Languages

Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette Competition 

Congratulations to the nine finalists of the Alliance Française Berthe Mouchette Competition and to Holly Krischock who won 2nd prize in the Year 6 competition! Holly will receive her prize at the St Kilda Town Hall on November 26.

Back from the Japan tour: Student and parent reflections

Over the Term 3 holidays, 17 Kilvington students and four staff members took part in our Global Connections Program to Japan. Our students had the chance to immerse themselves in the everyday aspects of Japanese life with three different host families, as well as visit our three Japanese sister schools in Hiroshima, Ogaki and Tokyo. 

 

Below are some reflections from students and parents of students who went on the trip. 

 

Joe Ashmore, Year 11 

Spending time getting to know my host families was by far my favorite aspect of this trip. As none of my host families spoke any English, it was a great chance to practise my Japanese speaking and comprehension skills. Despite the minor language barrier, I was able to form lifelong bonds with many of the people.

As a VCE Japanese student this year, experiencing the culture I’ve learned about in class firsthand was extremely rewarding. Having the privilege to speak Japanese to native speakers for two weeks was also great preparation for my upcoming oral exams. The patience my host families showed me, along with the slang I learned, greatly increased my confidence in speaking Japanese during my time there.

This trip greatly enhanced my understanding of the distinct differences between Japanese and Australian culture and gave me the opportunity to discover so much more about the subtle nuances of the Japanese language and culture. 

 

Stephanie Ye, Year 11

This incredible two-week trip to Japan has truly been the highlight of my school life. 

One of my most memorable experiences was staying with three different host families. Initially, I was quite nervous, unsure if my Japanese skills would be enough to communicate effectively. 

 

On the first day, we relied on Google Translate, but to my surprise, I quickly picked up everyday vocabulary just by being immersed in the language and culture. By the time I stayed with my second and third host families, I no longer needed any translation tools! It was remarkable to realise how much I had learned in such a short time.

 

The host families themselves were incredibly kind and welcoming. Despite the scorching 35-degree heat, they took the time to show me around their cities and share their culture with me. 

I’m especially grateful for the effort the host mothers put into preparing traditional meals — it was a privilege to experience authentic Japanese cuisine prepared with such care. Even more meaningful were the evenings spent talking with the host parents and siblings after dinner. 

These conversations allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level and gain a better understanding of their culture. By the time it was time to leave each family, it felt like I was saying goodbye to people who had truly become a second family to me.

Our time in the schools was equally unforgettable. The students welcomed us warmly, taking us to museums, giving us gifts, and even spending a day with us at Disneyland! We were able to form friendships that I hope will last beyond this trip.

Reflecting on these two weeks, I realise that Japan has become more than just a travel destination for me — it has become a second home. The memories I made, the people I met, and the culture I experienced are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I know that I will return one day to visit the families and friends I met along the way.

 

COMMENTS FROM OTHER STUDENTS: 

  • 'The time in Tokyo was good. I enjoyed being in the school shadowing my host sister. It really gave a good example of Japanese high school life.'
  • 'The host families were all so welcoming. I have made lifelong connections in Japan.'
  • 'It was an incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful for it. This experience has inspired me to continue my Japanese. I made so many new friends and learned so much. If I had to give myself advice for next time, it would be that sleep solves everything. But it was truly the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.'

REFLECTIONS FROM PARENTS:

  • 'My daughter has made lifelong connections with the host families she stayed with, especially in Hiroshima. Her Japanese has become more fluent, and her overall confidence has improved. She was placed outside her comfort zone on many occasions while in Japan, but handled all situations really well. She didn’t phone or video call us once while she was away, even on her birthday! This is a huge achievement, especially for her.'
  • 'An excellent and worthwhile experience that I would encourage any student to participate in. I am very grateful that my daughter was given the opportunity to attend this immersive experience.'
  • 'My daughter feels that this experience helped her to grow as a person. It challenged her social boundaries and increased her independence.'
  • 'My son learnt so many things about Japanese home life and interacting with new people. He learned how to be a good guest and how to adjust to different situations.'
  • 'I think my daughter gained resilience from being in a very unfamiliar environment. She also has a new appreciation for her life here in Australia.' 

A warm welcome to our visitors from Toulouse

On 12 October, we were thrilled to welcome 11 students and two staff members from St Joseph La Salle, our partner school in Toulouse, France. This partnership, established in 2016, continues to grow, with this being their third group visit to Australia. 

 

What makes this exchange so special is its reciprocal nature. In April, Kilvington students had the opportunity to travel to France, where they bonded with their assigned St Joseph La Salle partners. Hosting their French friends now offers a chance to strengthen those connections and share life at Kilvington with them. 

The French students are making the most of their time in Australia. On 16 October, they enjoyed a fun-filled day at Healesville Sanctuary with their hosts, exploring our unique indigenous flora and fauna. They will also spend a few days sightseeing in Sydney.

It has been a delight to have the St Joseph La Salle students join our classes, with their presence adding a new dimension to daily school life. We hope the friendships built during this exchange will last well beyond this visit!

 

Thank you to all the Kilvington families who have opened their home and are looking after their guests with such care and generosity. The group leaves on 29 October. 

Future opportunities with Global Connections

The information evening for the 2025-2026 Global Connections Program will be held online on Thursday 7 November at 7.00pm.

 

To attend, please complete this registration form by Tuesday 5 November, and you will receive a link to join the session on Teams.

 

If you’re unable to attend but would like more information, please contact Lucie Dickens at dickensl@kilvington.vic.edu.au.