Languages
…from the Languages Department!
Kaya!
Welcome to our Term 1 edition of Hello from the Languages Department!
It has been a pleasure to welcome our new Language Assistants for French and Japanese this year, supported by the Department of Education. The language learning area is enriched by the presence of our language assistants, Ms Léna Velluet and Ms Hina Iwasa. It’s wonderful to see how easily both staff members have settled into the team. You can read a little bit about them below…
Léna is originally from La Rochelle, a historic port city on the west coast of France, famous for its medieval towers and relaxed seaside lifestyle. She has studied Japanese and English, and holds a diploma in French Language Teaching Methodology from Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris. As a child, she spent three years travelling around the world with her family, and later lived in Japan, experiences that sparked her curiosity about the world and intercultural communication. Her passion for sharing her language and her enthusiasm for teaching naturally led her to join our team.
Hina Iwasa is from Kyoto Prefecture in Central Japan. She is in her third year of study at Hiroshima University, majoring in Japanese Language Education. Her hobbies are reading books and watching movies. Hina loves yogurt, and she wants to eat all kinds of yogurt in Australia. She has travelled to six countries: New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, Zambia, Egypt and Singapore. She has made short stays in these countries, so this is her first time experiencing a long in-country period. While in Perth, Hina would like to enjoy Australian life and especially wants to visit Rottnest Island. In February, we celebrated Hina’s birthday, and she is a great addition to the Languages Team.
We warmly welcome our new staff and hope they have a wonderful experience working at our school.
Year 7 to 12 Language students have enjoyed a variety of activities in and outside the classroom this term, which you can read about in this update.
Congratulations to all the language staff and students on a very productive term.
Melinda Kennington, HoLA Languages
こんにちは Kon'nichiwa!
Pokemon Competition
At the end of the year in 2025, Year 7 students entered a Pokémon competition. The aim was to design and describe, in Japanese, an original Pokémon character.
We had many entries, and the top 36 were selected by an independent panel. These were displayed in the Library and classes voted on their favourites according to 4 different categories.
The winners were awarded a certificate and a small prize at the Year 8 assembly.
The winners are as follows:
Creative name: Elizabeth Lee
Artistic design: Raina Cai
Detailed explanation: Laura To
Overall favourite: Dave Madi
Japan Club
On 26 February, we held our first Japan Club at Applecross SHS. The theme of this event was “Setsubun.” Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event held on February 3rd every year to celebrate the beginning of spring. During Setsubun, people throw roasted soybeans to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck.
Before the event started, we gave students a Japan Club loyalty card. By joining Japan Club activities, students can collect Japanese-themed stickers. They were very excited to receive the cute stickers from Japan.
We did origami related to Setsubun and made “Setsubun cubes.” Many students enjoyed the origami activity.
Secondly, we played the “Chopsticks Bean Challenge.” Some students were very good at using chopsticks, which surprised us. We gave Japanese snacks to the top three teams who picked up the most beans. After the event, students immediately tried the snacks and said they were very delicious.
This event was a great opportunity for many students to experience Japanese culture.
Our following activity was about Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day), where we made Japanese fans (uchiwa). Students enjoyed Japanese culture together!
Hina Iwasa, Language Assistant
Year 12 Fremantle Excursion
On Friday of Week 4, Year 12 students, accompanied by Ms Nishikawa and Hina, our Language Assistant, toured attractions in and around Fremantle as part of their first unit of study in Year 12: Travel. Students used the Japanese they have been learning in class to introduce local attractions and to explain the features of Fremantle in their own words.
Students filmed at several well‑known locations, including a local golf course, Fremantle Prison, and the Fremantle Markets. Through this activity, students were able to apply their language skills in a practical context while deepening their understanding of cross‑cultural communication.
Once the promotional video is completed, it will be shared with our partner high school in Japan as part of our ongoing cultural exchange program.
Harmony Week
To acknowledge the different backgrounds of students as part of Harmony Week, in classes students wrote ‘Hello’ in languages from their backgrounds. It was great to see the vast array of cultures at our school.
Craig Murray, Teacher in Charge – Japanese
Bonjour à tous!
We have been delighted to welcome Léna Velluet, our new French Language Assistant, who has joined the Languages Department for the year. Bienvenue, Léna !
The year has begun very positively for our French classes, with students across all year levels engaging enthusiastically in a range of learning activities throughout Term 1.
Year 7 – “Je me présente”
Year 7 students have been learning how to greet others, count, and introduce themselves in French. They are currently working on a short video project to showcase everything they have learned so far.
Year 8 – “Chez toi” (Your Home)
This term, the focus for Year 8 French students has been describing their home environment. They have learned how to talk about rooms, furniture, and features of a house. Students are now creating a video in French to demonstrate their new vocabulary and speaking skills.
Year 9 – “Sortir entre amis” (Going Out with Friends)
Year 9 students have been exploring vocabulary and structures related to social activities and spending time with friends. They recently produced excellent posters about their weekend hobbies, highlighting both creativity and growing language confidence.
Year 10 – Paris & Daily Life
Our Year 10 students have been discovering Paris and learning to describe daily routines and family relationships. They particularly enjoyed participating in the energetic French running dictation, which brought both movement and fun to language learning!
Years 11 & 12 – ATAR French
Our senior students have begun working through their ATAR units and developing strong speaking skills with the support of native French speakers. They also have the opportunity to attend the French Film Festival organised by the Alliance Française, where they will watch Arco, a critically acclaimed animated science‑fantasy film nominated for an Academy Award. The excursion is a great cultural and linguistic experience for all.
Year 12 Ball
The Year 12 Ball was a dazzling evening filled with celebration, laughter, and unforgettable moments. It was especially wonderful to see our French Language students dressed in their finest, enjoying the night and celebrating together in style. One of the highlights of the evening was gathering for a special group photo—capturing a moment that will remain a cherished memory of this magical event for years to come.
