LANGUAGES

INTERGENERATIONAL GERMAN CONVERSATIONS AT MCKINNON CONTINUE

On Thursday 22 February, a very hot Thursday afternoon, we welcomed back some of our senior participants. Students and senior participants were enthusiastic about getting to know each other and enjoyed each other’s company. 

Students were prepared in class for the first meeting and many questions and answers were communicated. After an intensive discussion, cakes rewarded all participants for their effort. 

Over the many years that we have been running this program, initially researched and run by Monash University, we observed the great benefits of social interaction for both younger and older generations. But also, programs on ABC TV's like 'Old People's Home for Teenagers' have demonstrated the positive outcomes of intergenerational collaboration.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our returning senior German speakers who always make our conversation lessons enjoyable and interesting. We are looking forward to fortnightly sessions on Thursday afternoons throughout the year. 

If you are a senior German native speaker and if you are interested in this program and would like to join, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Andrea Fowler and David Nutting

German Teachers

INVITATION TO THE BERTHE MOUCHETTE FRENCH COMPETITION 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to extend an invitation to our Year 7 to Year 12 students to participate in the Berthe Mouchette Competition this year. This initiative offers a valuable platform for students to enhance their French language proficiency in a supportive and competitive environment. Following our previous communication last week, this message aims to provide a comprehensive overview and encourage your child's participation.

What is the Berthe Mouchette Competition? The competition allows students to showcase their proficiency in French across several formats:

• Years 3-10: Recitation of a French poem.
• Years 11-12: A choice between a general conversation, poem recitation, or presentation on a theme or image.
• Years 9-12: Written tests aligned with Victorian Secondary School Standards.

Participation Details

For Year 7 to Year 10 students, joining the competition is optional but highly recommended as a fun and engaging way to practise French. If interested, please confirm your child's participation and chosen categories: poem and/or written test (only for Year 9s and Year 10s) by replying to this email by Friday, 8 March 2024. A participation form and fee are required by Thursday, 21 March 2024.

For Year 11 and Year 12 students enrolled in a French subject, participating in both the oral and written components is mandatory, serving as an invaluable preparatory experience for the VCE French exam. Please complete the necessary permission form which will be sent to you next week and submit the associated fee by Thursday, 21 March 2024.

It is crucial to refer back to the email sent last week for a detailed breakdown of the competition fees and a comprehensive list of all key dates. This information is vital for ensuring your child’s successful participation and preparation for the event.

Should you require further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to refer back to the email sent last week or contact me directly at my email address: chc@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au

Merci.

Monsieur Cédric Chamontin

French Teacher 

MOLKKY MANIA: FROM THE FIELDS OF FRANCE TO OUR CLASSROOM!

In an exciting turn of events, our Year 11 French classes have embarked on a fascinating journey exploring the French-speaking communities in Victoria. As part of our curriculum, we've dived deep into the vibrant and diverse culture that these communities bring to our state. A recent highlight was our engagement with an SBS French podcast that shared the intriguing tale of a French expat introducing Aussies to a game that's become a sensation in France – Molkky (known as Finska here in Australia).

For many students, Molkky was an unfamiliar game, sparking curiosity and excitement. Seizing the opportunity to bring this cultural experience to life, I brought a Molkky set from home for our students to try their hand at this increasingly popular game. The response was nothing short of phenomenal!

Our French classes were transformed into spirited battlegrounds as students quickly got the hang of Molkky. The game, which originated in Finland, has made a significant impact in France, particularly in the late 2010s, outpacing even the traditional favourite, petanque, among the younger crowd. It was a joy to watch our students embrace this new game, displaying competitiveness and camaraderie in equal measure.

EXHIBITION

Another exhibition from the French art scene for those who love all things French! Meet French artist Laure Provost: Laure Prouvost: Oui Move in You – ACCA 

Jennifer Lynd

Languages Learning Area Manager

LANGUAGES SOCIETY EXPO

Last week on Thursday, the Languages Society joined the many other clubs in the Clubs Expo! We promoted our society and exciting activities for the future! We handed out stickers and bookmarks and engaged in conversations with so many people. New people joined and we are now in the process of finding some additional people to help lead and be part of our wonderful society! It was a fantastic time! 

Grace Taylor 

Year 9 Student