Languages News
Lucie Dickens, Academic Dean of Languages
Year 5 French Bakery Incursion
During Term 1, Year 5s learned the vocabulary for shops and places around town in French. They explored practical language skills such as asking for and giving directions, requesting items in shops, and using the Euro—the currency of France.
To demonstrate their speaking skills, students wrote their own roleplay taking place in a bakery, and performed the role of either the shopkeeper or the customer.
Working in pairs, they memorised and performed dialogues in French, then had the chance to 'buy' real French treats, including Nutella and jam doughnuts, croissants, pains au chocolat, chocolate and raspberry macarons, and more!
Here are a few comments from the students:
- We enjoyed the food and ordering in French!
- We liked how it was set up and how it felt like a real French bakery.
- It was fun paying with a fake credit card!
Thank you to Madame Breimeyer for organising the incursion and transforming the Junior French classroom into a French bakery!
Year 7 Japanese
Theo Cooper, Year 7 Japanese
In our first term of Japanese class, we had the chance to take part in lots of fun learning activities. We learned to read and write all 46 hiragana characters, including the additional ten-ten and maru sounds.
To celebrate our success, we made onigiri (rice balls) at the end of the term. Sano Sensei brought a rice cooker to class so we could prepare them fresh. Using plastic wrap, we shaped the warm rice into triangles and had the option to add some delicious sesame seasoning — highly recommended! We finished them off by wrapping a piece of seaweed around each one.
Before eating, we said 'Itadakimasu', a traditional Japanese phrase meaning 'Thank you for this meal.' It was such a fun experience making onigiri together with our friends, even if the rice was super hot straight from the cooker!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning Japanese this term, and I’m really excited about learning new words and phrases in Term 2!
Hosting opportunity – Term 3
We are excited to welcome students from our Japanese partner school, Hiroshima Jogakuin High School, in Term 3.
We are currently seeking host families to provide accommodation and cultural exchange for these visiting students during their stay.
If you are interested in becoming a host family, please submit your expression of interest to Ruth Valle from AIIU at ruth@aiiu.com.au. For any questions or further information, feel free to contact Lucie Dickens at dickensl@kilvington.vic.edu.au.
Thank you for considering this wonderful opportunity to share Australian hospitality and create lasting intercultural friendships.
2026 Tour to France – Expression of interest now open
Thank you to all the families who attended our Information Evening on Tuesday 29 April.
If you were unable to attend but would like to receive a copy of the presentation slides, please contact Lucie Dickens at dickensl@kilvington.vic.edu.au.
To express your interest and secure your place on the tour, please scan the QR code and pay your deposit by Friday 23 May.
Don’t miss this unforgettable opportunity to explore France in 2026!