LANGUAGES

EXPERIENCING ‘SAMSON ET DALILA’ WITH MCKINNON STUDENTS OF FRENCH

When I first suggested taking my students to the opera, the idea was met with scepticism - and even a few laughs. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 aren’t typically eager to spend a Sunday afternoon watching a classical performance. Yet, despite their initial resistance, 18 students signed up for what would be their very first opera experience. Though seven of them couldn’t attend at the last minute, the eleven who came were in for a memorable time.

We saw a breathtaking production composed by Camille Saint-Saëns ‘Samson et Dalila’, performed by ‘Melbourne Opera’ entirely in French. The students, all studying French, were especially excited to discover that they could recognize and understand some of the phrases being sung. This not only boosted their confidence but also brought their language studies to life in a way no classroom could.

From the moment the curtain rose, the students were captivated. The grandeur of the costumes, the intensity of the orchestra, and the emotional performances drew them in completely. I watched their expressions shift from cautious curiosity to genuine awe.

After the final curtain call, several students expressed how surprised they were by how much they enjoyed and felt enriched by the experience. They were grateful for the opportunity and proud to have stepped out of their comfort zones.

What began as a doubtful endeavour turned into a shared moment of cultural and linguistic discovery.

I hope this opera will be the first of many such encounters, opening doors to art, language, and emotion in ways they never expected.

Thanks also to Mme Kaev, who is a member of the Melbourne Opera chorus and who set everything in motion.

Ludmila Antal

French teacher

RECONCILIATION WEEK - AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGES COMPETITIONS 

Nous reconnaissons les peuples Bunurong Boon Wurrung et Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung de la Nation Kulin de l'Est, gardiens traditionnels de la terre sur laquelle se trouve McKinnon Secondary College, et nous reconnaissons leur lien ancestral à la terre, à l'eau et à la culture. Nous respectons leurs aînés, passés, présents et émergents.

To mark this year’s theme, Bridging Now to Next, the Language Society (East campus) ran a Reconciliation Week trivia competition focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Students from Years 7–12 took part, showing great curiosity and respect for the rich linguistic history of this land. We also ran an Education Perfect competition about Australian languages.

Congratulations to our winners:

Winner of The Australian Languages Trivia Competition: Anjali Parthasarathy (Year 8)

Winners of the Australian Languages Education Perfect Competition:

1st: Meredith Zhu, Year 8 (silver award)

2nd: Max Jiang, Year 8 (bronze award)

3rd: Jai Parab, Year 7

Thanks to everyone who joined in and helped make the event a success.

Alon Elboher (Year 8 Language Leader)

HONOURING OUR LANGUAGE CHAMPIONS

More than a month has passed since our students threw themselves into the 2025 Education Perfect Languages Championship, and as we reminisce over the fun-filled lunchtime sessions in A Block (see photos below), we’re excited to announce that Elite competitors have received their certificates at assembly on Wednesday 11 June, with all other participants collecting theirs in the next few weeks in class from their language teachers - or from me if you’re not studying a language.

Monsieur Chamontin

French Teacher

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR MCKINNON’S LANGUAGE STUDENTS

• Year 8 Spanish Film Festival Excursion - Monday 16 June

• Year 12 French visit to Artisanal Bakehouse - Monday 30 June

• Year 8 Djembe incursion - Monday 30 June

• Year 12 German, Model UN - Wednesday 23 July

• Visit by the Spanish Educational advisor - Thursday 24 July

• Year 12 French, Model UN - Friday 25 July

• Berthe Mouchette Competition for Years 11 and 12 - July

• AFTV Years 9 / 10 French Trivia evening - Friday 8 August

• Years 11 and 12 French, NGV Winter Masterpieces - Wednesday 27 August

• Year 10, NGV Winter Masterpieces - Wednesday 3 September

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE MELBOURNE

The Alliance Francaise de Melbourne has moved. Visit their site for more information about events and classes. Alliance Française de Melbourne 

Jennifer Lynd

Languages Learning Area Manager