Languages
Welcome to our Term 4 edition of Hello from the Languages Department!
Kaya!
It has been another wonderfully busy term, filled with fun, hard work, and rich language-learning experiences. I hope you enjoy reading about the highlights in this final Parent Update for the year.
As we conclude the term, we farewell our Japanese and French Language Assistants, Ami Munekata and Manon Petit, whose contracts are coming to an end. We are deeply grateful for their enthusiasm, expertise, and the invaluable support they have provided to both students and staff. They have been tremendous assets to our Language Team, and they will be greatly missed. We are fortunate that our second Language Assistant, Tetsu Ihara, will be returning for Term 1 next year, and we look forward to welcoming him back.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our Native Speakers of French and Japanese, who continue to offer outstanding support to our students and language teachers. Their dedication enriches our programs and is truly appreciated.
This year, we farewell our French teacher, Charisma Valerie, who is embarking on an exciting new chapter at Piara Waters Senior High School. Charisma has worked at Applecross SHS for the past 10 years, serving as Teacher in Charge and French Exchange Coordinator for much of that time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her commitment to our students and language programs and wish her the best in her new school.
As we wrap up the school year, I extend my warmest thanks to our dedicated and hardworking language teachers and students. I wish everyone a restful, safe, and enjoyable holiday break, and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Melinda Kennington, HoLA - Languages
こんにちは Kon'nichiwa!
Students of Japanese language enjoyed a variety of cultural activities in class in Term 4.
Year 11 students were busy with practical and written exams. It was pleasing to see their success.
In Japan, people enjoy flower viewing in the cherry blossom season. Instead of viewing cherry blossoms, Year 10 students enjoyed viewing Jacaranda trees while tasting food from not only Japan but also their own cultural backgrounds.
Year 9 students have studied the topic, ‘Restaurant and Shopping’ this semester. Students created the scenario and roleplayed. They created a visual advertisement which included advertising jargon for a range of Japanese products using Canva to achieve an authentic-looking advertisement suitable for a Japanese audience. In class, they also enjoyed “okosama ranchi” (kids' meals), which are commonly found in family restaurants in Japan.
The theme for Year 8 Japanese study this semester was ‘Freetime and Hobbies’. Students created a BLOG-style post for a written task about their Favourite sports and or Hobbies.
Year 7 students used the Japanese they had learned in class so far and wrote a Japanese folktale, ‘Rolling Rice Ball’. Students also learned how to make ‘onigiri’ (rice balls) and tried making their own rice balls in class. As an addition to their study of animals and body part descriptions, students were invited to enter a Pokémon design competition. Students had to create an original Pokémon and describe it in detail, including its powers. The finalists are now located on the windows of the Language Department, so students can vote for their favourites. Prizes will be awarded at the first assembly when they are in Year 8, next year.
Year 6 Orientation Day
Year 6 students attended two Orientation Days at Applecross Senior High School. Some students took a Japanese lesson. It was good to see some of them practising what they already knew from primary school lessons. Students learned about the languages they will be studying next year. And, they did some activities using origami, they made Shuriken (ninja stars), which are weapons for Ninja and played with them. Also, they did some colouring of their favourite Japanese characters.
Craig Murray, Teacher in Charge - Japanese
Bonjour!
Students of French language have covered a variety of topics in class this term and participated in some fun educational activities.
Year 7
Students learnt about ‘food’ in French classes this term and how French and Australian foods compare. They will be given the opportunity to bring some French food items and snacks into class to enjoy a French picnic together.
Year 8
This term, students studied ‘directions and buildings’ in town. They had fun practising directions in French outside the classroom through various activities, such as scavenger hunts. Students will also have the opportunity to make some French crêpes in class this term!
Year 9
‘Transport’ was the topic covered in Year 9 French this term. They practised their French writing skills thoroughly in class this term and improved a lot.
Year 10
Students learnt how to talk about their future plans in French this term. They also sat their first formal French examination. Well done!
Year 11
‘Travel in a Modern World’ was the topic covered this term, as well as preparations for both practical and written exams. Students learnt a lot from Manon’s personal experience as a previous flight attendant and from Monsieur Coret’s anecdotes! Monsieur Coret’s father (retired French teacher in France) was also a special guest assistant for one of the lessons, talking about how he had recently missed his flight from France to Australia.
Year 12
Students worked hard to prepare for their final WACE examination. We wish them the best for the future!
National French Dictation Competition
Some of our Year 7 students of French entered a national French dictation competition and performed very well. One of our students, Isabella Lim, won 4th Place overall in Australia and was awarded a Certificate and some presents and vouchers. Félicitations Isabella!
Mael Coret, Teacher in Charge - French