LANGUAGES
YEAR 8 EMAIL EXCHANGE WITH GERMANY
In the last few weeks, Year 8 German students made contact with students in Germany to communicate about their interests and the world around them. For most of the students this experience was the first time they communicated with a student from Germany. They were able to make use of the language they had learned over the past two years and enjoyed seeing their efforts come to fruition.
Students introduced themselves, described their families and home, asked questions about hobbies and interests, school and the countries.
I would like to thank Ms Paal and Mr Nutting for setting up this program which keeps our students engaged and might offer the opportunity to continue communication with a German student beyond the classroom.
Thank you to my team for organising events that keeps students engaged in the final weeks of this semester.
I also would like to thank Ms Antal and Ms Reid for accompanying and caring for our students who are currently enjoying their exchange program in Antibes, France.
A special thank you to Ms Dickson for taking on my role during my extended absence this year.
I would like to thank all Language teachers, assistants, volunteers and the McKinnon community for their contributions to our program this year and extend my best wishes for the festive season!
Andrea Fowler
Head of Languages
FIRST WEEK IN FRANCE
This year's group of students taking part in the French Exchange arrived in Nice last Friday the 29th of November, greeted at the airport with hugs, signs, flowers and instant immersion into French language and lifestyle. They were also greeted by alternating weather of sunshine and great deluges of rain. After a welcoming weekend with their host family, they then began school for the week. The first week of school commenced with an official welcome breakfast of croissants and coffee with the school's Principal and other important figures.
They have profited from language lessons to improve their French and cultural lessons about art history from the French Riviera region, French music and other topics, as well as attending some of their exchange partner's lessons to experience life as a student in France. They have also been on excursions to Cannes to explore the coastal town, to Grasse to visit the famed perfumeries and to Valbonne, a medieval town with an amazing market.
Reports from the group have all been very positive with lots of energy despite the impacts of jet lag. We look forward to hearing more about their experiences over the next few weeks.
Ms Kellie Dickson
French Teacher
REMINDER: NEW CALEDONIA TOUR 2020
Any Year 8 students and parents who would like to take part in the New Caledonia Language and Cultural tour in 2020 should pay their deposit of $300 to confirm their interest by Friday 13 December.
If any other current Year 8s and their parents are interested in finding out more, please contact Ms Kellie Dickson (dis@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au) or Ms Marie-Carmen Jimenez (jim@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au)
Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Marie-Carmen Jimenez
Tour Co-ordinators
GERMAN FOLK MUSIC INCURSION
On Wednesday 4 December Year 7 German students participated in a German Folk Music Lesson with the best German ‘Oom Pah Pah’ Band in Melbourne. The ‘Schwarzwald’ band play nightly at the Munich Brauhaus and are highly experienced in all aspects of German folk music and dancing, which helps develop language learning through cultural immersion. The piano accordion player ‘Fritz’ has played in German bands for over 50 years!
We were treated to a range of German folk music, including a yodelling competition and cowbell tunes, performed by students. We also learned some `Schuhplattler´ (slap dancing). This originates in the Alpine regions and involves a high energy combination of stomping, clapping and striking the soles of your shoes, thighs and knees with flat hands. Then we finished off with some ‘Schunkelling’ which had everyone joining arms and swaying from side to side while singing in German. The students and teachers really enjoyed the music and dancing and some even earned a ‘Lebkuchen’ gingerbread treat for their enthusiastic participation.
Karin Paal
German Teacher