WELCOME TO OUR GERMAN EXCHANGE GROUP

During the holidays, on Saturday 29 September, German exchange students arrived early in the morning with their two accompanying teachers, Mr and Mrs Klewitz. They were welcomed by their host families and enjoyed their first week during the holiday period to settle and explore Melbourne and surroundings. Some even made it to Sydney, Brisbane and Queensland with their families in this first week.

Last week students experienced their first week at school and enjoyed an excursion to the city. A tour through the State Library, a visit to the top level of the `Sofitel´ and a guided tour through ACMI where they listened to a great introduction to Australian filmmaking was on the program for the day.

At school, German students are presenting cultural information about Germany in classes and participate in conversation programs with our students. The conversation with native speakers is very much appreciated at all year levels and allows our students to test their skills.

The students will head off for a tour along the Great Ocean Road for three days, getting to know more about the Australian nature and culture. We wish them all the best for their surfing experience.

UNTERNEHMEN DEUTSCH - ENTERPRISE GERMAN

Over the last two terms, Year 10 German students worked busily on a project that connects industry and German learners. The ´UNTERNEHMEN DEUTSCH or ENTERPRISE GERMAN´, a competition organised by the GOETHE INSTITUT AUSTRALIEN, brings together students with local German businesses. Students competed with sixteen schools from all over Australia. They researched German businesses in Australia, visited and inquired about a partner company in Melbourne and have developed a business idea for this company - and learned German for this context.

Interviews with the business owners or employees of Henkell Brothers, the Cuckoo Restaurant, the Melbourne Design Studio and BMW were arranged. It gave the students an insight into everyday work life of their partner company and inspired ideas among students how to support this business further.

Amazing presentations were created, even our German exchange students became engaged in the final lessons and we can hardly await the final judgement of this competition and the Awards Ceremony at the Bayview Eden Hotel in Melbourne on 9 November 2018 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm.

I would like to thank all participating companies and the Goethe Institut for the ongoing support and offer of inspiring projects for our students.

Social Benefits of Language Learning

If you would like to read more about this topic, please just click on the link provided.

Andrea Fowler

Head of Languages

NEW CALEDONIA LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL TOUR

Our 2019 trip to New Caledonia with the Year 9 students of French was a fantastic opportunity filled with learning, sightseeing, fun and positivity. From Monday 17 to Monday 24 September, the students spent seven days in Noumea, attending language lessons, exploring the city and islands, experiencing the culture and taking part in tourism activities. New Caledonia is a French-speaking island just a three and a half hour flight from Melbourne. The students stay with host families to fully immerse themselves in language and culture.

This year's group of 25 students were enthusiastic and respectful as they made the most of every opportunity. Congratulations to: Lilli Baikie, Sam Bajracharya, Isabella Bibby, Clancy Brett, Kian Brown, Bridget Chapman, Jasmine Feder, Jordyn Freeman, Michael Gershenzon, Isabella Gibson, Ethan Harty, Annie Harvey-Jones, Sarah Hatigan, Danii Khenkin, Connor Macdougall, Elyssa Morina, Jade Olascoaga, Adam Pacak, Tal Rabani, Alisa Sharkova, Philippa Sharman-Smith, Caitlin Szmerling, Emily Tran, Jaime Tyzack and Klaudija Zidonyte.

A special thank you to Ms Antal and Mr King who accompanied me on the tour and assisted in organizing this great opportunity for all students who attended.

Students of French in Year 8 who are interested in joining the 2019 tour, please attend an information meeting on Wednesday 21 November.

Ms Kellie Dickson

Tour Co-ordinator

FRENCH EXCHANGE 2018 - PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER

There will be a meeting for the sixteen students travelling to France and their parents on Tuesday 13 November at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre. We will discuss the upcoming departure and cover important topics like what to pack, expectations at the school and with the families.

We look forward to seeing the students and their parents and giving them an opportunity to answer questions and clarify their expectations.

Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Ludmila Antal

French Exchange Co-ordinators

FRENCH EXCHANGE 2019 - INFORMATION SESSION WEDNESDAY 14 NOVEMBER

There will be an information session for any current Year 9 students interested in next year's exchange program and their parents on Wednesday 13 November at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre.

During this session, we will outline the program and what it involves. We will also explain the application process and key dates. Applications will be due by Friday 23 November.

Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Ludmila Antal

French Exchange Co-ordinators

NEW CALEDONIA LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL TOUR 2019 - INFORMATION SESSION WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER

There will be an information session for any current Year 8 students interested in next year's New Caledonia Language and Cultural Tour and their parents on Wednesday 21 November at 7pm in the Lecture Theatre.

During this session, we will outline the program and what it involves. We will also explain the application process and key dates. Applications will be due by Friday 15 December.

Ms Kellie Dickson and Ms Ludmila Antal

French Exchange Co-ordinators

SBS NATIONAL LANGUAGE COMPETITION

For more information please check out their website:

http://view.subscribers.sbs.com.au/?qs=9610cfd1c040d45b560e04e6fa651f3fbc325c93e27e9c41a6a0559243b45a8d29c5f226e62f77144d827cce56f8ec4f7e704d3e219eba20a110ffe774d1b36bb715191868ef207b02b182b6b4222cd1