Language Faculty News

French Language Model United Nations Conference

Lucie Dickens, Academic Dean of Languages

Our brave Kilvington VCE French students represented the Republic of Chad and our  country, Australia, on the topic of refugees and the humanitarian crisis at the French Language Model UN Conference on 23 July.

Run by the Association of French Teachers in Victoria, students immersed themselves in French and used their diplomatic and French skills to debate with other countries to reach a resolution on this difficult and current issue.

Students needed to display sound presentation and language skills along with impressive maturity, empathy and understanding as young global citizens.

Representing Chad: Nik Kantzas, Elise March, Elisabeth Yeo, Josh Boghikian.

Representing Australia: Gemma Webb, Aidan McShane, Annabel Hazelbank and Colm Haskin.

Reflection from Elise March, Year 11 

It was a fantastic chance to learn about the global refugee crisis and improve my French vocabulary and public speaking skills. I would recommend attending this event if you have the chance!

Reflection from Colm Haskins, Year 11 

I had the privilege of participating in the French Simulation United Nations Debate with Year 12 French students.

Working alongside them was a wonderful experience. Not only did I get to observe their standard of French, but they were also very kind and  supportive towards me, allowing me to make the most of my time on their team.

I recommend anyone who has the chance to work with older year levels to take on this great opportunity. 

AFTV Concours Lycéens

Congratulations to Elisabeth Yeo and Eve Durand for their French performance in the finals of the AFTV Concours Lycéens which was held as part of the Bastille Day Festival on Sunday 15 July.

Elisabeth came 2nd in the Year 11 category and Eve came first in the Year 12 Open category.

Interacting in French on stage and in front of an audience of Francophone people is quite a daunting task. Eve and Elisabeth demonstrated great resilience and courage and truly deserve the

prizes they received from the French Honorary Consule and the president of the AFTV.

Japanese Tanabata Tree

By Jennifer Long, Year 11 

Tanabata is a Japanese festival held on  7 July each year. It originated from a romantic legend about two stars who represent lovers who are only able to meet each other once a year - on 7July.

One of the famous Japanese Tanabata customs is the decoration of bamboo branches with ornaments and colourful strips of paper.

Years 7 to 12 students who study Japanese celebrated this year's Tanabata by each writing their wishes and dreams on a piece of paper and hanging it on the Tanabata tree with the hope that their wishes come true. 

The tree is on display in the Main Reception.

私と友達がゆめを果たすように。

I wish my friends and I can fulfill our dreams.

家族と友達とみなさんはしあわせなせいかつがあるように。

I wish my family, friends and everyone can be happy.

かがくがじようずいなりたい。-- セリナ

I want to be good at science.

私の友達と家族は元気としあわせな人生を先けるように。-- クロイ

I hope my friends and family can live a healthy and happy life.

Thank You from French Exchange Students 

By Mathilde, Amélie, Alice, Sarah, Paul and Alice (French exchange students) 

It has been a few weeks since we arrived and we wanted to thank you for welcoming us into your School.

It has been a wonderful time and we are so happy to have stayed in your beautiful country.

We are really looking forward to hosting you at the end of the year!

Bastille Day

With the hysteria around World Cup and France taking it out, and the school holidays, Bastille Day snuck through quietly this year.

Not to be forgotten, the Languages Department organised a wonderful celebration with crepes, dress-ups, and arts and crafts on 20 July.

Happy belated Bastille Day. Vive La France!

(And to the French Soccer Team: felicitations, rois du monde!)