Languages
Language Week: Chinese Day Bubble Tea
Bubble Tea originated in Taiwan in the 1980s when a tea stand owner started adding flavourings to her tea. In 1983 the tapioca pearls (the ‘bubble’) was introduced. These pearls were added to all kinds of drink, green tea, black tea, and most commonly, the cold infusion milky tea. The ‘bubble tea’ beverage and culture became quite popular in Australia in recent years. I mean, why not. It is delicious, fun to drink and healthy (as long as it’s half sugar).
On Tuesday, 27 April, the Chinese Day of language week, Doncaster Secondary College witnessed the immediate ‘sold-out’ at the bubble tea stand. The brown sugar milk with honey pearls was the most popular, followed by the oolong tea latte and the mango green tea.
Culture is something that evolves. While we teach our students about the ancient Chinese tea culture in our language classes, we also embrace and enjoy this modern ‘tea’ culture that has fascinated many.
Katrina Jing
Teacher of English and Chinese
The Spaghetti Eating Competition
Just last week I competed in a spaghetti eating competition, there were 8 contestants and a big audience watching. Just to be clear there were no hands allowed and so it got pretty messy. I felt very nervous at the start but once I had started eating, I felt calmer. The pasta tasted delicious, and to be completely honest I just wanted to eat the spaghetti, I didn’t really care if I won. When I did win and the crowd was cheering me on, I felt so happy, and I was very proud of myself. I’m not so sure my stomach was proud of my efforts though, as it was hurting for hours later. My mum was also not too happy with my white school shirt covered in tomato sauce. When I won though all my friends were very happy for me so I thought maybe I should try it again next year. I also want to congratulate my friend Mitchel for winning the competition also, he did really well. This competition has been happening for 38 years and after all it was a great and funny experience for all. I look forward to breaking some records next year!
Jason J. 7C
Year 8B and 8I Italian Class: Multicultural Week
To celebrate Multicultural Week, in our Italian class students researched famous landmark from all over the world. Students had the opportunity to work with friends in groups to complete this creative task. Each group was given some matchsticks, glue and a sheet of A3 paper to design and make a 2D model of a famous landmark.
It was great to hear students discuss their big plans for their chosen famous landmarks and to take their time to sketch and make a design of what they were going to do. At the end of each lesson, Signora Maria our language assistant decided which model demonstrates the most effort and accuracy. Students enjoyed this activity and the opportunity to work productively with their friends.
Cathy Gucciardo
Year 8 Italian Teacher
Multicultural Free Dress Day Winners
To culminate an activity packed Language Week, we encouraged students to come dressed up for the Multicultural free dress day. There were some creative dress-ups seen on the day such as, national costumes, headwear and colours representing the country of their choice.
Congratulations to the winners who were rewarded for their efforts:
- Christabel O. 8A
- Chantal P. 8D
- Nanki SC. 11B
- Shadein S. 11A
- Ethan M. 11D
