Languages News
Lucie Dickens, Academic Dean of Languages
Junior School French
As French specialist teachers, we are so excited to see our students display their passion, enthusiasm, motivation and achievement in French. This time, the spotlight is on Louis Allen in Year 2. Here is what Louis had to say about his passion for French:
I am looking forward to visiting France when I’m older, maybe when I’m in Year 6. I’m the best in my family at speaking French, so I’ll be in charge of where we go and what we eat! I am going to see the lavender fields of Provence and the snowy mountains in Mont Blanc. I am going to eat crepes and fromage and French coconut pie. I will make my parents and sister eat escargot!
You can enjoy Louis’ French recording of the description of the scary monster he created by clicking here.
Year 9 Japanese movie excursion to the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF)
Shirley Jin and Stephanie Ye, Year 9 Japanese
On 10 August, we went to watch a meaningful Japanese movie called My Small Land in the city. The movie was about asylum seekers in Japan as well as the tragic refugee issues that are still present in Japanese society today.
Since there are only a few people who are aware of the realities and limitations of being an asylum seeker in Japan, the movie expressed their perspective.
During the movie, we viewed relationship struggles between the protagonist, Sarya, and her father, and saw the amount of pressure that was placed on Sarya’s family, as well as all asylum seekers.
The movie was presented in Japanese with English subtitles. This Japanese movie was nothing like we've watched before. It didn't only teach us Japanese language; it also opened up a gate for us to have a wider view of the societal issues present in modern-day Japan.
Year 9 French excursion to the AFTV Trivia Night
Alessia Di Felice, Year 9 French
On Friday 5 August, eight French students from the two Year 9 French classes were lucky enough to attend an exciting French Trivia night organised by the AFTV at Sacré Coeur School in Glen Iris.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed some French-inspired food, such as baguettes, as well as some more traditional Australian snacks - chips and soft drinks!
We were quizzed on five topics: History, Geography, Gastronomy, Francophonie and Languages. It’s fair to say that some of the questions completely stumped us!
Overall, it was a very enjoyable night spent learning about French culture with friends, meeting other passionate French students from Years 9 and 10 and, of course, getting to wear bérets and fake moustaches.
This experience would not have been possible without Monsieur Troitzky as well as Mr French who had to drive us in the School minibus after our cab decided not to show up (merci to them!), and Madame Dickens who co-organised an amazing night.
Global Connections Program - visit from Koji Hirano
Last week, Koji Hirano, the principal of Seiyro High School in Ogaki, one of our partner schools in Japan, came to visit us.
Seiyro High School is of a similar size to Kilvington and has students from ELC to Year 12. They also offer a vocational pathway to their students, specialising in fashion, business and social work. Mr Hirano’s last visit to Kilvington was 15 years ago and he was very impressed with the changes we have made to our buildings and grounds.
We will welcome his daughter, Fuki, a Year 11 student, for Term 4 at Kilvington. Mr Hirano is keen for our partnership to continue growing, resuming individual tours in 2023.
To read more about Seiryo High School /Hirano Gakuen, click here.
2023 individual tours of France or Japan
As we resume our individual tours in 2023, please contact Lucie Dickens at dickensl@kilvington.vic.edu.au if you wish your child to spend four weeks in January 2023 in Japan or five weeks in France in December 2023 to January 2024.
Please note that students must have completed Year 10 Japanese or French to undertake this experience.