LOTE News - Italian
Dante Alighieri Poetry Recitation Competition
I cannot express how proud I am of the 45 students who made the commitment to participate in the Dante Alighieri Poetry Recitation Competition on Thursday 8 June. Students chose to select a poem from the poems provided to them, by the Dante Alighieri Society, learn it by heart and recite to a judge at the University Melbourne.
Students were asked to make their own way in and meet at Piazza Italia in Lygon Street, Carlton. For a number of students this was the first time visiting the area known as ‘Little Italy’. From there students were led on a historical walk along the famous Melbourne street learning where the first pizza in Australia was made and served, where the Aussie pizza was invented and where the first coffee machine was used. Students ended up at Brunetti’s for a hot drink and a pastry. This was the perfect place for Aadhithya to try coffee for the very first time and for others to try a traditional Italian hot chocolate.
We then headed off to the University of Melbourne, the Old Arts building, where the competition was being held. Students were gobsmacked at how big the university is.
Students sat patiently in the lecture theatre waiting for their name to be called out. Students waiting took the opportunity to have one last practice reciting their poems to their friends or to one, two or all three of the teachers in attendance.
After the competition, pizza and pasta was calling us. Students could not wait to return back to Lygon street to grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes open for the lunchtime crowds.
Whilst in the area, Year 12 students visited the CO AS IT Historical Society. “Thanks to its unique connection with Italian community, the Italian Historical Society excels in collecting, preserving and sharing the Italian experience in Australia.”
With bellies full, students returned to Piazza Italia and were dismissed after being recognised for their efforts and their behaviour throughout their day. A great day had by all.
We would like to congratulate all students who participated in the competition. We would especially like to congratulate Diego, who is a state finalist and will be returning to the University for the finals on 21st July.
All students will be presented with a certificate next term. Certificates presented will be either a High Distinction, Honourable Mention, Merit or a Participation Award.
Joyce Conidoni
LOTE (Italian) Coordinator
Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition - Student Report
On Thursday 8 June EDSC students in Year 9-12 assembled at the Piazza Italia for the Dante Alighieri Poetry Competition, as well as an interesting day in the city. This poetry competition is held every year by Melbourne University as a challenge for both Italian and non-Italian students learning the language.
It provided the opportunity to look at Melbourne University’s sprawling campus, as well as meet some of the students and teachers that were there to judge the poems.
First, all students partook in a short teacher-guided tour around Lygon Street, a street with a lot of Italy-relevant locations. We learnt about the first Italian communities in Australia, the original restaurants and buildings and many other things about the historical spot.
We then had a small break to go get a coffee, or a traditional Italian thick hot chocolate.
Our teachers then led the way to Melbourne University, where we prepared for our recitals. Many other Melbourne schools attended at the same time, sharing the auditorium we patiently waited. Each student recited their poem after months and months of practicing individually, in a quiet room with one Professore.
The poems themselves ranged from In the Beginning by Hanane Makhloufi, to Inferno by Dante Alighieri and Vigil by Giuseppe Ungaretti, each requiring adequate memorisation and pronunciation, as well as a good pacing and audible passion.
Afterward, we were permitted to wander Lygon Street in groups and eat lunch at many of its authentic Italian restaurants and cafes, ending the day back at the Piazza Italia.
The Year 12s were also treated to a tour of the Museo Italiano to help with their language studies.
“The poetry competition was a great way to learn about Italian culture!” Says a student from 9C. “You also learn about the history on Lygon Street in addition to reciting poems, enjoying Italian cuisine and hot chocolate.”
The Poetry competition is held every year for students in EDSC’s Italian classes and is an interesting learning experience as well as a break from ordinary school days. It is heavily recommended, if you are interested and like Italian culture!
by Margherita - Year 9
