Faculty News
Languages News
There is much excitement in the Languages department as we plan for transition week. Teachers all exposing their passion for the culture of the language they love to teach. Today’s Language Faculty News will explain some of these activities.
Japanese
During exam week some Year 10 Japanese students spent time with Nakatani Sensei, our assistant Japanese teacher, improving their character skills by learning the art of calligraphy. Calligraphy is an old Japanese art form, requiring patience, harmony and concentration. The students chose characters from the VCE character list to get a head start on their knowledge of characters and attempted to find some inner peace and harmony to create beautiful art.
Some Year 10 Japanese students have also been able to have Friday conversation practise exchange with Komiya Senpai from Meiji Gakuen University in Yokohama. Komiya Senpai dedicates her time to chat with our students in Japanese and then continues after class with some English chat for her own improvement. It is a very satisfying feeling for a Language teacher to see her students struggle and then push through the language barrier and be resourceful in their quest for clear communication. These are the lessons our students will learn about resilience and persistence. Last week Komiya Senpai discussed regional food in Japan. The relationship between Meiji Gakuen University and Mazenod College is one we cherish and hope that in 2021, despite the difficulties, we can invite a Meiji student to spend half a year with us in our Languages Team.
Italian
Italian classes have explored Italian food and etiquette culture during the year and therefore during transition, they will focus on Christmas customs in Italy. The traditional history and tasting of Panettone will be a highlight.
Some classes will explore the wonderful tradition of Sagre. The Italian Sagra is a festival celebrating a local tradition or produce. For example, in January Naples has a Sagra celebrating Saint Anthony and pork-based soup.
Each month Italian cities celebrate their local traditions and our Italian students will be travelling throughout Italy, virtually, of course. I’m sure the desire for beautiful, fresh Italian produce will not be virtual.
Chinese
Year 9 to Year 12 Chinese will try traditional Shanghai White Rabbit Creamy Candy and the famous Guangzhou Gluten-free rice cracker. Year 11 and Year 12 Chinese VCE classes will be incorporating visible learning and wellbeing approaches to implement listening, speaking, reading and writing practices. Each VCE Chinese student will set their challenging and achievable learning goals.
Students will also be creating cup songs during the transition week to celebrate their achievements. Year 9 and Year 10 students will be introduced to the Chinese Zodiac calendar and linking the Zodiac animal characteristics to their own character. They will practise writing Zodiac animals in Chinese and gain basic Chinese calligraphy skills.
We wish the best of luck to our Year 12 Languages students who will sit their written exam this week. They worked so hard during the year. Their efforts and the efforts of their teachers are a source of inspiration to our younger students.
The joy of learning a language be with you all and may you reap the benefits for years to come.
Kind regards to all,
Ms Yolanda Bonica
Languages Coordinator