Over the last couple of months, students of French, Japanese and Italian at OLMC have had the opportunity to participate in a range of experiences designed to increase their knowledge of culture both in and out of the Languages classroom.
French
Webinar for La Fête de la Science
French students Stephanie T. (9DCH) and Eleanor P. (12CRIV) took up the opportunity to participate in the Alliance Française de Melbourne webinar celebrating La Fête de la Science. The panelists included a number of French and Australian bilingual scientists from various universities and organisations, who shared their experiences about how speaking a second language has enhanced their scientific careers. Topics included the benefits of being bilingual, and how language can boost an international career and gender equity in science.
Any French students who were not able to attend the live webinar and who are considering a career in science are encouraged to view the recording of the webinar: https://www.afmelbourne.com.au/schools-and-teachers/fete-de-la-science-2022/#anchor-feedbackFromTeachersAndStudent
Japanese
After a hiatus of three years, it was wonderful to be able to once again welcome the Japanese drummers to OLMC for a cultural incursion in October.
The following reflection was written by Hayley L. Ivy B. and Giuliana P. of 8MWA:
Japanese Taiko incursion
All Year 7, 8, and 9 Japanese students had an amazing incursion with the husband and wife team Toshi and Junko from the Wadaiko Rindo, performing traditional Japanese drumming (Taiko). Not only did they perform spectacular, engaging music pieces, they also shared their knowledge of the instruments. It was interesting to learn that Taiko has been around for 1500 years and was introduced to Japan from China, but the Japanese had made it their own. When describing the drums they also incorporated Japanese words like chiisai (small), ookii (big), bachi (drum sticks) and chappa (tiny Japanese symbols). They allowed us plenty of time to play it ourselves. Everyone was eager to join in and was having fun. Overall, it was a great experience that allowed students to enjoy and appreciate Japanese culture.
Italian
We recently received the results for the Dante Alighieri Original Poetry competition for 2022.
The following article from Mrs Loretta Costa lists the prize-winners and includes samples of some of the winning poems from the Year 10 Italian students:
Dante Alighieri Original Poetry Competition 2022
All Year 10 students of Italian are to be commended for having written an original poem for this year’s competition. It was evident that much thought and creativity went into writing the poems.
Many students were awarded certificates of High Distinction, Honourable Mention and Merit. Our congratulations are extended to the following students who were awarded prizes: Talia B. (10AGLE) First Prize, Siena C. (10CMSM) First Prize, Monique C. (10AASE) Second Prize and Amelia S. (10CPSE) Third Prize.
Here is a small sample of the poems:
Una nuova terra mi ha chiamato.....
La paura, più forte del rombo del tuono
Un suono naturale
Così oscuro, eppure così elettrizzante
Mi ha portato attraverso il mare
Attraverso il mare verso questa terra straniera
Una terra di colori vivaci
Una terra così pura, così ricca, così verde
Una terra che mi ha salvato dalla vista del rosso
Preoccupato che la mia prossima mossa possa essere l'ultima
Mi ha portato fuori dalle tenebre, nella luce
Mi ha portato fuori dall'ombra
Ho bloccato le mie orecchie dal suono lontano degli spari
Per assorbire le mie lacrime, non mi restava nessuno da piangere
Ha portato via la mia sofferenza
Ha curato il mio trauma
Mi ha dato speranza, forza
Sensazioni che non sapevo esistessero
Ha riempito il mio spirito
Quando ero insensibile, mi ha aiutato a sentirmi meglio
Grembi aperti, crudi, teneri, sono cresciuti in cicatrici
Non mi ha ucciso, ma mi ha reso più forte
Potevo sentirlo
Stava chiamando il mio nome
Talia B. (10AGLE)
Memorie di un’amicizia
Quando ero bambino,
Ero sempre con te, amico mio,
Abbiamo corso per le strade,
Abbiamo sempre avuto qualcosa da giocare,
Felice come può essere.
Finché non dovevi partire per vedere,
La nuova vita preparata per te,
In un altro paese.
Abbiamo pianto,
Abbiamo singhiozzato,
Ma ci siamo chiamati,
Ogni giorno.
Un giorno,
Non mi hai mai risposto,
Ho aspettato,
Giorni e notti,
Per sentirti.
Quando sono tornato,
Al posto dove abbiamo giocato,
Era aprile,
Ma non riuscivo a trovare il tuo viso gentile.
La tua casa, la tua famiglia e le tue foto erano ancora lì,
Ma tu non c'eri,
Ho tenuto la foto di te ed io,
Di noi che camminiamo e facciamo esercizio,
Non potevo trattenerlo,
La pioggia scrosciava dal cielo.
Ho guardato il tuo sorriso luminoso come le luci,
E ho ricordato i ricordi magnifici,
Quando ero bambino,
Quando ero con te, amico mio.
Monique C. (10AASE)
Dopo la pioggia
Dopo la pioggia
Sui fili il sole stende
Tremule Perle
Siena C. (10CMSM)