Languages Day 2022

We were delighted to relaunch our annual Languages Day after a couple of years of not being able to run it! Languages Day goes hand in hand with the ethos of our school as we want our students to become open minded, enquiring, knowledgeable and respectful citizens of the world.

Students from Year 6 to Year 9 were immersed in a range of vibrant and engaging activities and workshops which aimed to further their understanding of language and culture. These ranged from French story-telling, drama and crêpe making to Indonesian dance, exploring traditional Indonesian island costumes and Taiko drumming, to Chinese bracelet making, Italian Commedia dell’arte, Japanese origami and manga and finally Aboriginal basket weaving! We even had a guest appearance with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Vedi Kurnia Buana, paying us a visit in the afternoon! Students were also able to purchase a lunch that showcased the cuisines of different cultures. It was a colourful and exciting day where culture and language came to life and where diversity was celebrated and embraced.

Here are a few reflections from some of our Year 7 students:

‘Anna Jajah told us about the story of Peau D’Âne (Donkey Skin), her favourite movie, partly in French and partly in English and got us to get in groups afterwards and act out what we thought happened at the end. I really enjoyed hearing Anna tell us the story and see how we slowly started understanding what she was saying in French from actions and context.’ – Thea (Year 7)

‘One activity that I was able to participate in was the making of Chinese bracelets. They  consisted of a row of continuous, complex knots known as ‘lucky knots,’ which supposedly gave and trapped good luck in the knots of the bracelet. The purpose of the activity was to build friendship, as well as give us opportunities to complete a Chinese good-luck ritual. – Josephine (Year 7)

‘I liked the Italian drama because it was interesting and was funny, especially when the actors acted as different people! It was entertaining and funny to watch as the audience.’ – Lindsay (Year 7)

Please visit the MLC School Facebook page to view more photos from the day.

– Louisa Macdonald
Head of Department – Languages

Click on the image gallery below to view full-sized images.