Languages Other Than English (LOTE) News – Vanessa Riga

“It’s more than words” – Angela Brooks

🍰 A Sweet Italian Afternoon for Year 8

During Week 7 of Term 3, the Year 8 students swapped books for dolci in a delightful celebration of Italian culture. The afternoon was filled with laughter, creativity, and most importantly sweets.

Students were treated to a delicious array of traditional Italian desserts, including crostoli, brioche buns, nutella and non alcoholic spritz. The classroom became a mini Italian café, as students enthusiastically decorated their spaces with vibrant tablecloths and Italian themed figurines. The green, white and red display was as impressive as the desserts themselves.

The event was not only a feast for the senses but also a chance for students to explore Italian traditions in a hands on, joyful way. 

It was a sweet success—literally—and a reminder that learning about italy can be deliciously fun.

🇮🇹 Year 11 Italian Students Celebrate with a Taste of Italy at Kirrawee

To mark the conclusion of their Year 11 Preliminary Italian course, Chloe English, Catherine Palamara and Ms Riga gathered for a celebratory Italian lunch in Week 8 of Term 3 that was as rich in flavour as it was in cultural spirit.

The event offered a delicious escape to Vitaly Italian & Woodfire Pizza Restaurant at Kirrawee, with students enjoying a variety of traditional dishes from meatballs, burrata, pasta, gnocchi and pizza to a cheeky dolce. The lunch was not only a reward for their hard work throughout the year, but also a chance to immerse themselves in the language and lifestyle they’ve been studying.

Both students are to be commended for their dedication, enthusiasm and hard work this year.

It was a fitting finale to a successful year and a reminder that learning a language is about more than just grammar and vocabulary. It’s about connection, culture, and celebration.

Vanessa Riga

Italian Teacher