LOTE

Languages

The Language department has become accustomed to organizing events and projects. 2003 was no exception. The year was dominated by our exchange to Siena, Italy under the guidance of Mrs Russo. It was not until their return, however, that we became fully aware of what a success it had been for all participants. We also thank our parent community for accepting to host the return party. The Italian trip had barely touched the ground when we were given the pleasure and the opportunity to host several French exchange students among our school community. They soon became very much part of it and enriched the students who had contact with them by their enthusiasm and readiness to become involved. It is pleasing to hear that some of the host students are already planning their stay in France and Italy. We were also extremely lucky to receive at the same time, but for too short a period, two teachers from Bali who paid us a visit to echo our trip by our Indonesian students several years ago. We would like very much to be able to reciprocate in the future. We are now preparing another exchange programme for next year, this time to France. In the Language faculty, we view communication and personal enrichment as some of the most important aspects of language learning and we hope that you and your sons will support us in our endeavours.

Siena Melbourne Exchange Trip

When I heard that an exchange trip to Siena, Italy was to take place with De La students, I was hesitant to go. Leaving family and friends for the first time was worrying, but living for twenty or so days with an unknown family in a foreign country was an experience I will never forget. The brip to Siena, Italy was surely one of the most educational events that I have had offered to me at De La Salle College. Upon arrival, Rome was an eye-opener. Just the number of people and hearing the Italian language all around us for the first time was enough to give us all culture shock. The first thing that grabbed my attention on the journey was the amount of 'pace' (peace) flags hanging from every direction in protest against war. My first experience with the Tornesi's (my host family) was welcoming. Food was presented to me, along with a tour of the house and the typical Tuscan-type farm the family lived on. School wasn't as formal in the way that the students dressed, but it was strict and students were made more responsible for their own progress. The standard of work was advanced compared to our system in Australia with a particular emphasis on oral assessments. The Italian students were at least a year ahead compared to our system down-under. I feel I have become significantly more confident in the work I do at school, as a result of my experience of living in a different culture. Being surrounded with the language helped our Italian improve dramatically. The adolescents had privileges that most in Australia could only imagine. Driving a scooter in Italy is legal at the age of 14. A license is not required, only a birth certificate. You could see the thousands of kids on their way to school, driving with friends or just simply going out for the night. 'La passegiata' was an importantsocial concept in Italy. This consisted of what we Australians would call a simple walk where peopie of all ages would walk and talk with friends and meet people in the beautiful medieval town of Siena. After all my wonderful experiences, I truly came to appreciate how lucky I am to be living in Australia. Italy made me grateful for the space I have in Australia, and most of all, it improved my awareness of what it is to have family and friends. My education and general knowledge improved and I simply could not put a price on my experiences. If you are ever given the opportunity to travel overseas with De La Salle, please generously consider the once-in-a-lifetime offer.

Michael Cini

Year 9 French Excursion to Williamstown

Boys studying French in Yr 9 were treated to a day out at Williamstown where they learned to play Petanque, ( a French version of Bocce), then they were treated to lunch which consisted of French crepes and finally returned to the city by ferry. The following is a reflection of the day… Le 10 Septembre, nous sommes allés à Williamstown pour le français. A Williamstown nous avons joué à la Pétanque. La Pétanque est un jeu de boules avec un petit cochonnet. On lance une boule et on essaie de placer les boules près du cochonnet. Après le jeu de Pètanque nous sommes allés à la Crêperie Breizoz. Les crêpes là-bas sont