Languages Other Than English New Caledonia This year, a group of our French students between the ages of 14 to 18 took part in a language study tour to New Caledonia. The aim of this initiative by the Language KLA was to allow our students to experience all the implications associated with the learning of the language in a real situation. The success of this tour can be measured by the following responses. After many meetings, two travel agents and a lost passport, the French language trip was finally underway. Ten students from Year Levels 8 to 12 flew to New Caledonia for a week-long experience of the French way of life. We touched down on the tropical island and drove to the hotel with four other girls schools. De La Salle was the only boys school (which was a highlight of our trip!). For the majority of the time we stayed in home stays with French speaking families in pairs. We spoke French to our families and locals and absorbed the French culture. This was difficult at times but we all overcame any language barriers. On three of the mornings we
took part in lessons at a French school near the city. This was very challenging for some but proved invaluable for our learning. On the Saturday we caught the boat to Amedee Island, a tiny tropical paradise 45 minutes from the central island. We couldn’t have asked for better weather on the day. The island was a tourist hot-spot surrounded by a coral reef. A lighthouse towered over the small beach and all the boys climbed it. A glass boat took tourists out onto the reef to view the sealife below and snorkel with the fishes and a sharks. At lunch tribal dancing was performed by the islanders. People from the audience were chosen to dance with the girls, which was very amusing. For many the day was the highlight of the trip, as it was an invaluable opportunity to experience the culture of the natives. During many of the afternoons the boys went shopping at the market and in the town centre and bought many Caledonian souvenirs. This was a great chance to improve our French and to provide humour for the locals. We were disappointed to leave but happy to see our families after a week abroad. The trip was a fantastic experience for everyone. Sam Loader and Gerard Twomey
Il Pranzo The Italian luncheon for Year 8s this year was an exciting and interesting experience because we got to really look and taste Italian food that was different to the regular spaghetti and pizza. Our lunch included a ciabata roll with meat and salad fillings, an Italian fizzy drink, pizzelle, which we made ourselves and a gelato. Before the day we made placemats which were laminated and the PAC was decorated with round tables and red, green and white napkins. We also played games like Tombola (bingo), and had a fun quiz, and crossword puzzle to complete while we waited to be called into the kitchen to mix and cook up pizzelle with Mrs Furnari. (Luke) Here are some comments from the boys at the luncheon: “Italians eat their food sitting down and make a big deal of it. I even skip lunch sometimes.” (Stefan) “I enjoyed playing Tombola and the fizzy drink, because I won tombola and got some Italian lollies and the drink was delicious!” (Giacomo)
