LANGUAGES

As we near the end of Term 1 we already have so much to celebrate in our proud little faculty: a successful start to the year; the welcoming of our Year 7s; the Education Perfect World Championships, and an addition to the Mooroolbark College Languages staff family. 

2023 has started off in leaps and bounds in Languages, as we adjust to the new daily 5-period structure. All students, but especially the incoming Year 7s, have noticed how the lessons just fly: You get in there, do some fun engage task, get few instructions, work on a central task before showing off the daily learning at the end in a review task. It’s all go, go, go in Languages. Having our ‘Smiley Charts’ in class really keeps everyone motivated, as we strive to be our best, or fastest, or most accurate: whatever the Engage task may be. Five Smileys equal a prize or even a Merit Certificate, you know! 

As much as love our annual Education Perfect World Championships, 2023 was both a highlight and a fizzer. While we had less than half the certificates we normally get due to the Calendar conspiring against us (Both Labour Day and Parent Teacher Interviews meant we lost precious competition time) , we also had our highest total ever: Bailey Paget of Year 10 aimed for 15,000 points and fell just short, but what an effort from someone who is not even enrolled in Languages this year! And this is also true of our second and third place getters: his brother Alex and Ash Missen respectively, both of Year 9. All our winners will receive the rewards due, once the certificates are published and printed. Congratulations are extended to all the competitors. And if you are not in the honours list below and wish to be there in 2024, talk to us: we’ll show you a few strategies to get you there for sure!

We recently had to say goodbye to Herr Jordan van Keulen for a while. He is on paternity leave and has welcomed an addition to his family. We, of course, would like to extend our congratulations to both parents and wish them all the joy a new life brings. While we look forward to Herr van Keulen’s return, it is also with familiar joy that we welcome back Frau Nickel, who has taken over his Languages allotment. Frau Nickel knows Mooroolbark College, having been part of the faculty for many, many years in the past. She has a fantastic touch with young learners and they could not have a better stand-in!

Until next time, all the best, stay safe and enjoy the term break.

Jonas Bahlo

LANGUAGES KEY LEARNING HEAD