It was a busy Term 1 in the Languages department with many great activities. We welcomed Takada High School to Parade College as they took part in homestays and classes at Parade. Some of our French students travelled into the city to visit the Alliance Française French Film Festival. Below, Year 11 Nicholas Fernandes N01 recounts his involvement in the Takada High School visit, while Year 11 Yacob Abraham H06 tells us about his experience at the Film Festival.
Being a part of the Japanese hosting program, this year was definitely a privilege. Seeing the smiling and slightly nervous faces of my peers ready to pick up the Japanese students at the start filled me with the realism that I would have to be a caretaker for almost 2 weeks. However, after the first few challenging days, I could tell why it was such a popular program. Making friends on excursions and sharing my everyday experiences with a new friend that was eager to learn made each day for me twice as enjoyable yet also twice as tiring. Whilst the language barrier between my family and the student was very evident, that still did not stop us from having the best time making food like Okonomiyaki and trying popular Japanese snacks. Spending time, bonding with the other host students in different year levels was just as good too, as we were invited to excursions along with the Japanese students, participating in activities that even I got to try for the first time. Unfortunately, all good things eventually came to an end, and whilst we all got to enjoy looking back on the events that we accomplished on our journey at the farewell evening, the next day we saw the Japanese students off as they were picked up by the bus. Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience that I will remember forever. To any students that are looking into hosting next year, I would only encourage you to take this chance!
Nicholas Fernandes Year 11 N01
Bonjour à tous et à toutes ! The senior French students recently had an excursion, where we watched The Count of Monte Cristo in the CBD as part of the French film festival going on. Afterwards, within our individual groups, we went to French cafes and restaurants. The excursion was incredibly fun, I found the film to be enjoyable and intriguing. It has broadened my perspective on global films, and has made me, as a French student, want to immerse myself in French culture through this. The restaurants were also great; I do not know much about French cuisine, so learning some new dishes through this excursion was good. Overall, I hope we do this again, and I hope any future French students will be able to participate too! Au revoir!
Yacob Abraham Year 11 H06
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