Languages News

In week 2, St Clare’s students celebrated Bastille day as well as the Belgian National Day. Students enjoyed eating traditional French madeleines- small butter cakes in the shape of a shell - and Belgian gaufres- waffles- during lunch.

Year 7 students created posters which were displayed in the canteen with some fun facts on waffles and madeleines as well as information about how French and Belgian people celebrate their respective national days. The canteen was also decorated with French and Belgian flags for the occasion and contemporary Belgian and French music was played in the background, which contributed to the festive atmosphere.

This was an opportunity for students to discover that the French language is not only spoken in France, but in many other countries such as Belgium. According to the ‘Organisation Mondiale de la Francophonie” (the international organisation of French speaking countries) there are currently 300 million French speakers worldwide and French is the 5th most spoken language in the world.

Marie Lancaster French Teacher

French Teacher

This year the ACT High School Division Japanese Speech contest is back and are inviting students all over the ACT to participate. This is a great opportunity for students to practice outside of the classroom and have a chance at winning a prize. The topic is open which means students can choose what they would like to talk about in the time allocated to their division.

Length of speech: 2-3 minutes for Y9 & Y10, 1-2 minutes for Y7 & Y8.

Props or Slides are not allowed.

Contestants should not read their speeches. Contestants may refer to their notes or palm cards, however, excessive consultation will result in marks being deducted; Uniform is compulsory; however, neat presentation is encouraged;

Time: 9.30 am – 12.30 pm, Saturday 11th September 2021.

Venue: Alfred Deakin High School (111 Denison Street, Deakin)

If you would like your child to be part of this great opportunity, please email your child’s Japanese teacher or

Lisa Bourne: lisa.bourne@stcc.act. edu.au

The JPF/ANU College Speech contest will be held on 28 August (Sat) from 10:30 am (specific division times will be finalised after registrations close).

We plan to hold this year’s contest in-person. However, we may switch to Zoom format, if the COVID situation becomes a concern.

Participants must register by 11:59 pm 23 August (Monday). Participants will need to provide the Japanese and English titles for their speeches at time of registration.

Registration can be completed online at: http://goo.gl/KDJYGY

College (year 11 & 12) Division 2.5~3 minutes Open Division 4.5~5 minutes Background Speaker Division 4.5~5 minutes

First place winners in the College and Open divisions will progress to the Australian final in Sydney on Saturday, 2 October 2021. The Japan Foundation Sydney will provide transport cost and accommodation allowance for candidates travelling from interstate.

Further information and guidelines have been emailed to Senior students.

Language club is one every Monday lunch 2 in C107. Come and join in the fun.

Would you like extra help, a crossage tutor, conversation practice with native speakers, games extension, enter a competition (speech contests, video competition, art competitions) to win a prize.

Leader of Learning Languages