Celebrating Languages and Cultures Week Across the College
During the final week of Term 2, students across Overnewton celebrated Languages and Cultures Week through a diverse range of engaging, hands on learning experiences that brought languages and cultures to life.
In Junior School, students explored Chinese language and culture through activities tailored to each year level. Prep students discovered the stories behind the Chinese Zodiac, while Year 1 students learned about the meaning and structure of Chinese names before creating silk fans featuring their own Chinese names. Year 2 students developed their chopstick skills, dressed in traditional Chinese attire and practised basic Kung Fu movements. Year 3 students experienced the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy, and Year 4 students explored traditional Chinese music, including the opportunity to play the Guzheng.
Middle School also embraced the celebrations with a range of interactive experiences including participating in a Kung Fu Panda incursion, and exploring the colourful traditions of Peking Opera. Our Year 7 students learned about Chinese tea culture while making bubble tea, and researched German cities to strengthen their intercultural understanding. Year 8 students investigated the diversity of Chinese cuisine and chopstick etiquette, while German students examined the history of East and West Germany during the Cold War and explored Germany's automotive industry.
Year 9 students experienced traditional dress and learned the vibrant dragon ribbon dance, further immersing themselves in Chinese culture.
Adding to the celebration, the canteen served a selection of international dishes, giving students the opportunity to enjoy flavours from around the world.
Through these immersive experiences, Languages and Cultures Week encouraged students to broaden their global perspectives while developing a deeper appreciation of the rich diversity of languages and cultures beyond the classroom.
We acknowledge and pay respect to the Marin Balluk people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which Overnewton Anglican Community College stands. We respect the knowledge that will be forever embedded within the Aboriginal Custodianship of Country and remember the loss of cultures, languages and Lands they have endured. Like the Marin Balluk people, we at Overnewton want to respect the Land, the cultures and the heritages, and learn from those who have come before us in the passing on of knowledge and the teaching of life skills, as well as continue with wise stewardship of our buildings and grounds. We honour their custodianship of this Land and offer them our deep respect.