Year 7 German and Chinese students recently participated in two cultural activities at the College.

German Incursion

German students (and their teachers) had fun learning the 'Schuhplattler' (shoe slapping dance), a traditional folk dance originating in Upper Bavaria, Tyrol and Salzburg, from presenter Rowan Classen. Dressed in the traditional ‘Lederhosen’ and Bavarian ‘Hut’, Rowan demonstrated his ‘shoe slapping’ expertise and taught the students a simple routine, which they mastered in no time. Rowan's presentation also included other challenges such as body strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. The students’ enjoyment of the experience can be seen by the comments below:

“It was interesting to hear from Rowan and very fun and entertaining to try and dance!”

“It was great to dance with my friends in a big group”

“I liked learning something new and being active”

“Rowan was really strong and fit!”

Trish Prenzler
Languages Coordinator and German Teacher

Chinese Incursion

The Chinese incursion event kicked off with a delicious sampling of traditional Chinese snacks, including plates of crispy spring rolls, prawn crackers and fried dumplings. The spring rolls were a hit, filled with a savoury mix that had everyone coming back for more. The prawn crackers offered a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the dumplings, packed with flavoursome fillings, showcased the rich culinary traditions of China. Iced tea was served to complement the meal, refreshing everyone as they enjoyed this culinary journey.

While the students enjoyed their Chinese-inspired feast, they were treated to a special screening of Kung Fu Panda 2. As they watched Po, the lovable panda, embark on another thrilling adventure, students could appreciate the stunning animation in the film. They were also subtly introduced to elements of Chinese culture, from martial arts to themes of inner peace and perseverance.

Overall, the Chinese incursion was a fantastic success. The combination of delicious food and an engaging movie enabled students to connect with Chinese culture in a way that was both fun and educational, making it a highlight of the 2024 school year.

From one very satisfied student:

“Thank you for feeding us food and letting us watch a movie. The food was very yum!"

Ed Ding
Chinese Teacher