Languages Week at Korowa Anglican Girls’ School was a vibrant, whole-campus celebration of language, culture and community. Led by the language department, the event transformed Korowa into a living, breathing cultural hub, honouring the four languages taught here: French, German, Japanese and Chinese.

From the moment students arrived, they were greeted by the colourful flags of France, Germany, Japan and China, proudly displayed at the gates. Inside, the Cripps Centre and Sandra Ivory Café were adorned with cultural displays, music and decorations that brought the global theme to life.

A Week of Cultural Immersion

Each day focused on a different language and culture, with a curated lineup of activities, performances and themed menu items designed to inspire curiosity and cultural understanding.

Highlights included:

  • Interactive workshops like lantern-making, Eiffel Tower building and origami
  • Games and crafts that sparked friendly competition  and creativity
  • Live music and guest performers to set the scene
  • Themed lunches, from cheesy kranskys and schnitzel to beef bourguignon, karaage and teriyaki stir-fry

These hands-on experiences gave students the opportunity to explore cultural traditions in new ways, blending language learning with food, creativity and fun. The input from the visiting Exchange students was particularly rewarding with new friendships formed and cultural awareness heightened.

Spotlight on German Day: A Big Moment for Junior School

German Day holds a special place for our Junior School students, who begin their Languages learning journey with German as their first foreign language. For many, it was their first experience seeing the language they are learning celebrated at a whole-school level.

The campus was buzzing with Oktoberfest-style energy. A live oompah band played upbeat traditional tunes outside the café, drawing curious students from across year levels. Staff from the German Department dressed in traditional dirndls, creating an authentic and joyful atmosphere that made students feel like they had stepped into the heart of Europe.

Inside the Sandra Ivory Café, the themed menu was a huge hit. Students had pretzels at recess, and for lunch they queued up for warm cheesy kranskys with sauerkraut and mustard or crispy chicken schnitzels with many students trying these foods for the first time. These shared food experiences helped students connect culture with language in a meaningful way. It helped our youngest learners realise that language is something to be lived, not just studied.

“For the whole day, from the start to the end, there have been activities that were fun and unique. The whole morning was very creative, like the cow head decoration, which was the first thing year 6 did. I used patty pans, coloured paper, cardboard paper, and my textas and pencils to decorate my cow head. After recess, there was another creative activity, but a different type of creative. We learnt how to yodel, and to do German dancing. To learn how to do those things, we watched some videos, including “The lonely goatherd” from the sound of music. 6A made up a dance to the song and sang along, and 6B did a dance like a puppet show! All too soon it was time for the German feast in the hall. There were Bratwurst sausages, giant pretzels, fresh apples and Apfelschorle, sparkling apple juice. A band played music while everyone ate, and at the end, everyone sang along and went up on stage to dance. To finish, the year 6s will soon be going to bake black forest cakes, which I already know will be delicious.” Grace, Year 6

Language at Korowa: A Lasting Foundation

Korowa’s commitment to Languages runs deep. Beginning with German in the Junior School and expanding to four languages by VCE, our program supports students in building not only academic skills, but empathy, confidence and cultural understanding.

Beyond vocabulary and grammar, Korowa’s Languages program fosters global awareness. Students learn how to communicate across difference, interpret cultural contexts and engage thoughtfully in a rapidly changing world. These are not just academic skills—they are leadership capabilities and important life skills to prepare all students for their future beyond Korowa.

In every language classroom, students are encouraged to question world issues, step outside their comfort zones and build connections across cultures. It is a program designed not only to educate, but to empower through knowledge and understanding.

Languages Week reflects this philosophy. It brings the curriculum to life, showcases student voice, and reminds us that language is a bridge, not just to understanding others, but to understanding ourselves and to be global minded individuals ready to lead, connect and make a real difference.