International Languages Week 2025
Posted on June 30, 2025
A Chinese proverb says, “To learn a language is to have one more window with which to look at the world.” Languages not only help us communicate and connect, but also offer insight into different cultures and ways of thinking. They open up new opportunities and enrich our lives.
At the end of Term 2, Macleans College celebrated the beauty, utility and diversity of the languages and cultures in the school community. Staff and students participated in a variety of activities designed to broaden cultural understanding.
Chinese
Students explored the beautiful art of Chinese calligraphy - an important art form in Chinese culture. Using a brush and ink, students copied characters paying attention to the form of each character and their technique.
An after-school workshop introduced students to Chinese opera masks. Participants learned about their significance in theatre and created their own masks to reflect different personalities and emotions.
Japanese
Japanese language students attended a workshop on the Japanese harp. After watching a performance, they had the opportunity to try playing the instrument themselves.
A school-wide Japanese language challenge invited students to memorise and recite Japanese sayings during lunchtime for prizes.
Spanish
Junior students of Spanish participated in a lively fiesta featuring aerobics, games, quizzes and a bachata dance workshop. They learned the basics of this dance from the Dominican Republic and practiced with partners.
The dancing continued at lunchtime, where a large group of students and staff joined a mass dance class in the amphitheatre.
Several Spanish classes welcomed back past students Amy Brealey (Te Kanawa House 2018 - 2022) and Stefanie Ho (Batten House 2019 - 2022), who are now studying Spanish at university. Amy also shared highlights from her recent travels in South America, inspiring current students to explore further language study.
Final celebrations
The week concluded with the annual food festival, featuring six food trucks offering a variety of international dishes. Staff and students enjoyed the vibrant selection of food together.
The celebrations ended with the much-loved flag parade - a colourful event that honours the diverse cultural backgrounds within the Macleans College community. It was a fitting finale to a week that showcased the value of language, culture and global understanding at Macleans College.
