April 22nd, 2024

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April Newsletter

A message from the MLTAWA President

Dear MLTAWA Members,

As we begin the season of Djeran, it's with great pleasure that I welcome you to the latest edition of our MLTAWA newsletter. As your president, it's my privilege to share with you the latest developments, initiatives, and opportunities within our vibrant Languages community.

In this edition, you can delve into cutting-edge research exploring dyslexia in language learning, shedding light on crucial insights that can inform and enhance our pedagogical approaches. Understanding the challenges our students face is paramount to fostering inclusive and effective language education.

I'm also excited to announce the opening of nominations for the prestigious Principal's Award. This esteemed accolade celebrates the dedication and innovation of educators across our region who are shaping the future of language education. I encourage you all to nominate deserving candidates whose contributions deserve recognition.

Additionally, registrations for our biennial conference Advancing Languages Education: Bridging Cultures, Connecting Communities are now open! This eagerly anticipated event promises enriching workshops, engaging presentations, and networking opportunities that will inspire and invigorate our practice. Secure your spot early and join us in fostering excellence in Languages Education.

Furthermore, I'm thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the inaugural Nathan Harvey Languages Scholarship. This initiative aims to support and empower aspiring language learners, honouring the legacy of our esteemed colleague and friend. If you have passionate students eager to pursue their language learning aspirations, encourage them to apply and embark on a journey of professional growth and impact.

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Languages Education, let's continue to champion innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. Together, we can cultivate a community where every learner thrives and every educator flourishes.

Warm regards,

Colleen Barclay

PL event

Our PL event held last Saturday saw an impressive turnout, with around 50 participants in attendance, including several representatives from the Nepali Language and Arts School. It was an enriching experience as attendees were treated to insights from four exceptional presenters, each offering unique perspectives on integrating imaginative texts into the Languages classroom.

Natalie captivated the audience with her discourse on utilising stories to deeply engage students, accompanied by activities designed to transport them into the narrative realm. Josephine introduced the innovative use of YouTube 360o videos, advocating for their role in immersing students in the cultural landscape of the target country and inspiring creative tasks, such as crafting advertisements based on scenes from the videos.


Simona's session sparked contemplation on fostering inclusivity within the classroom through imaginative texts and the art of claymation, prompting attendees to reflect on diverse perspectives and modes of expression. Wrapping up the morning session, Indah showcased the versatility of a single text across different year levels, demonstrating how students can craft their own narratives infused with the rich tapestry of traditions and customs from the target culture.

The event concluded with Denisse being awarded the coveted voucher generously donated by Filipa from Le Toboggan, adding an extra layer of excitement and appreciation to the occasion. Special thanks are extended to Wesley College for graciously hosting the event and providing a glimpse into their exceptional Languages space, which served as an inspiring backdrop for our collective exploration and learning.

The MLTAWA Principal's Award

The MLTAWA Principal's Award is awarded to school leaders who have shown long-term commitment to their Languages program and promoted Languages within the wider school community. Languages teachers are encouraged to nominate worthy principals from mainstream and community language schools. The invitation to nominate is also extended to all members of school staff and the wider community, including parents, students and members of affiliated organisations.

Nominations for this prestigious Award are now open and are due by June 7th. Details on how to apply, selection criteria and related information can be accessed via our website HERE.

For any queries in relation to this Award, please contact our Immediate Past President, Marisa Schiavi, at [email protected]

Free Posters

Hello MLTAWA members!

"Would you like some free posters for your classroom?" That's what I was calling out to everyone at the JLTAV (Japanese Languages Teachers Association of Victoria) Conference on the weekend. So, I am writing today to find out if you'd like some free posters, too.

The posters are entitled "Why Study a Language?"
One is pre-populated with ideas and is a great resource for subject selection night or for discussion / decoration in the classroom. The second one is blank and designed to be printed and used as a worksheet for the kids to come up with their own ideas.
In addition to running Languages Roadshow, I am also co-authoring a new Japanese textbook for Lingopont (a Melbourne based Languages publisher). The resource is for Year 7 and 8 and will be called Peko Peko. These posters were created to celebrate us being out and about for the first time promoting the new resource.

Please feel free to click the link below to download. Enjoy using these with your students.

**Just to be fully transparent, if you download the posters you'll also go onto the Lingopont and Languages Roadshow mailing lists. Be sure to pop in your language when you fill out the form for the posters, so we know to only contact you about resources that are relevant to you.

Link to download posters: https://share.hsforms.com/1syZwqUDgT2So6NBWz2UT7Q4nern

Kind regards
Kelly Harrison
Owner and Founder

https://www.languagesroadshow.com.au/

LCNAU call for papers

Dyslexia and Languages

Ever wondered if your students with dyslexia also have dyslexia in their second or subsequent language, or how their dyslexia affects their language learning? If you are interested in knowing more, you may want to read the latest research below.
‘Learning a second language very early on could be an actual help for kids with reading difficulties – Marie Lallie’
How dyslexia changes in other languages (bbc.com)

Conference 2024

We are thrilled to announce registrations are now open for the 2024 MLTAWA Conference, taking place on August 2-3 at the Novotel Perth Langley. At the heart of this year's conference is our theme: "Advancing Languages Education - Bridging Cultures, Connecting Communities."
We have a wonderful lineup of keynote speakers who will share their expertise and insights on this theme:
• Emeritus Professor Joe Lo Bianco:
A distinguished figure in the field of language education, Professor Lo Bianco will provide a thought-provoking perspective on the evolution and future of Languages Education.
• Dr Libby Hammond and Sophia Mung (Purnululu Aboriginal Independent Community School):
Dr Hammond and Ms Mung will offer a unique and vital perspective, shedding light on the intersection of language education, indigenous cultures, and community engagement.
• Matthew Absalom (Melbourne University):
Drawing on his extensive research, Mr Absalom will explore innovative approaches to language education and how they contribute to cultural exchange and understanding.
• Kate Xavier (Together for Humanity):
Ms Xavier will share her experiences in promoting diversity, inclusion, and understanding through language education, highlighting its role in fostering unity within communities.

Registration Information:
Please find prices and registration information HERE.
We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional event! Let’s see if we can break records with the largest attendance yet.

Nathan Harvey Languages Education Scholarship

As previously announced earlier this year, the MLTAWA has established a scholarship to commemorate the invaluable contributions of our devoted Languages colleague, Nathan Harvey. Detailed information and application forms are available HERE. We encourage you to share and promote this inaugural scholarship opportunity with your exceptional students. Together, let's honour the legacy of this passionate Languages educator.

Member Survey

If you have not done so already, we would appreciate it if you could spare a few minutes to complete our Member survey. The survey closes April 30, so to be in the draw to win one of 3 x $50 off your conference registration fees please complete it by this date. The survey can be found HERE.

We would love to hear from you!

Do you have an article or news you would like to share with our members? We would love to hear from you at [email protected]

Stay tuned for more news, updates, events and resources on Languages Education with our monthly Newsletter.
Please note: This is an automatic newsletter with no replies monitored - if you wish to contact MLTAWA, please email [email protected] . If it is a membership related concern, please email [email protected] or for website access issues please email [email protected].
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