For more events and activities see Canberra Region Languages Forum Updates and Visit the ACTBEA Facebook Page ​
​

​Raising children in more than one language - presentation and discussion 
​

​What a great event at the ANU on Thursday 19 September

• Wonderful presentations from our multilingual panel who shared their experiences of raising children in more than one languages or growing up in multilingual households. 
• Languages in the four households represented were Russian and Korean, Tongan and Italian, Mandarin and Taiwanese, and Japanese
• Many questions and inciteful comments from our audience
• Lively and productive networking after the close of the formal part of the program.

Many thanks to the following for supporting this event and making it such a success:

• Immersia: ANU School of Culture History and Language
• ANU Centre for European Studies
• The ANUCES Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence: “Leadership Emerging from Migration, Ethnicity, Race and Gender in Australia and the EU”  (of the EU Erasmus+ Programme)
• Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc
• ACTBEA organising group  
• The members of the panel and everyone in the audience   

Information session: studying Yr 11 and 12 languages through CIT Solutions 

Understanding the challenges ACT schools face in meeting diverse preferences for language studies, CIT Solutions offer programs to assist year 11 an 12 students whose desired language courses are not available within their schools. This information session is for students in the ACT, and their families, and will provide details about 2025 senior secondary languages courses offered by CIT Solutions' Centre for Modern Languages and explain enrolment procedures.  

• 6pm Monday 23 September

• Online via Microsoft Teams

• For more details and meeting link email Ci[email protected]

CIT Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Canberra Institute of Technology. Now accredited by the ACT Board of Secondary Studies (BSSS) as a Specialist Education Provider, CIT Solutions provide accredited senior secondary Year 11 and Year 12 programs. In 2024, the languages offered were French, German, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil.

• For background information about the program click HERE
• For more details about 2025 arrangements, email [email protected]

​Raising children in more than one language​

​A seminar for families and others interested in bilingualism and bilingual education. Discussion will be led by a multilingual panel of parents, young adults who have grown up bilingually, and educators and academics involved in bilingual education. 

• 5.30pm-6.30pm Thursday 19 September
• RSSS auditorium, Ellery Crescent, ANU 
• Cost: Free but registration required 

Questions and input from audience members are encouraged, and there will be opportunities for networking after the seminar.  Children welcome but must be under parental supervision

To register: https://immersia.anu.edu.au/event/immersia-2024-raising-children-more-one-language
For poster CLICK HERE

Organised by the ACT Bilingual Alliance in collaboration with the ANU Centre for European Studies as part of ANU Immersia 2024. For more about Immersia and other events in the program: https://immersia.anu.edu.au/

Mother Tongue - Multilingual Poetry

Enjoy an evening of poetry and spoken word in some of the many languages being spoken and taught in Canberra. 

• Monday 29 July 7pm-9pm
• Smith's Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Canberra City
• Doors open 6.30pm
• Tickets from Smiths $10/$5

Feature  

• Mimi Zhang: a teacher, community interpreter, singer and local entrepreneur who has been writing for more than 20 years. Mimi will be reading from her latest publication, Window, a bilingual book of poetry and photography inspired by her travels through the world and her life, as well presenting some more recent work.      

Share your own language skills in an open mic spot! 

• You will have up to 4 minutes to read or recite a poem wholly or partly in another language with an introduction or summary in English. It can be an original poem you have written yourself or a piece by another poet. All styles from traditional to contemporary slam are welcome.  
• Email [email protected] to sign up for a spot of for more information

POSTER for July event HERE

• For more details about Mother Tongue or to join the mailing list: www.facebook.com/mothertonguemic​

Languages at the 2024 National Multicultural Festival  

• Sunday 18 February 10.30am to 3pm
• Stall D6 and D7(CMCF stall) City Walk (Akuna Street end) See map
• Free and all ages welcome .

Fun 20 minute interactive sessions in a variety of languages. 

• 10.30am: Fun Language games in Italian and French
• 11am: Learn to be a ventriloquist in two languages
• 11.30am: Unlock the art of Sinhala language  
• 12 noon: Learn how to write your name in Cyrillic
• 1.30pm: A taste  of Welsh through song 
• 2pm: Fun Language games in French and Italian
• 2.30pm: Learn Swahili language through "hakuna matata" music and dance

Coordinated by ACTBEA for CMCF (Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc)
More information from [email protected] or phone 0408 089 235

Canberra Festival of Languages 

We held our celebration of many of the languages being spoken, used, taught and learned in our multilingual city on Saturday 17 June, 10.30am-4pm, at the ANU. Over 100 people attended during the day to enjoy the program detailed below. Here are some photos from the day. 

                          10.30am-11am  
Official opening and welcome to country

                            11am-1pm
Short Talks and Discussions:

• Language in transition:

        finding ways to transmit language between                    generations

• Introduction to the Georgian alphabet exhibition​  (all day display) 

​​​Workshops and activities 

• Language ‘taster’ sessions: Arabic, Turkish, Persian
• Arabic calligraphy
• Story book reading/games in other languages 

​                            1pm-2pm    Lunch (provided) 

                          2pm-4pm
​
​​Short Talks and Discussions:

• Learning languages as an adult:                      Why are some people better at learning languages than others? What can YOU do to be a better language  learner?

• Inner rhythm in Persian language and poetry:      Explore languages in ancient Persia and their influence on poetry and music. Hear examples played on a setar showing how ethnic music has preserved rhythms of the ancient languages. 

Workshops and activities 

• Writing names in other scripts/find out more about Japanese and Korean 
• Learn to be a ventriloquist in two languages 
• Have fun with the Welsh language 

FOR FULL PROGRAM CLICK HERE
Organised by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance with support from the ANU (Centre of European Studies, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies and School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics (CASS) and CAP School of Culture History and Language), Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc. and an ACT Government Participation (Multicultural) Grant. 

International Mother Language Day Walk 

​Come and celebrate multilingual Canberra by joining the International Mother Language Day walk.

• Sunday 26 February 
• Meet under the flags near the National Library at 10.30am  
• Free T shirts and mask while stocks last
• Carry banners, posters or dress traditionally to celebrate the languages that you speak, are learning, and/or are part of your cultural identity
• Sing in your languages as you walk over Kings Avenue Bridge
• Enjoy a free sausage sizzle at the end of the walk near the Police memorial at about 11.30am

For more see POSTER or http://www.imlm21.org.au/ or email [email protected]

​Mother Tongue - Multilingual Poetry

• Monday 27 February 7pm-9pm (doors open at 6.30pm)
• Smiths Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra
• Cost: $10/$5 (payable at the door or through Facebook link) 

Come along for a relaxed evening listening to poetry in a variety of languages.

• Feature poet is Andrew Kwabena Moss. Of Anglo-Ghanaian heritage, a teacher and published writer, Andrew will draw on his work in Japanese and Asante Twi

• Why not share a poem in a language other than English during the open mic session?
  

         - No experience necessary and all styles from traditional to contemporary slam are welcome.
         - You can read an original poem or a piece by another poet. 
More information at the Mother Tongue Facebook page or email [email protected]

Multilingual Story Walk ​

Did you miss our Multilingual Story Walk at one of the events last year? 
Here is another chance to follow the colourful Adventures of Sinbad at the Multicultural Festival in Civic

• Saturday 18 February 10am-5pm
• In Glebe Park, near Workshop Tent 1.  

Nine 9 stops with 10 languages in all. Plus a brand new competition linking the languages in the story to  languages spoken in the Canberra community

• Free to enter and cash prizes. 

La grande fête at Telopea Park School Saturday 5 November 2022​

Wonderful to meet so many students and families with an interest in languages at the Telopea Park School fête

• Here are two members of the ACTBEA organising group, Nancy and Meredith, on our information stall. 
• Our multilingual story walk is along the fence in the background  

Thanks to everyone who followed the story walk and congratulations to the winners of our free competition:

• $50 Ist prize:   Mari McKenzie
• $20 prizes:      Beau Olsen, Nakarin Visusk-Onuoha                             and Veronica O'Brien

Award ceremony for ACTBEA Sharing the Joy of Languages Competition 

Full house at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre Function Room on Thursday 27 October for the presentation of awards for our Joy of Languages video competition! Many thanks to all the family members who attended and for the encouragement and support you give your children on their bilingual – or in some cases multilingual – journeys.
We watched the winning videos up on the big screens and applauded their young creators as they received their prizes and certificates from Michael Pettersson MLA, representing the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Other VIPs at the event included Andrew Braddock MLA, Narinder Kataria, Principal of Canberra Punjabi School and Frank Keighley, Convenor, Canberra Academy of Languages.
Thanks to all for your attendance. Special thanks also to Canberra Multicultural Community Forum and the ACT Government 2021/22 Participation (Multicultural) Grant whose support made the competition and the award ceremony possible.
For a full list of the prize winners and short-listed finalists, the schools they attend and languages they share in their videos see our News page.  

Celebration of multilingual Canberra at the Albert Hall August 2022  ​

ACTBEA was delighted to be part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the ACT Community Language Schools Association at the Albert Hall on Saturday 13 August. It was a wonderful celebration of multilingual Canberra with great spoken word, dance and musical performances, tasty snacks, interesting craft activities and local politicians from all parties showing their support for cultural diversity and  languages education.

Photos from the ACTBEA Multilingual Networking Morning May 2022

Great activities, time to chat, and much fun had by all!

​Multilingual Networking Morning
​

WHEN?   Sunday 29 May 10am—12 noon
WHERE?  Latin American Cultural Centre, 28 Astrolabe Street, Red Hill ACT 2603
COST?    Free but booking required through EVENTBRITE

• Fun language activities for all ages
• Multilingual story walk, craft, storytelling, music and more.
• Prizes to be won!  
• Share experiences with other families raising children in more than one language
• Chat informally to linguists, language educators and other lovers of languages  
• Light refreshments provided 
• All welcome 

For more information see POSTER, email [email protected] or call 0408 089 235

Organised by ACTBEA with support from the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc and an ACT Government Participation (Multicultural) Grant 2020-21

Lots of Interest from all ages in our Multilingual Story Walk Monday 14 March

​Multilingual Story Walk 

Find out about the Adventures of Sindbad by following ACTBEA’s Multilingual Story Walk as part of the celebrations of Canberra Day in Commonwealth park. 

• Monday 14 March 11am to 6pm 
• Commonwealth Park - along the wall near Stage 88

• Nine stops and nine different languages! 
• Each stop has an illustrated section of the story – written in English plus one other language.
• You can hear both languages too.  

Correctly identify at least 6 to go into a draw for a CASH PRIZE!  To enter the competition

• Identify the non-English language at each stop (Have a guess if you are not sure!)
• Make a list of the languages PLUS the number of the stop
• Email your list to [email protected] before 11pm Wednesday 16 March 2022
• Put the subject heading: ‘Story Walk Competition’

All entries with at least 6 correctly identified languages will go into a draw for a first prize of $100 and up to 5 runner-up prizes of $50​

For information about other activities and performances on Canberra day - including by Mother Tongue Multilingual poets see https://enlightencanberra.com/program/canberra-day/

You can also meet some organisers and other members of ACTBEA at the Multilingual Canberra information stall. Drop by by for a chat. We will be at Stall number 4 (in the line of stalls near the Regatta Point parking area). 

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International Mother Language Day – Walk and celebration 

• Sunday 20 February
• Walk started at the International Flags display near Questacon and then proceeded along Lake Burley Griffin and across Kings Avenue Bridge to near the Police Memorial. 
• Photos of pre-walk gathering below and video of walk start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTCrJb94kqA
• After-walk activities included song, dance and spoken word and a free sausage sizzle  

Event organised by IMLM Canberra.
For more details contact Ziaul at imlm.21feb@gmail.com or 0411 031 942 (m) or see https://imlm21.org.au/ 

Mother Tongue Multilingual Poetry Night 

Mother Tongue’s first poetry night for 2022 will showcase some local multilingual poets sharing cultures and identities from around Australia and the world. It also celebrates International Mother Language Day (IMLD), recognised every year on 21 February to raise awareness of language, cultural diversity and multilingualism.

• 7pm – 8.30pm Monday 21 February 2022
• Smith's Alternative, 76 Alinga St, Canberra city
• Free and open to all but booking required
• Doors open 6.30pm
• COVID safe measures in place

Featured poets: 

• Abhi Tripura: Born in an indigenous community in Bangladesh, Abhi’s mother tongue is Kokborok, the language of over a million indigenous Tripura people of Northeast India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. He also speaks three other South Asian indigenous languages, Chakma, Marma and Tanchangya, as well as English and Bangla. Abhi will speak about IMLD and its connection with Bangladesh, his indigenous background and languages, and share poems in his mother tongue and two other languages.
• Mirsad Ramic: A bilingual writer and poet of Bosnian origin living and working in Canberra. Mirsad will present a selection of his poems, which are a collage of diary segments, memories, dreams, and observations, multilayered with his personal history and true events, often fictionalized into fantastic visions of reality and loaded with symbolic imagery. 

There will also be an ‘open mic’, where other local poets can share a poem in a language other than English with an introduction or translation in English. Each presenter has 4 minutes. All styles from traditional forms through to contemporary slam poetry are welcome, the poem can be read or recited and can be an original poem or a piece by another poet. 

For more information, booking details, and/or possibilities of accessing the event by Zoom, email  [email protected] or keep an eye on the events page at https://www.facebook.com/mothertonguemic 

Anyone interested in sharing a poem as part of the open mic also welcome to email [email protected]. 

Organised by Mother Tongue - Multilingual Poetry with support from Canberra Academy of Languages Inc (CAL) and an ACT Government 2022 National Multicultural Festival Grant.

​Follow up to Celebration of Languages Saturday 16 October  
​

Over 100 people registered for the day's event and all sessions were well attended, the most popular being the Opening Session, and the panel-led discussions about languages and scripts from the Indian subcontinent (11.45am) and Aboriginal languages (12.30pm). 

Many thanks to Ngunnawal elder Caroline Hughes for her Welcome to Country, ACT Minister Tara Cheyne for officially opening the event, Aika Nichol and Jaya and Layla Ansura for allowing us to share their video entries for ACTBEA's recent Sharing Languages and Cultures competition, the ANU for its support, and to all the panel moderators, presenters and ACTBEA volunteers who helped make the day such a wonderful event. 

Edited recordings of the sessions are available. Contact [email protected] for details. 

Notes

• Louise Baird's website for participants interested in learning an Acknowledgement to Country in                    Ngunnawal language and/or linguistics: heartvoice.com.au

• The moderator of Mother Tongue Multilingual Poetry session, Dunja, and her colleague Jasmine run be:longing, a Canberra-based online publication which publishes poetry - but also short stories, thought pieces, memoir, photography, recipes, art, music and more - written or created by migrants and other cross-cultural individuals. be:longing loves to receive works written in languages other than English, and seeks to support the work of writers and creators who feel a connection to multiple cultures, collecting stories about all the wonderful and at times difficult-to-articulate feelings that can be experienced when you live your life amongst and between different cultures. To see more - or contribute your own story - see www.belongingmag.com or email Dunja and Jasmine at [email protected].  They would love to hear from you!" 

Join us to celebrate and find out more about our multilingual city! 
A day to explore some of the many languages spoken, heard and seen in Canberra. 
After the opening session, six different panels featuring over 20 presenters will share their perspectives on multilingualism in the ACT. 
Free, open to all, and delivered online via Zoom, you can choose to attend one session or make a day of it!

​PROGRAM   
10.30am-11am   Opening session

• Including official opening by ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Tara Cheyne

11am -11.30am  Languages and scripts from East Asia  

• Hear and see languages from East Asia all the time in Canberra? Attend this panel to learn more about some of these fascinating languages and their non-alphabet writing systems.

11.45am – 12.15pm Languages and scripts from the Indian subcontinent

• Why does South Asia have so many different scripts or alphabets? How does such a multi-lingual place develop and how do all these languages interact? Come and learn about historical trends and contemporary experiences of South Asian languages globally. 

12.30pm- 1pm  Aboriginal languages

• What do you know about the contemporary situations of speakers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages? We give you a snapshot of the national context, then zoom right in to local, personal experience.

1 pm – 1.30pm    LUNCH BREAK 
1.30pm -2pm Languages from Europe   

• Encompassing many cultures, over 200 languages are spoken in Europe! Some languages are very popular, others endangered and spoken by few; some have lot in common, others not much at all. Which have you heard in the streets of Canberra? Join our session to learn more about languages from Europe. 

2.15pm -2.45pm  Interpreters and translators

• Find out about how bilinguals became translators and interpreters and hear some of their career highlights.

3pm – 3.30pm  Mother Tongue Multilingual Poetry

• Tune into our Mother Tongue Multilingual Poetry panel and hear from three Canberra-based poets who reflect on how and why they write in their native languages. 

Each panel session will have a different zoom link, allowing participants to continue with comments and questions after the 30 minute session formally wraps up. 
REGISTRATION AVAILABLE through EVENTBRITE: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celebration-of-languages-tickets-179047364487
​ACTBEA would like to acknowledge the support it has received for this event from CMCF (Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc.) and an ACT government Participation (Multicultural) Grant 20219-2020 

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Canberra Academy of Languages (CAL) 

In 2021 CAL has offered Year 11 and 12 programs in French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Tamil. Programs in Arabic, Indonesian, Hindi, Italian and Korean may be added in 2022 if sufficient numbers of students are interested.  To find out more, attend the 

• CAL Information Evening 
• Thursday 16 September 2021 6 pm to 7 pm
• To be held online 

Agenda will also include   

• Information and advice on learning languages in Years 11-12
• Receiving credit for languages studies towards the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and towards the ATAR

To receive a link for the Information Evening, email [email protected]
For more info about CAL see https://www.cal.act.edu.au/.

​Raising children in more than one language

A seminar for families, early childhood educators, teachers and others with an interest in bilingual education

• Saturday  14 August 2pm-4pm

Organised in partnership with the ANU Centre for European Studies, the seminar was to be held at the Auditorium in the ANU RSSS Building with an option to join remotely by Zoom.  However the ACT lockdown announced on Thursday 12 August meant it was held entirely on Zoom. This turned out to be a very smooth and and successful transition, with over 50 participants. Dr Mandy Scott gave an initial overview of the area, followed by discussion led by a panel of parents, young adults who have grown up bilingually and educators and academics involved in bilingual education.

A copy of the POSTER for the event can be downloaded HERE, the PowerPoint of presentation HERE. A recording is available. Contact [email protected] for details. 

ACTBEA thanks the Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc, the ANU Centre for European Studies and an ACT Government 2021/22 Participation (Multicultural) Grant and for their support for this event. 

ACTBEA at the celebration of National Community Language Schools Day 15 May 2021

Thanks to the ACT Community Language Schools Association for inviting us to their wonderful Open Day at the Albert Hall in Canberra on Saturday 15 May. Fantastic performances by students, interesting displays and activities - and some tasty snacks - on the many school information stalls, and an excellent round table discussion in the afternoon attended by over 30 participants, mostly CL school principals but also teachers, academics and researchers. 

International Mother Language Day Walk in Canberra 21 February 2021  

It was a wonderful day for the event this year. Over 150 people gathered near the lake to hear a Welcome to Country by Caroline Hughes, Director of CIT Yurauna Centre. After short addresses by Julia Dean from the UN Information Centre, the High Commissioner for Bangladesh in Australia and ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs Tara Cheyne, attendees walked across Kings Avenue bridge to celebrate International Mother Languages Day.  

International Mother Language Day in Canberra 

Observed every year on 21 February, International Mother Language Day celebrates and promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Here are activities in Canberra related to the day and its aims.

1. International Mother Language Day Walk

• Sunday 21 February 2021
• 10.30am: meet at the International Flags Display near the lake behind Questacon
• 11am: start the walk along the lake shore and across Kings Avenue Bridge 
• Family friendly event for all languages

Sing in your languages as you walk, wear traditional dress and wave a banner or poster to raise awareness of multilingual Canberra  

Organised by Canberra-based International Mother Language Movement. For details phone Ziaul on 0411 031 942, email [email protected] or see the article at https://citynews.com.au/2021/walk-highlights-the-value-of-all-languages/?fbclid=IwAR1AJo1t7MATGl-UsMGRJTQI1j_WSQGHkUZPgqc92BOwzsYcIBwN7CAEPOg

2. Activities at your local branch of Libraries ACT

• Friday 19 February to Monday 1 March 2021
• Ngunnawal word activity
  • After collecting your Ngunnawal Animal Word Search sheet from friendly library staff see if you can find the words around the library. BYO pen or pencil. Suitable for children and adventurous adults
• 'Say Hello’ activity
  • Did you know that over 90 languages are spoken in Canberra? Visit your local library and show us how to write hello in your mother language.

More details at https://www.facebook.com/LibrariesACT

​Government of Japan Award for Shunichi Ikeda 

On 3 November 2020, Shunichi Ikeda, a long-time member of our ACTBEA organising group, was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun (旭日章, Kyokujitsu-shō), Gold and Silver Rays, in recognition of his contribution to furthering Japanese language education and Australia-Japan relations.
Within the ACT Japanese community, Ikeda sensei is well known for his support for community languages education - through his leadership role at the Canberra Japanese Supplementary School and for establishing and running the Japanese High School to give a language pathway to graduates of the Saturday school. He was also Head of the Japan Centre at the ANU for many years and directed the annual Kabuki performance. Shun still lectures at ANU and is also Vice President of the ACT Australia Japan Society.  The official presentation of the award will be early in 2021 through the Embassy of Japan in Canberra.  
Congratulations Ikeda sensei! 

Presentation of Awards for the Taste of Languages Competition  

On Monday 2 November we were delighted to be able to hold a COVID safe presentation of awards for the winners and shortlisted finalists of our Taste of Languages competition. The event took place at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre in Civic. We had a very excited group of preschool to Year 6 awardees and their families at 4pm, followed by a smaller group of Year 7-12 winners, family and friends at 5 pm. Awards were presented by the Hon Chris Steele MLA. The photo below shows Chris presenting a prize to Melody and Arianny Felstead, who submitted a joint entry about the Indonesian dish gado gado, while a younger member of the family supervises. On the left of the picture are Mandy Scott, ACTBEA secretary, and Kasia Williams, ACTBEA President. 
Details of all the winners and finalists can be see on our News Page. 

Accentuate the positive: Remote learning and the future of language education

Across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced both teachers and learners to adopt a remote-based delivery mode. This panel brings together language educators and researchers to share their ideas and experience to develop and implement new remote-based teaching/ learning practices. 

• Friday 9 October and Saturday 10 October 2020 
• 3:00 – 6:00 pm (Canberra, Sydney time)
• Zoom online live presentation 
• FREE and ALL Welcome 
• Registration essential: https://globallanguagefest.eventbritestudio.com/118421163889 

For more details (plus info about a one day session the following week on Virtual Reality and Language Education CLICK HERE

Taste of Languages Competition

A free competition open to kids from preschool to year 12.  Prizes up to $100. Have fun exploring the languages of family meals and food in the Canberra region. Closing date 1 September. For full details: see News page 

Languages at the Festival Competition 21 - 23 February 2020​

Another reason to visit the National Multicultural Festival (NMF) in Canberra City from Friday 21 February to Sunday 23 February: A free competition with a first prize of $250! 

• Take a photo of a word or phrase in a language other than English.
• Submit the photo with some information about what you find out about the language at the NMF

• ​​For full details see:2020_nmf_languages_competition_advance_poster_final.pdf​ or CLICK HERE

Bilingual Story Times and Fun with Languages at the NMF in Civic 

​1. Bilingual story times and other fun activities

• Civic Library, 10am-4pm Saturday and 12noon-4pm Sunday 23 February (For bilingual story times at ACT libraries throughout the year click HERE). For online storytimes, see https://vimeo.com/showcase/7121013

2. Exploring the World of Languages

• Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG)  11am-4pm Saturday 23 February

3  Languages Showcase

• 10am-12.30pm, Sunday 23 February, Stage 6.
• See map and program at : languages_showcase_nmf_2020.pdf

4 Mother Language Walk - celebrating International Mother Language Day and multilingual Canberra 

• Meet at 12.30pm at Stage 6 and walk to Glebe Park
• See Poster HERE

For more information about

• children's activities: https://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/entertainment/family-spaces
• the multicultural festival in general: https://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/ 

Languages Party Canberra 

• Sunday 1 December in Glebe Park, Civic
• 5pm – 7pm storytelling and panel discussion
• 7-8pm Ngunawal culture fireside chat

Cost: $5 concession (students/pensioners/minority language community members and ACTBEA members), $10 individual, $20 families. Under 5s free

• Stories in 5 languages – spoken locally and around the world: Ngunawal, Xhosa (from South Africa) Kokborok (from Bangladesh), Dari (Afghanistan) and Welsh (UK). Plus introduction to Benin (from Nigeria) by the m.c.
• Stories are first presented in language and then translated into English. Learn to speak few words in each language and then, in the language panel, find out more about the languages, the storytellers, and their views about language maintenance.  
• Bring friends, family, a picnic, and a blanket. 
• After the storytelling, attendees are invited to stay on for a one-hour fireside chat with Ngunawal elder and traditional custodian, Wally Bell. 

For more information: http://www.languageparty.org/canberra.html  For Poster click HERE ​

Results of Languages Treasure Hunt 
 

ACTBEA was delighted to support the Languages Treasure Hunt  at La  Grande Fête at Telopea Park School on Saturday 2 November 2019.  The competition highlighted the many languages used in the everyday lives of students, their families and other attendees at the fete and was organised by a teacher at the school - Meredith Box. Prizes were provided by ACTBEA with the support of our 2019 ACT Government Participation (Multicultural) Grant.
On the right is a photo of the ACTBEA information stall at the fete, where entry forms for the Languages Treasure Hunt could be picked up, small prizes claimed, and entry forms submitted to go into the lucky draw for the major prize of $50. Participants found speakers of 40 languages to help them solve their clues, and the lucky winner of the draw was Alex Vickery, a Year 10 student at Telopea Park School. 

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​Languages Afternoon Tea

Come and meet others with a love of languages and language learning at this informal afternoon networking event.

• Craft, games and fun language activities for all ages
• Bilingual storytelling
• Share ideas about raising children in more than one language
• ​Talk a local author about his children's books and their translation into Chinese    

   WHEN:  Sunday 3 November 2pm-4pm
   WHERE: Latin American Cultural Centre, 28 Astrolabe Street, Red Hill, ACT 2603 
   COST:   Free and all welcome, but booking required to for catering purposes. Via Eventbrite

For more, details contact [email protected] or 0408 089 235 (after 23 October)  
For poster CLICK HERE
 
Organised with the support of the ACT Government's Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program 2018-19 and Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc

Embedding Indigenous Perspectives and Making Connections​

• Saturday 17 August 2019
• 8.30am (registration) 9am (start) – 2pm
• Hedley Beare Centre for Teaching and Learning, 51 Fremantle Drive, Stirling, 2611, ACT
• Morning tea and lunch provided
• FREE for members of MLTA ACT or MLTA in other states and territories, $50 for others 
• Register by COB Tuesday 13 August via https://www.trybooking.com/535199

Program
Welcome to Country: Tyronne Bell, Ngunawal Elder and traditional custodian
Presentations 

• Promotion and preservation of Ngunawal culture and language, Tyronne Bell
• Learning and speaking First Nations languages in Australia, Professor Jane Simpson, Chair of Indigenous Linguistics ANU, and Deputy Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language
• Belconnen High School's Connecting to Country journey, Anne O'Neill, Executive Teacher Languages and Aboriginal Programs at Belconnen High School
• The Victorian School of Languages (VSL), its role and services, Frank Merlino, Principal of the VSL  
• Breaking through to consistency of teacher judgements about student achievement, Amanda Pentti, President of the AFMLT

Organised in the UN International Year of Indigenous Languages by the Modern Language Teachers Association (MLTA) ACT Inc​. More information from MLTA ACT Executive Secretary: [email protected]ct.edu.au

Languages Afternoon Tea

​Come and meet others with a love of languages and language learning at this informal afternoon networking event.

•  Fun language activities for all ages
• Explore story-telling in other languages
• Share ideas about raising children in more than one language

   WHEN:  Sunday 7 April 2pm-4pm
   WHERE: Latin American Cultural Centre, 28 Astrolabe Street, Red Hill, ACT 2603 
   COST:   Free and all welcome, but booking required to for catering purposes. Via Eventbrite

For more, details contact [email protected] or 0408 089 235 (m)  For poster CLICK HERE
 
Organised with the support of the ACT Government's Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program 2018-19 and Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc

Public Forum: The benefits of bilingualism and how to maintain your heritage language​

ACTBEA is pleased to support the activities of the Hellenic Club of Canberra as part of the annual 'Speak Greek in March' campaign by presenting a talk followed by a public discussion.

• 3pm Saturday 23 March
• Aegean Room, Hellenic Club, Matilda Street, Woden, ACT 2606   

Come along to discuss the benefits of learning more than one language and how, why and when to encourage children to develop their skills in a heritage language or a language spoken in the family. Questions and input from audience members are encouraged.
FREE ​and ALL WELCOME but bookings essential through hellenicclub.com.au/booknow/
For poster CLICK HERE

Fun with Languages at the Multicultural Festival Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 February  

Bring the family to enjoy free language related activities at the Multicultural Festival in Civic 

• Children's Sanctuary in Civic Library (Saturday) and CMAG (Saturday and Sunday)
• ​Languages Showcase on Stage 2: multilingual poets and singers, 2pm–5pm (Saturday),
• Free bilingual tours of CMAG art exhibition: German 2pm, Spanish 3pm (Saturday), Italian 2pm (Sunday)
• Multilingual Canberra and other language-related stalls in Civic Square 11am-4pm (Sunday)
• Take part in a the FREE ‘Say G’Day Competition'
  • Major prize $250
  • Small gifts for children under 12 who take part 

For general info about the  Festival: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/  

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) celebration

​​A family-friendly event to celebrate IMLD - observed worldwide to raise awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

• Sunday 24 February, 10.30am for 11am start  
• Meet at the International Flags Display behind Questacon 
• Walk across Kings Avenue Bridge 
• Bring a picnic and continue the celebration at the end of the walk in King's Park.

Wear something traditional or colourful, carry a banner or poster to celebrate your language identity, sing in your language as you walk, hear songs from around the world from the National Carillon

All are welcome to this free event.
 
For more details, contact Ziaul at [email protected] or 0411 031 942. For poster click HERE

Find out more about IMLD (21 February) and the local International Mother Language Movement which is organising the event, see http://imlm21.org.au/.​

Bilingual Story Times with Libraries ACT

​Bilingual Story Times celebrate and share the languages and cultures that make Canberra so rich and diverse. These sessions are for everyone, for families who speak more than one language, and for families who speak only English and would like learn a little bit about the languages and cultures in our community. 

The library currently runs Bilingual Story Times in Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Indonesian, Mandarin and Vietnamese. Bookings are not required. Cost: Free

For dates and times at various library branches across the ACT see https://www.library.act.gov.au/whats-on/programs-for-families/story-time  or contact Jo Bragg at [email protected]

Playfest 

Free event for families with children under 5 years old organised by Playgroups ACT

• When: Tuesday 23 October 2018
• Where: Cook Community Hub, Templeton Street, Cook
• Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm

Children’s Activities: · Merry-go-round · Painting and craft activities · An obstacle course · Story tellers · Music and dancing · Face painting · Dress ups · ...and much more

While the kids have fun, find out about community organisations, local businesses and sporting bodies who will provide information, activities, advice and resources.

POSTERS playfest_at_cook_23_october.png  and playfest_23_october.png  

Sharing Stories
​

​A never-before- seen in Australia exhibit of 191 outstanding books in translation from around the world.  These have been selected for an Honour List by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). IBBY's aim is to encourage international understanding through children's literature.

• Tuesday 2 October – Saturday 20 October
• Woden Library
• Free, but booking required for some events 

​Also on exhibit is a collection of excellent Australian children’s books over the last 60 years.

Three mini-exhibitions featuring original artworks and the creative process behind Alison Lester’s Noni the Pony and Noni Goes to the Beach, Bob Graham’s Let’s get a pup! and other Australian favourites.  

For full program, click HERE  
This exhibition is a partnership between Libraries ACT and the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature (NCACL) 

Seminar and Discussion on Language Revival 

A free public seminar by Dr John Giacon from the ANU, with particular reference to Australia and two Aboriginal languages of NSW.

• Monday 24 September, 5.30pm  for 6 pm until 8pm
• Lecture Theatre A022, Building A, Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
  35 Vowels Crescent, Bruce ACT 2617 (Map of CIT campus: https://cit.edu.au/about/locations/bruce)
• Refreshments provided
• Free and all welcome

 For more details or to register (to assist with catering), email [email protected] or  RSVP via Eventbrite (preferred)

Canberra Moon Festival 21 to 23 September​

 All welcome to this multicultural celebration with a focus on Asian food, languages and cultural activities.

• Friday 21 September to Sunday 23 September
• EPIC, Flemington Road, Canberra
• Fun activities for all ages
• Free entry and free parking

ACTBEA is assisting ACT Libraries to offer a number of free story telling sessions for families with young children. Here is the draft timetable: 
                                   Saturday 22 September             Sunday 23 September
   10.30  -  11.00am        Mandarin                                  Mandarin
   11.00  -  11.30am        Vietnamese                               Vietnamese
   11.30  -  12 noon         Mandarin                                  Mandarin
   12 noon - 12.30pm      Burmese                                    Burmese
   12.30  -  1.00pm          Hindi                                         Hindi
   1.00    -   1.30pm         Indonesian                                 Indonesian
   1.30    -  2.00pm          Japanese                                    Japanese
    2.00    -   2.30pm        Thai                                           Thai
    2.30   -    3.00pm        Literary Chinese                        Literary Chinese
​
For more information about the Canberra Moon Festival: http://www.canberramoonfestival.com.au/ and follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CanberraMoonFestival 

Bilingual Story Times ACT Libraries  

Bring your children along to hear stories in one of these languages and English at 10.30am to 11.30am on the following dates.  These events are all free and usually involve a related craft activity as well.  ​

• Thursday 2 August      Gungahlin Library      Hindi
• Saturday 4 August        Gungahlin Library     Arabic
• Thursday 16 August      Gungahlin Library    Mandarin
• Saturday 25 August       Belconnen Library    Vietnamese
• Thursday 6 September   Gungahlin Library    Hindi
• Saturday 8 September    Woden Library          Farsi
• Thursday 20 September Woden Library           Mandarin

​
​A CELEBRATION OF LANGUAGES 

Come and meet others with a love of languages and language learning. Help us celebrate the many languages spoken in the ACT region 
  WHEN:         Sunday 20 May 2pm – 4pm
  WHERE:       Latin American Cultural Centre, 28 Astrolabe Street, Red Hill ACT 2603
  COST:         FREE  

• Explore poetry in other languages
• Exchange information about raising children bilingually
• Find out more about story-telling in another language
• Join in fun activities for children of all ages 
• Learn a dance from another culture

Refreshments provided, but contributions to Afternoon Tea welcome

To assist with catering please RSVP by 16 May via Eventbrite or email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235    
POSTER HERE
Organised with support from an ACT Government Participation (Multicultural) Grant 2017/18 

‘Raising Children in more than one Language’ seminar, Sunday 4 March 2018​

The seminar at the ANU on Sunday 4 March was a great success. Excellent presentations from our panel followed by lively Q and A and contributions from the audience. The event was videoed and we hope to make the recording available to ACTBEA followers in the near future. Here are some photo from the afternoon. 

​Mother Language Walk 2018 ​

Unite for Diversity.  Sing in your family language in a walk across Kings Ave Bridge in Canberra. Wear something traditional or colourful or our Tshirt and bring banners, posters or anything else that celebrates your language identity. 

• When? 3pm Sunday 25 February 2018
• Who? Anyone and everyone!  Free event 
• Where? Under the flags, near the National Library in Canberra

Free T-shirt (for early comers) and free sausage sizzle or bring a picnic and celebrate Canberra's many languages and cultures at the end of the walk.
More info? Facebook, Email: [email protected] or Website: http://imlm21.org.au/
For Poster, CLICK HERE 

RAISING CHILDREN IN MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE 

A seminar for families raising children in more than one language and others interested in bilingualism and bilingual education

• Sunday 4 March 2018 1.30pm-4pm
• Law Theatre, ANU College of Law, 5 Fellows Road (near corner with East Road), Acton
• Free entry and light refreshments   

Discussion will be led by a multilingual panel of parents, older children who have grown up bilingually and an educator and/or academic involved in bilingual education. Questions and input from audience members are encouraged, and there will be opportunities for networking. Children welcome but must be under parental supervision
For poster CLICK HERE
RSVP via Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/seminar-raising-children-in-more-than-one-language-tickets-42865057541  or contact [email protected] or Mandy on 0408 089 235

ACTBEA gratefully acknowledges funding through the ACT Government 2017/18 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program and our auspicing organization, Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc. for support for this event 

​ACTBEA Potluck Lunch and Networking Event  Saturday 28 October 2017 

​Fantastic language potluck lunch and networking event on Saturday at Deakin Preschool. Weather perfect, delicious food, great fun and lots of new contacts made. 

​This event helped celebrate ACT Children’s Week (21 - 29 October 2017). The theme of Children’s Week this year is ‘education should develop each child's personality and talents to the full. It should encourage children to respect their parents, their cultures and other cultures.'  

​ACT Playgroups PLAYFEST 

Free event for parents, carers and children under six.
Parents can gather important information and parenting resources while your kids enjoy FREE, exciting, fun, play-based activities and entertainment. ACTBEA will have an information table at the event, so come along and have a chat and share your stories of raising children in more than one language.

• 10am to 1pm, Tuesday 24 October 2017
• Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614

For more details: contact ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882 (Mon-Fri 9.30am to 2.30pm) see poster HERE or email [email protected] .

Special ANU Language Teaching Forum, Monday 7 August, 4.15-5.15pm

Dr Mirella Agorni, who is on a teaching exchange from Ca' Foscari University of Venice, will be presenting at a special ANU Language Teaching Forum:  

• Training Language Experts in Translation in a Transferability Perspective. 

CLICK HERE for more details.  

Reading and Writing activities at the Noted Festival 3-7 May 2017 

The ACT Bilingual Education Alliance is delighted to have assisted with the organisation of some of the multilingual activities and events at the Multilingual Hub of the Noted Festival

• Sunday, 7 May, 10am-3pm
• Gorman Arts Centre, 55 Ainslie Avenue.

For program details: http://www.notedfestival.com/program?category=Multilingual%20Hub

​All are also welcome to come to the ACTBEA information booth at the Multilingual Hub where you can talk to others with a passion for languages and/or experience of raising children in more than one language. Lots of information about benefits of learning/maintaining other languages and how to do this in the ACT area.
 
The Noted Festival also has some fantastic activities to involve children and young adults in reading and writing. Some cater specifically for reluctant readers and kids with developing English language skills. Most will be held on 

• Saturday 6 May 9am-11.45am at Harry Hartog's in Woden, and
• Sunday 7 May 10am-3pm at Gorman Arts Centre in Braddon  

For details: http://www.notedfestival.com/program?category=Kids

​ANU Language Teaching Forum

​A discussion forum for language teachers and researchers across ANU colleges and language educators from outside the university such as secondary school teachers and teachers from community schools. The forum’s main objective is to foster the exchange of research and new approaches in language education. Next forum for 2017 will be

• Monday 24 April 2017, 4.15 – 5.15 pm
• Room W3.03, Level 3, Baldessin Precinct Building #110, ANU
• Speaker:  Dr Yuko Kinoshita, SLLL, CASS, ANU
• Topic  “Developing an educational toy for Japanese language: Fostering analytical skills through grammar acquisition”

For more information see POSTER

Multilingual Poetry Reading

• Tuesday 21st March 2017 12.30 – 1.30pm
• Civic Library (Civic Square, London Circuit, Civic

Come to Civic Library to hear their talented bilingual library staff read the same poem in different languages.  Listen to young Persian poet Asefeh Abedini read her poem Love Each Other. Then feel free to take to the stage and read your favourite poem in your language.
For poster Click HERE 
To book a place: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/harmony-day-multilingual-poetry-reading-tickets-32610658357?aff=ebapi

LANGUAGES POTLUCK LUNCH Sunday 19 March 2017

A netwoking opportunity organised by ACTBEA where all are welcome to  

• Meet families raising children in more than one language
• Talk to language and literacy educators and experts
• Have fun and help celebrate Harmony Day and the many languages and cultures of the ACT

 WHEN? 11am- 1pm, Sunday 19 March 2017
 WHERE? Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic Square (near Civic Library and Canberra Theatre Centre)  

• Bring your favourite foods and recipes to share                    
• Free games and fun activities for children in a variety of languages
• Short performances from children welcome   

To book (FREE event): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/canberra-languages-potluck-lunch-tickets-32431156462 
For more information: Email: c[email protected] or contact Mandy 0408 089 235 (m)
For poster CLICK HERE 
Proudly supported by Canberra Multicultural Community Forum (CMCF) and an ACT Government 2016-17 Participation (Multicultural) Grant​

ACTBEA and ACT Libraries offered two talks in February 2017

Both talks were well attended and positive feedback was received from participants:

• Supporting your bilingual child: Woden Library on Monday 20 February 2017, 6:30 pm – 7:30pm and
• Help your child become bilingual: Gungahlin Library, Saturday 25 February 2017, 10:30 am – 11:30am. 

While the talks were promoted as suitable for different audiences, the Woden talk for bilingual and multilingual households and the Gungahlin talk for English-only households who want their child to learn another language, there was a mixture of families at both.

• For the ACTBEA PowerPoint for the Gungahlin talk, click HERE
• For the ACTBEA handout for the Gungahlin talk click HERE

Among the many resources in ACT Libraries demonstated were:

• Mango Languages: free learning programs in over 30 languages including ESL: http://www.library.act.gov.au/eresources/mangolanguages
• Downloadable magazines from around the world: http://www.library.act.gov.au/eresources/zinio

• Picture eBooks in other languages for kids: Tumble Books (need Library membership number for access)/ Language Learning   http://www.library.act.gov.au/eresources/online_resources_for_kids 

MOTHER LANGUAGE WALK 2017 

Celebrate your mother tongue and unite for diversity by joining the 2017 Mother Languages Walk across Commonwealth Bridge in Canberra.
  When? 10am Sunday 26 February 2017
  Who? Anyone and everyone!
  Where? Under the flags, near the National Library in Canberra.

• Sing your mother language during the walk
• Wear something traditional or colourful
• Bring banners, posters or anything else that celebrates your language identity
• Sausage sizzle and children’s games available at the end of the walk

More info? Facebook: ‘International Mother Language Movement Canberra’. E-mail: [email protected]
CLICK HERE for poster  

CHILDREN'S SANCTUARY, Saturday 18 February 2017, 10am – 4pm​

The ACT Bilingual Education Alliance (ACTBEA) has worked with the ACT Community Languages Schools’ Association (ACTCLSA) to organise a fun program for kids at the Children’s Sanctuary at the 2017 National Multicultural Festival:

• WHERE: Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) - corner of London Circuit and Civic Square.  
• WHEN Saturday 18 February, 10am – 4pm

Activities include face painting, a balloon modeller, storytelling sessions, dance workshops and name writing in a number of languages written with different scripts. You can see the full program HERE.

Come and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the festival, let the kids enjoy some tailor-made cultural activities for them, and find out more about ACTBEA and ACTCLSA.

​The CMAG Cafe will be open, and facilities for children and their carers will include complimentary water bottles and a space for breast-feeding. (NOTE: the sanctuary will also be open on Sunday 19 February with  different program). 

Mother Tongue - Multilingual Poetry

​Celebrate the languages, cultures and stories of our diverse community at the Canberra Fringe Festival

• 10am-1pm, Saturday 18 February 2017

Anyone who speaks a language other than English is invited to read or recite poetry in their language.  All languages are welcome, and any style, from traditional poetic forms to hip hop.  Each person will have up to 5 minutes to read or recite a poem or story in their language/s, or a mix of their language and English.  Original work is encouraged, but a favourite piece by another poet is also welcome.  You can join and follow the event on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/593935637470026/.

Mother Tongue is also offering two free workshops in partnership with the Multicultural Youth Service, Canberra. Young people (12-25 years of age) who speak a language other than English are invited to come along on 

• Friday 3 February to write a poem or short story, and
• Friday 10 February to learn performance skills to read or recite their words out loud. 

Both workshops will be held from 4.30pm – 6pm at Multicultural Youth Services:  Level 2 Theo Notaras Centre, London Circuit, Canberra City.  You can find the workshops on Facebook, here:  Writing Workshop and here:  Performance Workshop.

To sign up to share poetry at Mother Tongue or for the workshops, or if you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 0433 845900. To dowload a flyer for the above, click HERE.

Languages Potluck Lunch 

Join us during Children’s Week (which is also grandparents’ week!) to celebrate the many languages spoken in the Canberra region. Meet other families raising children in more than one language and Canberrans interested in bilingual education and teaching and learning languages at this free event.

    WHEN?    11am - 1pm, Sunday 30 October 2016
    WHERE?   Function Room, 2nd Floor, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic Square

• Free Games and fun activities for children
• Free face painting
• Awards for children’s performances (a song, poem, or short dance)  
• Bring along your favourite foods and share your cooking skills and recipes

     ALL WELCOME

 For more details and/or to book  email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235 (after 17 October).  
This event is organised by ACT Bilingual Education Alliance with the support of Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc. and an ACT Children’s Week Grant

For POSTER, click HERE 

ACT Playgroups PlayFEST

Date:               Tuesday 25 October 2016
Venue:             Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton Street, Cook ACT 2614

For more details: POSTER

An invitation to take part in the Review of the ACT Languages Policy

All interested in language-related issues are invited to be involved in this review. Have a look at the current policy: Many Voices: The ACT languages policy 2012-2016) and come along to one of two public forums

• to hear reports of what has been achieved to date and
• to contribute to the discussion about ideas for future actions and priorities.

Forum outcomes will assist the review process and provide input for recommendations to the ACT government on the form and content of the ACT Languages Policy 2017-2020. 

Details of the forums:

• Tuesday 9 August 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Function Room, 2nd Floor, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, LondonCircuit, Canberra city  or
• Saturday 13 August 1.30pm to 4pm, Room 121 on the lower level of the Baldessin Precinct Building (Building 110) at ANU. Please enter by door on Ellery Crescent – see MAP

Attendance is free, and refreshments will be available

To register for one of the forums (RSVP by Friday 5 August), please contact Lindsay Burge, Senior Policy and Projects Officer, CPG at [email protected] or Mandy Scott at [email protected] 

Multilingual poetry and spoken word event

Celebrate the many languages spoken in the Canberra region at this spoken word event.  Come along and listen and/or contribute a poem or story of your own. 

• Who: People who speak, write or just enjoy listening to languages other than English in all their rich variety.
• When: 2 – 4pm on Sunday 26 June 2016
• Where: Belconnen Arts Centre
• Cost: Free

Fun and family-friendly, with music and lots of languages represented. For poster CLICK HERE and for more info see https://www.facebook.com/events/1555188794777067/

LANGUAGES POTLUCK LUNCH 
​

​​Come and celebrate the many languages spoken in the Canberra region during National Families Week (15-21 May)
 
   WHEN?    11am- 1pm, Sunday 15 May 2016
   WHERE?   Function Room, 2nd Floor, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic Square (near Civic Library and                            Canberra Theatre Centre)

• Free Games and fun activities for children
• Bring along your favourite foods and share your cooking skills and recipes

         ALL WELCOME
For poster CLICK HERE. For more details and/or to book: email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235.
​This event is organized by ACT Bilingual Education Alliance with the support of Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc. and the ACT government’s 2015-16 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program

Seminar: Raising children in more than one language 

• Sunday 10 April 2016, 2pm - 4pm
• Molongolo Theatre, JG Crawford Building, ANU (132 Lennox Crossing, Acton ACT)

A seminar for families raising children in more than one language, early childhood educators, teachers and others interested in bilingual education. The ​Guest speaker is Dr Susanne Döpke: Melbourne-based speech pathologist and consultant on bilingualism with an academic background in language acquisition, bilingualism, and cross-cultural communication (see more information below).   

• Ample time for Q & A and general discussion after the talk 
• Free entry and nearby parking – search for venue at http://www.anu.edu.au/maps#
• Light refreshments provided.
• Children are welcome, but must be under parental supervision at all times.

To book (to assist with catering), please email: [email protected] 

Dr Susanne Döpke has a PhD in linguistics and a professional MA in Speech Pathology. During her academic career (University of Melbourne, Monash University), she specialized in language acquisition, bilingualism, and cross-cultural communication, and published two books and numerous articles on bilingual development and bilingual education in the family. Since 1990, Susanne has been giving talks to families who wish to raise their children bilingually as well as to professionals who are working with such families. Susanne currently works as a speech pathologist in private practice with special focus on supporting families from non-English backgrounds. She also offers consultancy on bilingualism for individual families. In the last few years, Susanne has worked in Aboriginal settings in Australia, in Kenya, in Peru, in Bangladesh and in East Timor. She is the mother of two bilingual adults. For more information: http://www.bilingualoptions.com.au

Organised by ACTBEA with the support of the the Australian National University and the ACT Government’s 2015-16 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program

For Poster to publicise the event, please CLICK HERE 

For PowerPoint of talk CLICK HERE

​Celebrate International Mother Language Day

• ​10.30am-1.30pm Sunday 21 February

A fun day celebrating Australia’s diversity of languages and cultures!  
A packed program with a bunch of Australia’s finest singers, rappers, traditional dances, African drummers, poets and more from across all walks of our community.  Come and enjoy: 

• Sausage sizzle,
• Jumping castle,
• Face and henna painting and

Come along in your community’s national costume or come as you are. See program and map here.

Meet near the International Flags Display (behind Questacon car park) on Lake Burley Griffin just before 10.30am

• Free T’shirts for early comers!

and then join the Community Language Walk at 11am across the bridge and around the lake to Stage 88 in Commonwealth Park (near Regatta Point).

With a warm up band performing from 11am, the main Cultural Performance Program will formally commence on Stage 88 from 11.50am and conclude around 1.30pm.

Proudly brought to you by: International Mother Language Movement (IMLM) and Supported by: ACT Government (Office of Multicultural Affairs), Bangladesh Australia Association (BAAC), The ACT Bilingual Education Alliance (ACTBEA), National Capital Authority.

For more details: email [email protected] or follow IMLD Canberra on facebook.
For more information on International Mother Language Day see http://imlm21.org.au/?page_id=1109

ACTBEA LANGUAGES STALL AT THE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL 2016

 FAMILY FUN at the 2016 NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
​

​CHILDREN’S SANCTUARY

• When: Saturday 13 February 2016, 10.30 am - 4 pm
• Where: Petrie Plaza near London Circuit in Civic 

Coming to the National Multicultural Festival in Civic with the kids? Be sure to visit the CHILDREN’S SANCTUARY to enjoy FREE fun activities, including:

• Face-painting
• Balloon modelling
• Art and Craft activities
• Names written in different languages
• Aboriginal Show-case/Activities 
• International Dance workshops
• Clowns and other performers
  

Please note: Children must be in the care of a responsible adult at all times
 
Organised by the ACT Community Language Schools Association and the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance and sponsored and supported by the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs. For more information about the Sanctuary contact Mandy: 0408 089 235 

IMPORTANT: the usual CHILDREN’S PARADE at 4.30pm will not take place this year. Children are welcome to join the beginning of the adult parade after 5pm. 

For more information about the  Multicultural Festival see http://multiculturalfestival.com.au/about-us/ 

Celebrate Languages during Children's Week 

Meet members of the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance and families raising children in more than one language for a picnic by Lake Ginninderra on Sunday 25 October.

• WHEN: 11am to 1pm Sunday 25 October
• WHERE: John Knight Park, Belconnen 

Park off Townsend Place and look for the ACTBEA signs.

• Free face painting and children's activities in various languages 
• Bring a picnic and join in the fun 
• All welcome

To register your attendance and/or for more information: [email protected] or 0408 089 235.  
Please publicise this event among your groups and networks.  Poster can be downloaded HERE

​NOTE: If weather inclement on the day, phone 0408 089 235 for alternative venue. 

Inter-generational and multicultural potluck lunch: Saturday 29 August

Canberra Multicultural Community Forum is holding an inter-generational harmony potluck lunch on Saturday 29 August 2015. There will be free facepainting for kids and other activities for all ages.  A Pacific Island dance group will give a short performance and show us all some dance moves!

This is a free event.  Just bring a plate of food or drink to share, along with the recipe or list of ingredients. 

Come along and meet some interesting new people, celebrate the great range of languages and cultures of the Canberra region, and sample food from around the world.

Here are the details: 

• 12.30pm onwards Saturday 29 August 2015. 
• Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, North Building, 180 London Circuit, CIVIC , ACT 2601

To register: email [email protected] of call 6262 7060 or 0413 609 839.

Mini-Conference 15 August: Content and Language Integrated Learning - CLIL

Discover the Key Principles and Features of “Content and Language Integrated Learning - CLIL”

• Organised by the Modern Language Teachers Association ACT Inc.
• 8:30am-12:30pm, Saturday, 15th August
• Australian Catholic University, Signadou Campus, 223 Antill St, Watson
• Bring along a teaching colleague of languages and meet other language teachers. 
• Bring your own device.

Start with breakfast. Be inspired by the keynote address from the guest speaker, Dr Simone Smala. PhD, School of Education, University of Queensland. Followed by hands-on workshops on CLIL and of course a morning tea.

CLIL is a teaching approach and pedagogy in second language teaching that has had worldwide success over the past 10 years. The teacher integrates language learning with topical content learning, and creates an authentic language speaking situation for second language learners

• Current MLTA ACT Inc. members FREE 
  
• Non-members: $30 (On payment you will receive ½ year membership of the MLTA ACT Inc - this does not include Babel Subscription)
  
• RSVP by Tuesday 11th August to: [email protected] 

For poster CLICK HERE and see PROGRAM here   

LANGUAGES POTLUCK LUNCH 

• When? Sunday 14 June, 11am to 1pm 
• Where?  Polish-Australian White Eagle Club, 38 David Street Turner 
  

A fun event for families raising children in more than one language and others interested in promoting language learning and bilingual education.  

• Bring along your favourite foods to share 
  
• Share your cooking skills and recipes. 
  
• FREE fun activities for children
  

For more details and/or to book, email [email protected] CLICK HERE for poster  
 
This event is organised by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance and supported by the ACT Government Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program 2014-2015

Is bilingualism an advantage for cognitive control? Evidence from the Simon Task

Free PUBLIC SEMINAR

• Tuesday 5 May 2015, 5pm to 6pm
  
• Al-Falasi lecture theatre, CAIS, 127, Ellery Crescent, ANU                                   
  
• Speaker Célia Mendes PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology, University of Otago
  

Several studies indicate that being proficient in more than one language leads to positive cognitive gains in the form of attentional control and conflict monitoring. This talk investigates this through a study based on the Simon Task (Craft & Simon, 1970). Over 100 adults participated, 38 English monolingual speakers and 77 bilinguals whose native tongue was not English. Results did not support a bilingual advantage (measured by a reduced susceptibility to the conflict effect in response times and in error rates). Click HERE for more details.

This public seminar is part of the ANU Language Teaching Forum, which usually holds talks on the fourth Monday of the month, from 4.15pm – 5.15 pm. The forum is jointly coordinated by the College of Arts & Social Sciences (CASS) and the College of Asia & the Pacific (CAP). For more information about the forum contact: 

• Dr Louise Jansen (School of Literature, Languages & Linguistics, CASS) [email protected]
  
• Dr Duck-Young Lee (School of Culture, History & Language, CAP) [email protected]) 
  
• Ms France Meyer (Centre for Arab & Islamic Studies, CASS) [email protected]) 

RAISING CHILDREN IN MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE

• Sunday 22 March 2015, 1.30pm-4.30pm,
  
• JG Crawford Building, 132 Lennox Crossing, ANU, Acton, ACT  SEE MAP
  

A seminar for parents, grandparents and carers as well as early childhood educators, teachers and others interested in bilingual education.  
Program

• Part 1: Discussion led by a panel comprising a teacher at a bilingual school, parents who are raising or have raised bilingual children and older children who have grown up bilingually.  
• BREAK: Networking and informal information exchange. Display of information about bilingualism and language learning ideas and options. 
• Part 2: Exploration of specific topics raised by participants. Further discussion of useful resources, including websites.
  

FREE ENTRY    Refreshments provided.  Children are welcome but must under parental supervision at all times.  

• To book or for more details: email [email protected] or call 0408 089 235 (Mandy)

Organised by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance with the support of the the Australian National University and the ACT Government’s 2014-15 Multicultural Grants Program 

CLICK HERE for poster 

Traditional German Karneval for Kids!   
Saturday 14 March 2015 11am to 2pm   Haig Park, next to Turner Scout Hall

Join the families of the German playgroups, playschool and Pfadfinder scouts (both past and present), for an exciting children's parade, a BBQ, entertainment, singing and dancing. 

• Who will be the Prince and Princess of the Karneval? 
  
• Will the parents be able to get the "keys to the city" back from the revelling party-going children? 
  
• Karneval is a time for being silly and celebrating.
  
• Dress up, bring your camera to catch the colour and action; and don't forget your big grin!
  

Saturday 14 March 2015 11am to 2pm  

• Bring a plate to share (salad, crudite, dips, Bretzeln, desserts); and your picnic blanket.
  
• Spielwelt will supply sausages, bread, onions, sauces, juice, water, and traditional Karnival Krapfen. Some plates, cutlery, cups and napkins also available.
  

Karneval is part of the Harmony Day events across Australia - and we have a special treat in store for everyone. Without giving anything away, expect international entertainment and a lot of jumping!

Celebrate International Mother Language Day: 10.30am – 1.30pm Saturday 21 February 

Meet at 10.30am near the International Flags Display behind Questacon car park to join the language walk over Commonwealth Bridge. Feel free to bring along posters and banners publicising various languages and/or to wear national dress. Free T-shirts for all participants! 

• Enjoy FREE family fun activities near Regatta Point after the walk: Multicultural entertainment, jumping castle, face painting and Name writing in various languages.  Multicultural food for sale or bring a picnic. 
  
• Organised by the Canberra-based International Mother Language Movement (IMLM).  For more details contact I[email protected]  or follow IMLD Canberra on facebook. 

For Flyer CLICK HERE.  For MAP of the walk, CLICK HERE 

FAMILY FUN AT THE NATIONAL MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL

     WHEN? Saturday 14 February 2015, 11 am – 4.45 pm
     WHERE? Ainslie Place (opposite Civic Square, between London Circuit and City Walk) See MAP here
Coming to the National Multicultural Festival in Civic with the kids?  Be sure to visit the CHILDREN’S SANCTUARY to enjoy FREE fun activities:
- Face-painting
- Balloon modelling
- Art and Craft activities - American Eagle Paper Bag Puppet, Origami, Pineapple theme activities 
- Names written in different languages  Entertainment provided by Johnny Huckle and Clowns              
and THEN 

• Join in the CHILDREN'S PARADE at 5pm: 
  Dress in traditional costumes or bring a banner or sign to indicate your heritage and language. 

For more information: visit http://multiculturalfestival.com.au/about-us/sanctuaries/ or contact: Santosh 0468 901 860, Jo 0407 491 100, Mandy 0408 089 235 or Manu 0450 396 418.

Please note: children must be in the care of a responsible adult at all times. 

Organised by the ACT Community Language Schools Association and the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance. Sponsored and supported by the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs

Languages Afternoon Tea

The ACTBEA afternoon Tea on Sunday 26 October was a great success. We met some new families, and everyone had a great time with face painting, balloon modelling, various games and, of course, a delicious afternoon tea. Thanks to everyone who took part and the ACT Children’s Week Committee for their grant.

An unexpected  spin-off was a call from the Canberra Times a few days later. The reporter wanted to hear more about us after seeing a community announcement for the Afternoon Tea in the Canberra Chronicle. The result was a front page picture and article about the scouting groups run in other languages as a way to give young people a chance to use language skills outside the classroom. For more see: 
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/act-scout-clubs-foster-childrens-native-languages-20141108-11iztb.html#ixzz3IZ3YSB3S

Mandarin for Fun, Children's Week Event 2014

When:  3.20 –  4.50pm, Tuesday, 21 October 2014
Where:  West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, Cnr Starke & Luke St, Holt

Mandarin for Fun playgroup will host a free family fun learning Mandarin event to support and encourage bilingualism, which we have successfully achieved over the past 4 years. Come and enjoy performances by children and parents, games, craft, singing, dancing and healthy afternoon tea. 

• All welcome with Chinese or non-Chinese background.
  

Thanks for the support from the ACT Children's Week Committee and the West Belconnen Child and Family Centre. For catering purposes please register your interests to [email protected]  by Friday, 17 October.
For more details: Lucia  [email protected] / 0410 981 788 

ACT Community language schools day Saturday 25 October 2014 

Congratulations to the ACT Community Language Schools Association for a wonderful afternoon at the University of Canberra. 

Spectacular performances by community languages schools plus stalls displaying books and other resources used to teach language and culture as well as students’ work, lantern parade and piñata finale.  Delicious multicultural snacks for sale.

For more information about Community Language Schools in the ACT, see www.actclsa.org.au

How to raise a bilingual child ? Benefits and challenges

The Embassy of France and Telopea Park School/ Lycée franco-australien de Canberra
Cordially invite you to attend this information evening (with Q&A) on bilingualism:

• Monday 15 September - 5.30pm to 7.30pm
  
• Telopea Park School, Lycée franco-australien de Canberra, New South Wales Crescent, Barton ACT 2600
  

Speakers:

•  Dr Ruth Fielding, University of Canberra, Assistant Professor, Languages curriculum and TESOL
  
•  Vishnu Kaleeckal Krishnankutty Nair, ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, PhD, research scholar
  
•  Catherine Adam, Faculty of Humanities Université de Bretagne Occidentale, France, teacher trainer and author, PhD
  

“Studies suggest it is powerfully good for the brain, even if adults go to bilingual late in life. And this cognitive edge is not limited to language learning, although unsurprisingly it often shows up” (The Australian, 20 August 2014)

Bilingualism has never been so topical in Australia.  Currently over 200 different languages are spoken, with roughly 19% of the population speaking a language other than English. Learning a second language also opens gateways to new cultures and is of ever increasing importance in our rapidly globalising world.

Along with our experts, the evening will offer you the opportunity to explore the myths and misconceptions, as well as the benefits and challenges of raising a child in a bilingual environment. The evening will cover bilingualism as a general topic, not only restricted to French and English. For a poster and abstracts of the talks CLICK HERE

Please rsvp via bilingualchild.eventbrite.com.au or [email protected]
A live streaming will be available, please contact [email protected].

For more information, contact Nicolas Gouletquer, Attaché de coopération éducative, Coordonnateur Pays-Campus France, Ambassade de France en Australie Tél. +61 (0)2 6216 0135 

Bilingualism workshop Macquarie University

Friday, 8th August 2014
Level 1 Lecture Theatre, Australian Hearing Hub, Macquarie University

This workshop, co-sponsored by the Centre for Language Sciences (CLaS) and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders (CCD), will be a forum to learn about and discuss research relating to bi- and multilingualism. It will feature presentations from invited speakers Professor Theo Marinis (University of Reading) and Professor Jason Rothman (University of Reading), as well as Macquarie students and postdoctoral fellows. Topics will cover all areas of bi-/multilingualism, including language development, language processing, and linguistic outcomes of bilingualism. This is a free public workshop with several talks in the morning and afternoon sessions, together with ample time set aside for discussions among the participants.

For further information, including links to the program, invited speaker biographies and registration form, please see: http://www.ccd.edu.au/events/conferences/2014/bilingualism/index.html

Workshop Convenors: Distinguished Professor Stephen Crain, Professor Katherine Demuth, Dr Michael Iverson

LANGUAGES POTLUCK 

WHEN?  Sunday 18 May. 11am to 1pm 
WHERE? Function Room, Theo Notaras Centre, North Building, Civic Square, Canberra 

• A fun get-together for families raising children in more than one language and people interested in bilingual education. FREE fun activities, including songs and story time, in various languages for children to enjoy. 
  
• Bring along your favourite foods to share with others as well as your cooking skills and recipes. Hot drinks, cups, plates and cutlery provided. 
  

For more details and/or to book, please email [email protected] or call Mandy on 0408 089 235 
This project was made possible by the support of the ACT government’s 2013-14 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program.

FILIPINO LANGUAGE SCHOOL FUN DAY 

WHEN? 18 May 2014 Sunday 2pm - 4pm
WHERE? Erindale Neighbourhood Centre, corner of Comrie St and Sternberg Crescent, Wanniassa.

• All are invited to pop in and enjoy fun Filipino games and other activities plus sample Filiipino snack and delicacies. There will also be an information stall and prizes. 
  
• For catering purposes, please RSVP by 11 May to Shiela 0411 243 487 or Alma 0439 594 826
  

For flyer, CLICK HERE

The school would also like to announce that Southside Children's classes will move back to Sunday 2pm-3pm during the school term.  Contact Alma for more info

Open day at St Nicholas Preschool and childcare centre in Yarralumla

St Nicholas Preschool and childcare centre had an open day on Saturday 5 April 2014. The centre has a wonderful new building and can now cater for more children between the ages of 2 to 6 thanks to support from the Hellenic Club in Woden. An outstanding feature is the incorporation of the natural environment into the children's outdoor play area, as shown in one of the photos below.  Other photos show some of the resources used to promote knowledge of the Greek language and culture. For more information about the school, visit the website at www.stnicholaspreschool.com.au

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY Friday 21 February 2014 

The International Mother Language Movement invites you to help celebrate International Mother Language Day on Friday 21 February. Show your interest and support for heritage languages and the many languages spoken in Australia by joining a Language Walk on the shores of  Lake Burley Griffin. Meet organisers at 5.30pm under the flags behind Questacon and the High Court (see map HERE) and walk 1.5km across Kings Avenue Bridge.  

• Free cultural performances, music and entertainment for kids at the end of the walk
  
• Enjoy a sausage sizzle or bring your own picnic
  

CLICK HERE to download poster. 
For more details contact [email protected] or visit http://www.imlm21.org.au/

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL: Children’s Sanctuary and Kids’ Fringe

Saturday 8 February, 10am-4pm  Civic Square in front of the Canberra Theatre

ACTBEA helped raise awareness of, and interest in, some of the many languages spoken in the ACT area at the Kids' Fringe Festival at the National Multicultural Festival on Saturday 8 February 2014. Parents and kids alike were intrigued to see their names written in Persian, Hindi, Tamil, Chinese, Urdu, Japanese and Arabic. There was storybook reading in Italian, French, German and Swedish; and children learned to make lanterns and how to put origami to practical use by making foldable snack plates!  Thanks to all ACTBEA members and friends who provided the expertise for the event and braved the scorching temperatures.  Some pictures of the activities are given below:

ACTBEA gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government’s 2013-14 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program, which enabled us to provide activities at this event.

LANGUAGES POTLUCK

Saturday 30 November, 11am-1pm
Function Room, Theo Notaras Centre, North Building, Civic Square 

A fun get-together for families raising children in more than one language and people interested in bilingual education. FREE fun activities in various languages for children to enjoy. Bring along your favourite foods to share with others as well as your cooking skills and recipes. Hot drinks, cups, plates and cutlery provided. 

For more details and/or to book, please email [email protected] or call Mandy on 0408 089 235 

This project was made possible by the support of the ACT government’s 2013-14 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program.

ACTBEA on 2XX community radio (FM 98.3) 

ACTBEA will be able to further promote language learning on the radio after several members successfully completed 12 hours of community broadcast training through 2XX in 2013.  The first two photos below were taken during the training and the photo on the far right shows the adults on the course plus the trainer, Victor Marillanca, at the ACT Legislative Assembly after receiving certificates of completion from Minister Joy Burch on 3 September 2013.  

Polish Playgroup Winter Ball "In the Snow Queen Land" 

Some wonderful photos of this event on 21 July 2013 in the White Eagle Polish-Australian Club in Turner sent to ACTBEA by Kasia.  Looks like a real winter wonderland and lots of fun!  For more information about the playgroup, please contact Kasia on 0418 633 378 or email [email protected] 

Multilingual Potluck Lunch 

We all had a great time sampling delicious food from around the world at the potluck lunch on Saturday 29 June 2013!   We also enjoyed singing 'head, shoulders, knees and toes' - with a few cultural variations - in lots of languages including Mandarin, Filipino, Russian, French, Japanese, German, Indonesian, and English; being creative with colours and cardboard; and hearing different songs sung in Swiss German, Korean and Mandarin! Here are some photos of the event.

TWO BILINGUAL PROGRAMS – TWO OPEN DAYS on Saturday 1 June 2013!!

1. Yarralumla Primary School Open Day, 11am-1pm,  Loftus Street, Yarralumla ACT 2600

Find out more about the school’s bilingual Italian Immersion classes from Kindergarten to Year 6 (50% Italian and 50% English). For more information email [email protected]

2. French-Australian Preschool Open Day, 11am to 2pm, Astrolabe Street, Red Hill

The French-Australian Preschool offers a full time French immersion program to children aged three to five. The school will host an open day for prospective families to meet staff and learn more about their preschool program and the French education system.

For more information call 02 6295 0621or email [email protected]

SEMINAR: FAMILIES RAISING CHILDREN IN MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE

Saturday 23rd March 2013, 2pm-5pm, University of Canberra

A seminar and discussion session for parents, grandparents and carers as well as teachers, early childhood professionals and others who are involved in developing children’s skills in more than one language (see poster below). 

The first part of the program will be a panel-led discussion giving participants the opportunity to hear from parents raising their children bilingually, older children and young adults who have grown up bilingually, and language experts and educators speaking about the role of bilingual programs in formal education and the benefits of mother tongue maintenance.

There will be plenty of time for questions and comments from the floor. After a short break, participants can choose to return to the main discussion, continue to chat informally over afternoon tea, or hear about a number of local organisations that promote language learning.

This seminar is free of charge but booking is essential for catering purposes. 


Children are welcome but must be under the supervision of a parent/carer.  

To book or for more information, email [email protected]    

This seminar is linked to Harmony Day, which is celebrated on 21 March each year. The theme of Harmony Day in 2013 is Many Stories – One Australia.

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LANGUAGES AT THE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL  Friday 8-Sunday 10 February 2013

Civic will again be filled with the voices, food and performances of multilingual Canberra during this annual event. 
ACTBEA is involved two activites    

Children’s Sanctuary      Saturday 9 February, 10am-3pm.
Outside the Canberra Museum and Gallery in London Circuit, near Civic Square. 

Free activities for children involving many cultures and languages – spoken and written. Art and craft activities, games, cultural performances, drumming and dance workshops, and story-telling from many lands. The star guest is Jay Laga’aia.  The sanctuary is also the place to sign up (by 2pm) to take part on the exciting Children’s Parade, which begins at 4pm. For more details see  www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/the_sanctuary/childrens_sanctuary.

Languages Stall       Sunday 10 February, 11am until 5pm. 
(Stall number  F47, on Akuna Street near the intersection with City Walk)
Lots of information about the benefits of language learning and bilingualism. Ask questions and share your stories and experiences with others involved in teaching languages or raising children in more than one language. 

For more information about the Multicultural Festival see http://www.multiculturalfestival.com.au/home 

FUN EVENTS AT GUNGAHLIN LIBRARY (Hibberson St, Gungahlin)

1. Multicultural Story Time Thursday, 7 February, 2013 from 10.30-11.30am
 Celebrate the multicultural festival with a special story time filled with songs, rhymes and actions performed in various languages.  Suitable for all ages, perfect for ages 3-5.

2. Celebrate Chinese New Year with stories from China!
Thursday, 14 February, 2013 10.30-11.30am 

Stories and songs in English and Mandarin. Come and learn some simple Mandarin Chinese words and make a Chinese red paper lanterns and other craft to celebrate the Year of the Snake!  This event is suitable for all ages.

Both events are free and no bookings are required

FUN AND GAMES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Saturday 27 October 2012 2-6pm, St John’s Church Hall in Reid 

Come along and join us for an afternoon featuring free games, performances, craft activities and displays. You can also purchase tasty snacks and food from around the world.  ACTBEA is joining with the ACT Community Languages Schools Association on their open day for this ACT Children’s Week event.

For more details email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235

Information Session about the new Chinese Scout Group at Lyons   

Thursday 18 October 2012 at 7:30pm at the Scout Hall in Tooms Place in Lyons.

CLICK HERE for more information or contact Joanne on j[email protected] or 0452 224 228 
 

Story night in German

Monday 22 October 6–7.15pm - Scout Hall, Haig Park, Masson St, Turner.

Geared for 1-10 year olds. Three stories in German, three story-tellers, one enchanting evening for children!

For more details see www.spielwelt.org.au/page/?pid=140&nid=63

This is a Children’s Week and National Year of Reading Event

Bilingual English-Japanese Story Time (for children aged 3-5)

Wednesday, 24 October 2012 from 10.30-11am at Dickson Library, North Canberra

Celebrate Children's Week at Dickson Library with a special bilingual English-Japanese storytelling. Learning Adventures staff will present an enchanting half hour of traditional Japanese 'Kamishibai' (paper theatre) storytelling followed by traditional Japanese paper-folding (origami) craft. All materials will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  There is no cost, but bookings are essential http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4204291148/eorg

To find out more about preschoolers learning Japanese with Learning Adventures: visit www.learningadventures.com.au    
   

Open day Yarralumla Primary School   

Pizzas made to order and a cappuccino machine greeted the many families who visited the school for its open day on Saturday 30 June. Inside, visitors could watch a hands-on science lesson in Italian and a fun writing /punctuation activity in English. The Principal, Lea Chapuis, gave a short talk about the school’s approach to education at noon, and teachers, students and members of the school board were on hand to answer questions and show visitors around the school.

For more details about Yarralumla Primary School, the only public English-Italian bilingual school in Australia, phone: 6205 5766, email: [email protected] or visit the website at www.yarralumlaps.act.edu.au

Art is an important part of the curriculum

Reading in Italian

Science in Italian

Who we are

Sustainability

Principal's address

Multilingual Potluck Lunch   Sunday 17 June, 11am to 2pm     

Come and meet other families raising children in more than one language and some multilingual seniors. Bring along your favourite foods and share your cooking skills and recipes.  There will also be children's games from around the world and free fun activities for children.

Where? Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre in Civic Square, London Circuit, Canberra City (near Civic Library and the Canberra Theatre).

For more details or to book email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 6125 9673 (messages) or 0408 089 235.

Please contact us by 11 June if you would like reimbursement for the costs of ingredients and/or are interested in giving a cooking demonstration

This is the second ‘Meet a Language Grand’ event for 2012 supported by the ACT Government Multicultural Grants Program 2011-12.

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A second fun event on Sunday 17 June, 2012!

Traditional German Lantern Walk in Canberra where 5pm to 6:30pm Glebe Park in Civic
Sausages, Saint Martin's Brötchen, traditional Gluehwein, Kindergluehwein, will be available for a gold coin donation each.  (BYO mug.) Song sheets provided.  Desserts and treats available after the walk.  Dress warmly!  Prams, friends, grandparents, all welcome! 

For more details about the event, plus the history of the lantern walk and song sheets, see www.spielwelt.org.au. You can also email: [email protected] or ring Lisa 6251 7743

Meet a Language Grand on 25 March 2012 - How did it go?

About 30 people attended and great fun was had by all. Languages represented included French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Polish, Swedish, and Welsh. 

We learned two German children’s games from Kaaren, one involving a woolly hat, scarf, dice, knife and fork and a large slab of chocolate!  

We also discovered that the string game some of us knew as ‘cat’s cradle’ was pretty universal. A big thank you to Naoko for bringing along many lengths of string, sharing her skills with us, and reminding the older participants of various string constructions and moves they had known as children. 


Thanks also to all who helped put together the afternoon tea – delicious sandwiches and cakes – much enjoyed and appreciated by all.

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Celebrate the many languages spoken in the Canberra Region!  

Be part of an exciting marathon performance of the beloved Austrian Christmas song Stille Nacht (Silent Night) in Garema Place in December 2012!  The idea – born at a meeting of the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance (ACTBEA) some time ago – is to perform the song in as many languages as possible. We may even get into the Guinness Book of World Records!

The song will be sung in each language, one after the other, by small groups. Each group should contain at least one native-speaker-ACT region-resident. The event may be associated with stalls and other activities.

Would you like to get involved? You don't need to sing! Plenty of logistics and planning needed as well ...

For more details and to register your interest, contact: [email protected]

Exciting new resources in Italian for children
 

Come along to the Italian multicultural centre in Forrest between 2.30 and 4.30pm on Sunday 12 February 2012 to celebrate the launch of the first in a series of 'The Bambino Book'.

The book and the accompanying DVD is in Italian and is the perfect start to learning the Italian language. Beautifully illustrated, young readers will enjoy learning as they listen and and read along.

RSVP by 20 January appreciated. For more information see attached or visit http://www.thebambinobook.net/

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LANTERN MAKING and LANTERN FESTIVAL  -  organised by the Australia China Friendship Society 

a) Lantern Making Workshop
2-4pm, Saturday 28 January  Cook Community Hub, 41 Templeton St, Cook. 
Come and make a lantern and then join the lantern parade at the Lantern Festival on 4 February (see below). Young children must be accompanied by parents.  Bring a cutting board, scissors, ruler and pencil. Cost $3 per person.
Bookings essential to [email protected] or Jean 62547732 

b) Lantern Festival
Saturday 4 February 2012, 6.15 - 9pm Commonwealth Park near Gallipoli Reach – the area between the Pergola and the Rond Terraces below ANZAC Parade. 
Bring your own rug and picnic in the park. Entertainment includes Chinese classical music, children’s dance groups, the Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance Troupe and a kung fu demonstration. The evening concludes with a lantern parade, followed by free sparklers for children. Prizes for best hand-made lanterns!  Entry is FREE.  
For further information ring Carol on 6247 8231 or email [email protected]

This event is sponsored by The Canberra Times, the ACT Government Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Australian Government’s DCSP Multicultural Arts and Festivals Grants.

ACT BILINGUAL EDUCATION ALLIANCE EVENTS 

1. Languages stall at the Multicultural Festival  
Come and visit the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance (ACTBEA)’s information stall in Civic during the multicultural festival on Sunday 12 February. The stall will promote the benefits of learning languages and provide information about language services and programs in the ACT area.

If you would like to publicise any language related programs with which you are involved, you are most welcome to do so, either through printed information or coming along to talk to the many people who visit the stall over the course of the festival. Other offers to help the volunteers staffing the stall also welcome. 
Contact [email protected] for more details

2. Storytelling from different countries and cultures 
10.30am to 3pm Saturday 11 February
Look for the Children's Sanctuary at the Multicultural Festival and hear some stories in various languages. The Sanctuary is for children under 12, who must be supervised by their parents. Also for children - face painting, art and craft activities and children’s performances. There will also be be free massages for parents!
   
3. Meet a Language Grand   
1.30-4pm, Sunday 25 March, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic.  

Come along and meet someone new who speaks the same language/s as you do or comes from a different language and cultural background. Seniors, like grandmas and granddads, have a wealth of stories and skills to share. The event is FREE and will include a delicious afternoon tea with drinks and nibbles. 

For more details and to book, email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235 or Marina at 6201 2483 

The above events are supported by the ACT Government Office of Multicultural Affairs and the  ACT Multicultural Grants Program 2011-12   

GERMAN CHILDREN'S KARNIVAL  

 Saturday 24 March in Haig Park, Turner, 11am to 2pm. 

This event, organized by Spielwelt German Parents Association, celebrates Harmony Day and a traditional German Karnival for kids and is open to all. 

Come and enjoy games, music, dancing, and German Karnival food for sale, and cheer on the parade with the Karnival prince and princess.  More info at www.spielwelt.org.au/page/?pid=91&nid=63

Languages Pot Luck  Sunday 30 October, 11am until 2 pm 

A free Children’s Week Activity for multilingual families organised by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance 

Bring along your favourite food to share with others at an exciting indoor picnic. Sample the dishes of families from other cultural backgrounds. Meet other families raising children in more than one language.

Free fun games and activities in various languages

Where?  Function Room, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, Civic Square (near the Canberra Theatre Centre)

For more details and to book, email [email protected] or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235

Special thanks to the ACT Children's Week Committee for the grant which helped us to fund this event.   

German Experience for 2-4 Year Olds: 9.30am-12 noon Tuesday 4 October to Friday 7 October 2011

A chance for your child to experience a week of German-language fun, play and games during the October school holidays at the German Australian Playschool in Turner, ACT.  Cost:  $95 for the week, per child.

No previous German necessary.

There will be a minimum of 1:4 adult to child ratio. Parents are welcome to stay. Parents of children three years and older may also choose to leave their child for some (or all) of the time, and enjoy some personal time!

For more information and enrolment, email [email protected] or ring Lisa on 6251 7743.
Organised by the Spielwelt German Parents Association (see www.spielwelt.org.au)

Organised by the German Parents' Association 

Sunday 19 June 2011  German Lantern Walk in Canberra in Glebe Park.  Enjoy an evening of lovely German lanterns bobbing through the park, the sounds of delighted children, and the aroma of the BBQ and Saint Martin's bread rolls washed down with traditional Gluehwein.  There will be a short traditional play about Saint Martin, before the Lantern Walk.  Song sheets provided. After the walk, we will return to the starting point, for desserts / treats.

Dress warmly!  Prams, friends, grandparents, all welcome! Gold coin donation for food.

Tuesday to Friday 4-7 October 2011  German Playschool Experience Week. For 2-4 year olds to experience the fun f playschool, in our warm and friendly immersion setting.

Monday 24 October 2011  German Story Night in Canberra. Three stories, three German story tellers, one enchanting evening for kids.  BBQ before. Popcorn. Bring your PJs and teddy bears.  Turner Scout Hall on Masson Street.

For more information ring Lisa at Spielwelt German Parents Association on 6251 7743 or contact her by email: [email protected]   Visit them online at www.spielwelt.org.au 

NEW French Scout Group 

A French Scout Group for children aged over 6 years old will be starting in Term 2, at the Scout Hall in Turner. It will meet on Thursday evenings.  Leaders are native-speaking Francophones. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn and keep up their French while having a LOT of fun!  

For more information, contact Sherrit Lalande on [email protected] or Darren Kriticos on [email protected]

Harmony Day Event: German Karnival for Kids in Canberra
Sunday 20 March, 2011, 11:00am to 2:00pm Haig Park, near Turner Scout Hall

Karnivale parade, BBQ, singing, dancing, German food, and entertainment.  
Join the children of the German playgroups, Playschool and German Pfadfinder. All welcome.  
More information on poster below. 
ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Joy Burch, is slated to make an appearance!
This event is made possible by the ACT Government’s Multicultural Grants Program 2010-2011.

Be a part of Harmony Day 2011 on 21 March.

Celebrate the inclusive nature of Australia and promote the benefits of cultural diversity Register your event and order free promotional products: www.harmony.gov.au

Raising Children in More than One Language 

A fantastic seminar for parents, grandparents, early childhood educators, teachers, and others interested in bilingual education. Over 100 people and many children crowded into a lecture theatre at the University of Canberra on Sunday 20 February - the day before International Mother Language Day - to hear Melbourne-based Dr Susanne Döpke share her experience and knowledge about bilingual development and raising children in more than one language.

A big thank you to the University of Canberra for providing the venue, Canberra Multicultural Community Forum for their ongoing support, and members of the ACTBEA organising group and their friends who assisted in preparing  for and running this successful event. 

Language stall at the National Multicultural Festival
Saturday 12 February and Sunday 13 February 2011

Despite forecasts of showers and wet conditions, and a very soggy start on Friday night, Canberra turned on two pleasantly warm days for the crowds who visited Canberra's Multicultural Festival over the weekend. 

Thanks to all those who helped staff ACTBEA's language information stall on both the Saturday and the Sunday. We were a bit pushed for space on Saturday, but were able to spill over to the neighbouring stall on the Sunday to display all our information about the benefits of knowing more than one language - for young and old - and the  multitude of languages programs in the ACT. 

Languages Potluck 31 October 2010

This was a great success, with families from Chinese, Filipino, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, Shona, Spanish and Welsh language backgrounds bringing a delicious assortment of food from various traditions for other to share.

Children's games were led in German and Mandarin, plus we had balloon modelling, colouring activities and much free play. The Function Room at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre in Civic was an excellent venue - we did not need to worry about the vicissitudes of the weather!!

Special thanks to the ACT Children's Week Committee for the grant which helped us to fund this event.   

Story Night in German.  Monday 25 October 6pm - 7.15pm  

Three stories, Three German story tellers, One enchanting evening for children 1-10 years.
Bring the kids in their pyjamas, and join Spielwelt (German Parents Association Inc) at the German Australian Playschool / Pfadfinder Scout Hall (Scout Hall in Haig Park, on Masson Street in Turner)

Sausage sizzle from 6pm to 6:30pm; and then popcorn and stories from 6:30 to 7:15pm.
Friends and family welcome.  Suitable for non-German speaking members of the family too, as there are pictures and animation to accompany the text.   Entry is free; gold coin donations for food please.

More info from Lisa at [email protected] or 6251 7743