​For more News see Canberra Region Languages Forum Updates and the ACTBEA  Facebook page www.facebook.com/ACTBEA/

Results of Sharing Languages and Cultures Competition 
​

We had a wonderful response the competition with an amazing range of entries featuring 15 different languages!  These were Cantonese, Danish, English, Farsi, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Punjabi Sinhalese, Spanish and Tamil. A big thank you to all the entrants and the parents and schools who supported them. Entries are now with the judging panel!
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR RESULTS 

SHARING LANGUAGES AND CULTURES  ​

• A free competition for students in schools in Canberra and neighbouring NSW
• Three categories:      Preschool- Year 2,       Years 3-6      Years 7-12 
• First prize of $100 for each category 
• 6 runner-up prizes of $50
• ONE entry per student. Any joint entry will only be eligible for one prize                                   

                                      Closing date for entries extended to Thursday 30 September 2021
TO ENTER:

• Film a short conversation (maximum length 2 minutes) featuring a language other than English (this could be a family or community language or a language you are learning at school)
• Speak as much as possible in the other language
• Ideas for topics/questions: What do you like about learning or speaking the language? Why is the language important to you? How does the language help us understand more about life in Canberra or other parts of the world.

TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY:

1. Upload the video to the ACT Bilingual Dropbox
2. Download and complete a Student Declaration Form
3. Send an email to canberrabilingual@gmail.com with

     - The completed Student Declaration form
     - Title of the video clip and date uploaded
     - Name of the language/s spoken and an English translation of parts of the         video in another language (unless subtitles have been added)

For more details, including judging criteria, see POSTER or email canberrabilingual@gmail.com

Competition organised by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance with support from Canberra Multicultural Community Forum Inc and an ACT Government 2021-2022 Participation (Multicultural) Grant 

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Notice of Motion to the ACT Legislative Assembly   

Andrew Braddock MLA, Greens spokesperson for Multicultural Affairs, will be speaking to his MOTION  about the value of multicultural communities and other languages in Canberra in the ACT Legislative Assembly on 4 August 2021

Reforms to the Adult Migrant Education Program (AMEP)  

Significant changes are afoot in the Australian Government's Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), a free service that has been supporting migrant settlement since the 1940s. Already announced are the removal of some limits to participation. Eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants in Australia with no or low levels of English can now:

• keep studying, even if they have completed 510 hours (the previous limit), until they reach vocational English (previously the limit was ‘functional’ English) 
• apply to enrol, even if they have enrolled in AMEP before and have been living in Australia for many years

The Department of Home Affairs has now released a discussion paper about further reforms and are seeking community input on these. Individuals, groups and organisations with an interest or expertise in the AMEP are encouraged to respond to these proposed changes through an on online form by  9 July 2021

For the views of ACTA ​(Australian Council of TESOL Associations) you can see a draft statement HERE. When ratified, the final version will be posted on Advocacy | Australian Council of TESOL Associations

ACTBEA was delighted to be invited by Telopea Park School (TPS) to give a presentation about the benefits of bilingual education and the challenges of motivating and supporting children to develop their skills in an additional language. The presentation took place in the school library and was well attended by parents and teachers. The event included some current TPS students, who shared their experiences of the bilingual program. Thanks to the school for inviting us and to Meredith Box, ACTBEA member, for helping to organise the presentation. 

ACTBEA Talk at Telopea Park School Wednesday 12 May 2021

INTERNATIONAL CALL TO ACTION 

The importance of languages is a global context. Melbourne-based Professor Joe Lo Bianco, who played a key role in shaping the statement, says it’s time for ‘ a comprehensive, long-term approach to cultivate the multilingual resources of our country. This requires the adoption of a bipartisan approach, requiring a commitment to a concerted and consistent approach to language learning in our schools, universities, workplaces and at home.

RESULTS OF TASTE OF LANGUAGES COMPETITION  

We had a wonderful response to the competition, receiving entries from students from preschool to Year 11. The quality and range of entries was high and really reflected the multicultural and multilingual nature of life in our city. Languages featured included Cantonese, Dutch, Filipino/Tagalog, French, Hindi, Hokkien, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Javanese, Mandarin Chinese, Nepali, Persian, Russian, Sinhalese, Spanish, Thai and Urdu. Some of these were spoken in, or associated with, the family. Others were learned in school, heard from friends or neighbours, or experienced when living or visiting overseas. Here are the results.   
Preschool to Year 2

• 1st Benjamin Yung (Majura Primary) Laughing Cookies (Cantonese) Written Piece and Video 
• 2nd Corbin Rosenblatt (Red Hill Primary)  Ton Ka Su (Japanese)
• 3rd: Melody and Arianny Felstead,  (Harrison School) Gado gado (Indonesian)

Year 3 to Year 6

• 1st Isabella Milliken (Mawson Primary) Bak Kut Teh (Hokkien and Mandarin Chinese)  Written Piece and Video 
• 2nd Louise O’Connell (Campbell Primary) Gyozo (Japanese) 
• 3rd Dylan Cutting (Campbell Primary) Halo Halo (Filipino/Tagalog) 

Year 7 to Year 9

• 1st Raghav Budhraja (Kingsford Smith School) Dal (Hindi) Written and Video
• 2nd Hunter Sanderson (Kingsford Smith School) Spring Rolls (Burmese)
• 3rd Sophie Gobbitt (Lyneham High) Beer Duck (Mandarin Chinese)

 Year 10 to Year 12

• 1st Preashika Dhakal (Merici College) Momo (Nepalese) Written Piece and Video
• 2nd Alanah  Stunden and Haley Chacos  (Karabah High)  Sushi (Japanese)
• 3rd Lily Kelly-Clark and Robert White (Melba Copland College) Crêpes (French) 

Shortlisted finalists who received a certificate

• Zainab Sultan (North Ainslie Primary) Biryani (Urdu),  Genevieve Rumble (Aranda Primary) Desayuno Colombiano (Spanish), Dashiell Coleman (Campbell Primary) Gyoza (Japanese) 

Special commendation for video production

• Sasha Heenan (Weetangera Primary) Pelemenis (Russian)   

Canberra Languages Network 

​The ACT Bilingual Education Alliance is one of the umbrella organisations that have been meeting four times a year since 2009 to share information and encourage and facilitate cooperation across sectors to promote language learning in the ACT area. The group is now known as the Canberra Languages Network (CLN), and its Terms of Reference have recently been officially endorsed. 

Exploring links and commonalities in language learning across ACT schools and community enables members of the CLN to better:

• fit ideas about language learning into the wider picture about education in the ACT;
• capitalise on the different strengths of the member organisations;
• strengthen engagement between schools and community;
• promote and support multilingualism and language learning, language maintenance and revival in all contexts, and;
• advocate for the inclusion, incorporation and revival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, including ACT Aboriginal languages such as the Ngunnawal language.

For more details see, the Terms of Reference 

Review into Investment in ACT Languages Schools 

With almost one in four Canberrans speaking a language other than English at home, community language schools connect people, families and communities to language, heritage and culture.

All those passionate about language learning with vision for the role of community language schools in Canberra are invited to a community consultation being hosted by the ACT Multicultural Advisory Council and the Strategic Development Group

• Tuesday 22 September 9am -11am OR ​Wednesday 23 September 3pm -5pm.
• Function Room, Level 2, Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, 180 London Circuit, Canberra.

Registration essential by Wed 16 September to communityparticipation@act.gov.au
For poster CLICK HERE 

TASTE OF LANGUAGES COMPETITION  ​​​- for students in the Canberra region  ​

CATEGORIES 
    -  Preschool – Year 2 (with help of parent/guardian)
    -  Primary (Years 3-6)
    -  Middle School (Years 7-9)
    -  Senior High/College (Year 10- 12)
TO ENTER
     1. Choose a favourite meal or dish which involves another language
   2.  Make a video (up to 3 minutes) to illustrate how/when the dish or meal is prepared and/or eaten.  
​     3.  Write a short piece (in English) – maximum 250 words, which 
         - briefly describes the dish or meal and why you chose it
         - explains the meaning of the non-English words/phrases associated with the dish/meal 
         - explains how the meal or dish relates to your life in Australia and/or to a particular culture/cultures
​     4.  Download and complete a Student Declaration Form
PRIZES
     -  In each category: 1st prize $100, 2nd prize $50, 3rd prize $20.
     -  Other finalists will receive a Certificate
SUBMISSION PROCESS
     - Send your video, written piece and completed Student Declaration Form to canberrabilingual@gmail.com
     - All entries must be received by Tuesday 1 September 2020
     - Only ONE entry per student 
     -  Entry is FREE
FOR POSTER and MORE DETAILS about how to send your video and the judging process: CLICK HERE  
TO DOWNLOAD the Student Declaration Form: ​CLICK HERE 
Supported by an ACT government 2019-2020 Participation (Multicultural) Grant 

Results of the Languages at the Festival Competition

Thanks to all those who took part in the Languages Competition at the National Multicultural Festival in February 2020. We had some fantastic entries. They showed how entrants had spoken to stall holders or performers to obtain information about their languages, the relation between language and cultural identity and life in Australia, and/or research about the language photographed and its historical or cultural significance. Some of the entries from secondary school students linked the languages they saw and heard at the Festival with languages they were learning in school. The winners of the three major prizes were: 

• E Bousles First prize
• Jackie Smithers Second Prize
• Dec Browne Third prize

We hope to be able to display the winning entries plus the entries of the shortlisted finalists at Gungahlin Library later in 2020. Meanwhile. the major prize winning entries can be seen below.  

Bilingual Story Times at ACT Libraries​  

Story times in over 12 different languages at various library branches around Canberra. Usually 10.30am to 11.30am on selected Saturdays or Thursday mornings. A chance for children to learn about other languages and cultures and/or to hear and develop their own language skills! 

​For 2020 program CLICK HERE and to see online story times see: https://vimeo.com/showcase/7121013 ​

Review of investment in Community Language Schools in the ACT 

Undertaking an independent review on investment in ACT Community Language Schools is one of the priority actions listed in the Second Action Plan of the ACT Multicultural Framework 2015-2020 (see Priority Action 17 in the section: 'Capitalising on the Benefits of our Cultural Diversity').

This has the potential to lead to better support for Community Language Schools (CLS). which as ACTBEA pointed out in its submission to the Future of Education Strategy in 2018, can be valuable hubs of language learning resources within our community. A recent report of the Sydney Institute for Community Languages Education reinforces these ideas, outlining some of the exciting ways CLS schools can contribute to language education more generally. 

SBS National Languages Competition 2019

This national competition organised by SBS Radio aims to encourage and celebrate a love of learning languages in Australia. Languages learners of all ages are invited to tell SBS “How does learning a language make a world of difference to you?” 

• Open to Australian residents aged 4 and over who are learning an additional language, including Auslan and English 
• Five categories: 4 – 7 yrs old, 8 – 12 yrs old, 13 – 15 yrs old, 16 – 18 yrs old and 18+ 
• Prizes: Apple iPads and Apple AirPods plus trip to award ceremony in Sydney in November 2019
• Entries close 5pm 27 September 2019

​For more information see www.sbs.com.au/nlc19     For poster click HERE

Australian Network of Government Languages Schools (ANGLS) Conference 

The 2019 ANGLS conference brought together educational leaders from government funded schools in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory that offer language programs to over 25,000 students who cannot access their chosen languages at their own schools. The conferences was held at Telopea Park School on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 August and was hosted by the Canberra Academy of Languages (CAL). The Academy is a not-for-profit organisation, established in 2016 to provide expanded opportunities for language learning that complement existing programs offered in the ACT. 

To read the media release from ANGLS following the conference see angls_media_release_2019-08-19.pdf. It makes reference to the recent federal government undertaking to invest in language studies in Australia (see https://ministers.education.gov.au/tehan/investing-languages-studies-australia and calls on all Australian governments to recognise the huge benefits of helping our students become truly global citizens by boosting the status of language learning both in word and in deed. 

Plans for a German Bilingual Program in Canberra 

The German Immersion Program Parents & Friends (GIPPF) is working towards the establishment and implementation of a German Language and Culture Program in a public primary school in Canberra in 2021, which includes a German Immersion Program (a bilingual program in German and English).

They have asked anyone interested to complete the short survey: 
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdQVyRoPET1YOTxWP…/viewform 

​You can also follow the progress of the group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/germanimmersionprogramcanberra/ 

Winners of the Say G'Day competition announced 
​

The three lucky winners of the Say G'Day Competition that was held during the Multicultural Festival on 16 and 17 February are

• First Prize ($250) Josie Brown and her daughter Chloe
• Second Prize ($100) Tiffany Suen
• Third Prize ($50) Nivin Vickram and his mum  Nithya

​Cheques were presented to the winners by Chris Steel, the ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, on Monday 4 March.  Unfortunately the second prize winner was unable to attend because of ill health.  

Also at the presentation were ACTBEA President Kasia Williams and Secretary Mandy Scott, President of the ACT Community Language Schools Association Li Fuxin and Canberra Academy of Languages Convener Frank Keighley. 

​ Languages as a Resource for all 

A position paper developed by the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance, Canberra Academy of Languages and Canberra Region Languages Forum.  The aim of the paper is to contribute to policy discussions and actions in the ACT to help to build social capital, enhance educational outcomes, and foster a more inclusive and cohesive society. A copy if the paper is available HERE. 

Threatened closure of Indonesian language program at Narrabundah College 

Two Year 11 students at the college certainly gained local, national and international  media coverage when they started a petition on discovering Narrabundah was considering dropping its long-running Indonesian language course. For the SMH article CLICK HERE and for coverage on Indonesian-language ABC: HERE. The issue also led to discussion of languages education more generally, especially on ABC Radio Canberra on 15 November HERE and 16 November HERE and HERE.  

​Snippets for Bilingual Families 2018 Issue 1

An occasional newsletter produced by Dr Susanne Döpke, a speech pathologist and consultant in bilingualism based in Melbourne.  Items in this issue include

• responses to questions about 

        - a non-native speaker of French raising a child in French and English,
        - an  aunt starting to use Greek with a 3 year old with whom she has previously used English,
        - how language links to the identity of an adopted child

• info about the blog of an American speech-language pathologist and academic. While aimed at speech pathologists, it is also a useful resource for families.

For a full copy of the Snippets, CLICK HERE

Salzburg Statement for a Multilingual World  

​In today’s interconnected world, the ability to speak multiple languages and communicate across linguistic divides is a critical skill. Even partial knowledge of more than one language is beneficial. Proficiency in additional languages is a new kind of global literacy. Language learning needs to be expanded for all – young and old.
Click here for a great statement of underlying principles, Recommendations and call for Action. 

Promoting languages at the National Multicultural Festival (NMF) in Canberra 

ACTBEA is working with other interested stakeholders to ask the ACT government to promote languages and the value of bilingualism at the National Multicultural Festival (NMF) in Civic in February 2019. The NMF is an ideal opportunity to showcase and celebrate the many languages spoken  in Canberra. For our rationale and suggestions for action, which has been submitted to NMF organisers, CLICK HERE 

ACTBEA Submission on the Future or Education in the ACT 

​In response to the ACT government’s call for community input into their deliberations on the Future of Education, the ACT Bilingual Education Alliance has made a detailed submission highlighting the importance of languages and languages education. The submission addressed three of the themes that have emerged from the public conversation to date: 'Learning for the Future', 'Inclusion', and 'Individualised Learning'. The key ideas underpinning ACTBEA's discussion, recommendations and practical suggestions for action in the submission are that:

• Learning languages has great educational value for all students and should be given higher priority in ACT schools
• The skills of bilingual students should be fully acknowledged and better utilised in the classroom
• Community Language Schools are a great potential asset that need to be further supported and developed
• The skills, learning styles, and educational needs of CALD students need to be explicitly addressed   in relation to the 'Inclusion' and 'Individualised Learning' themes.

For a copy of the submission, CLICK HERE

A new multilingual resource for bilingual families  

'Helping your child learn English' a new video developed in NSW that emphasises the importance of developing the home language for young children prior to school. Available in 5 languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Nepali and English. The video was produced in response to the findings from the 2012 and 2015 Australian Early Development Census which identified that there was a need to promote consistent key messages to service providers and families to improve language and communication development in bilingual children prior to school. This multilingual resource aims to help parents make the most of this very important stage of their child’s life.

• Downloadable from the SESLHD channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SESLHD.

Canberra languages discussed in the ACT Assembly

On September 15 2017, there was much discussion in the ACT Legislative Assembly about the importance of languages and language learning. All political parties supported the following:

The Assembly calls on the ACT government to observe International Mother Language Day in the ACT to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by the people around the world, especially those in Canberra, through:

• establishing collections and displays, sometimes called an “Ekushey Corner”, at ACT Libraries to promote and protect mother languages;
• promoting the active participation, revitalisation and maintenance of local Indigenous languages;
• exploring options to support the construction of a monument in Canberra dedicated to the mother languages of Australians;
• continuing the ACT Heritage Library’s collection of oral history as a means of preserving the multi-lingual inheritance of the ACT; and
• supporting second language instruction in schools.

 For a full transcript of the discussion, click HERE 

​SNIPPETS FOR BILINGUAL FAMILIES 2017 Issue 3

Contents 

• German-with-kids internet resources
• Bilingual Avenue
• Seminar: Raising Children in More than One Language Melbourne November 2017
•  "Should I pretend not to understand?"
• On the road again

For more details CLICK HERE

Celebration of the Portuguese language 

• 5 May 2017, 12.30pm - 2pm
• Nye Hughes Room, ANU Centre for European Studies, 1 Liversidge Street [Building 67C]

For details see POSTER 
RSVP required by 1 May to anclas@anu.edu.au

2017 World's Biggest Playgroup - Old Parliament House, Canberra, Wednesday 29 March 2017 

For details: 2017 World's Biggest Playgroup 

​SNIPPETS FOR BILINGUAL FAMILIES 2017 Issue 1

An occasional electronic publication produced by Dr Susanne Dopke, a Melbourne based speech pathologist and consultant who assists professionals working with bilingual clients as well as families who wish to raise their children bilingually. Click HERE for copy. This publication is free to all who are interested. Contact Susanne to join the mailing list.  

ELLA Trial – Early Learning Languages Australia 2017

Applications are open for all Australian preschool services to participate in the 2017 ELLA Program. 

ELLA is a fun, digital, play-based language learning program for preschool-aged children. Children are able to learn a language through apps called 'The Polyglots' used on tablet devices. In 2017, preschools may choose from Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese or Spanish. Each preschool service will need to provide devices (tablets) and will be supported by a liaison officer, language and culture overviews, Educator App and Family App.

Fpr more information: www.ella.edu.au or https://www.education.gov.au/early-learning-languages-australia
Please encourage your preschool to submit an application before 26 February 2017.

Promoting languages at the Multicultural Festival in Canberra February 2017

ACTBEA will have a languages information stall at the Multicultural Festival in Canberra City 

• WHEN? Sunday 19 February 2017, 10.30am-4.30pm.
• WHERE? Stall G32 in Civic Square 

Come and visit us and say hello. The stall is a great opportunity to publicise the benefits of knowing more than one language and to promote language learning and teaching opportunities in the ACT area. If you have brochures or pamphlets about a language program that you would like to display and/or would like to help to staff the stall and share your enthusiasm and knowledge, please contact us at canberrabilingual@gmail.com

To download a map of the Festival footprint and location of our stall CLICK HERE

Note: ACTBEA gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government’s 2016-17 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program) for funding its activities at the festival.

Call for Markers & Assessors (Qualifying and Placement Tests)

Fortis Consulting has been asked by a Government Agency to put forward a number of language instructors to conduct marking of Language Proficiency Tests known as Qualifying (Q) & Placement (P) tests commencing November 2016 and concluding in November 2017. The languages being sought are:  

• Arabic, Cantonese, Dutch, French, Indonesian, German. Hindi, Japanese, Javanese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Russian,Spanish and Sundanese

The Scope of the Job is as Follows:

• Positon: Marking and Assessment of Qualifying & Placement Tests – intermediate, high and advanced levels
• Period of engagement: November 2016 – November 2017
• Location: Remotely – Wi-Fi Connection, scanner and email access is required
• Time Frame to complete markings: One (1) week period upon receipt from Fortis Consulting
• Rate: $45 p/hr inclusive of super

If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and a one page summary in the following formats: CV and   Summary to Mylynda.Balodis@fortisconsulting.com.au by no later than COB 19th of October 2016   

ACTBEA Submission to the Review of the ACT Languages Policy 

For a copy of the ACTBEA submission to assist the review process CLICK HERE. Our comments were reported on at the two public forums in August and formed part of the background for forum discussions.  ​

Your chance to take part in the Review of the ACT Languages Policy

he Community Participation Group (CPG) of the ACT Community Services Directorate is calling for community input to assist with the review of the ACT Government’s Language Policy (Many Voices: The ACT languages policy 2012-2016).  
To submit written comments on the aims and implementation of the current policy, plus ideas for future directions, please use the template developed by the CPG (download HERE). You will see that the template covers 5 key areas of the policy:

• English as the National Language,
• Language Services,
• Learning other Languages,
• Languages and Economic Benefit and
• Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages.

 In relation to one or more of these areas, you may like to 

• list your own activities, whether assisted by government or other organisations/groups  
• comment on the policy's aims and government implementation
• suggest new ideas or ways to strengthen the policy

Please return responses to languagesact@gmail.com by cob Friday 22 July.
Community responses, plus responses from a similar template sent to ACT Government Directorates, will be reported on at two public forums:

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

Discussion at these forums will provide further input for the review process and the Directorate's recommendations to government on the form and content of the Languages Policy 2016-2020. 

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 Lindsay.Burge@act.gov.au or Mandy Scott at languagesact@gmail.com.

​A copy of the policy is available at 2012-2016_act_languages_policy.pdf (note: pages with no text have not been included) 

Snippets for bilingual families 

In the latest issue, Dr Susanne Döpke, answers a question sent to her by a parent who attended her seminar on raising children in more than one language organised by ACTBEA at the ANU in April. For a copy of the issue CLICK HERE.
To join the mailing list for Dr Döpke's free irregular electronic publication, which disseminates information about issues of interest and importance to bilingual families and professionals working with such families, see ​http://www.bilingualoptions.com.au/consBILSNIP.htm

ACT MANDARIN BLUEPRINT

The ACT Mandarin Blueprint, which aims to enhance the learning of Mandarin and promote understanding of Chinese culture in ACT schools, was officially released on 15 October 2015. The blueprint gives an overview of the current initiatives and future plans of the many organisations in the ACT involved in the teaching and promotion of Mandarin and Chinese culture.

A list of the recipients of ACT Government Mandarin Culture and Language Grants announced as a part of the Blueprint - together with a brief description of their projects - can also be seen at http://www.det.act.gov.au/teaching_and_learning/mandarin-blueprint. The 21 recipients include mainstream and community language schools, other community organisations, and the ANU.

Japanese kids book club: Kangaroo Pocket Bunko

A new club which aims to help develop bilingual ability for children aged between 0 and 12 and to help develop and enhance an understanding of both Japanese and Australian cultures by reading books, playing games, and various other activities. The club started in June 2015, has a membership of 13 families with 23 children and owns over 400 Japanese kids books. 

Activities include lending books and story time PLUS games, crafts, and other activities which relate to "today's book" for story time. Current meeting venue is the Mosaic Church in Page.

For more information see the FaceBook page 

ACTBEA at the Multicultural Festival Saturday 14 February and Sunday 15 February 2015

ACTBEA is helping to organise free fun activities in various languages at the Children's Sanctuary at the Festival in Civic from 11am to 4.45pm on Sat 14 February, and will have a Languages Information Stall on Sun 15 February from 11am-4.30pm. For location of both, click on MAP here.  

Come and enjoy the sounds, sights and tastes of multicultural Canberra at this annual festival and meet some of our members and others interested in supporting and promoting languages. For more information about the festival visit http://multiculturalfestival.com.au/

NOTE: ACTBEA gratefully acknowledges the support of the ACT Government’s 2013-14 Participation (Multicultural) Grants Program) for funding our activities at the festival. 

Incentives for studying languages at university   

A number of universities in Australia offer incentives for students who have completed Year 12 studies in a language.  For details of the range of incentives offered by the Group of Eight universities, including the ANU, in Canberra, CLICK HERE

Sharing Story and Culture Project 

The Lu Rees Archives, housed at the University of Canberra, enhances the appreciation of Australian children's literature. The archives include over 25,000 books, with more than 3000 in overseas translations in 53 languages, over 420 research files, and significant collections of authors', illustrators' and publishers' papers, manuscripts and artwork. These resources are not available for loan, but visitors are welcome to view them during opening hours.

The Archives received a Multicultural Grant from the ACT Government for 2015 to promote reading and enjoyment of Australian children's books which have been translated into Simplified Chinese. Books will be selected by the teachers in the Australian School of Contemporary Chinese (ASCC), the Federation of Chinese Community of Canberra (FCCI), the Queanbeyan Community Chinese Language School and those knowledgeable about Australian children's literature. After their purchase, the books will be catalogued, annotated, and listed on the schools' and Lu Rees Archives websites. The Chinese schools will determine the location of the book collection and manage their lending to children and their families as well as using the books for educational purposes in the classroom.

Talks for parents and schools

The ACT Bilingual Education Alliance (ACTBEA) offers free talks to promote the benefits of maintaining heritage languages, mother tongues and learning additional languages.

Talks can be tailored to particular audiences, for example parents, students and/or teachers. Presenters are ACTBEA members and include experienced language teachers and specialists in bilingualism and language education.

If you are interested in having a talk at your school or parent or community group please contact canberrabilingual@gmail.com or phone Mandy on 0408 089 235.

Mandarin for Fun group expands its programs 

From its beginnings in 2009 as a playgroup specifically designed to help parents and kids from both Chinese or non-Chinese backgrounds to learn Mandarin in a fun way, to meet demand the group now offers several types of programs - see details below.   

• Playgroup: Crafts, rhymes, songs and exercise.  For families from Chinese and non-Chinese backgrounds with kids aged from 0 to 5 years old.Tuesdays, 3:20pm – 4:50pm at West Belconnen Child and Family Centre,  Kippax. 
• Family Immersion Program Aimed at parents and kids from non-Chinese backgrounds. Taught in a small group environment via various fun methods. Suitable for kids aged 8 months to 5 years old. Two groups: Tuesdays, 10 am  – 10.45am or 11.15am – 12pm, both at Handcock Crescent, Macgregor
• Kids after-school Mandarin Class For over 5 year-olds with no or little Chinese background. They will be exposed to formal learning by using textbooks with some homework. Tuesdays, 3.45pm – 4.30 pm at West Belconnen Child and Family Centre,  Kippax
• Mandarin Immersion Program (Kids only) For over 3 year-olds with no or little Chinese background. Taught in a home based environment, children will learn basic, commonly-used Mandarin conversation. Thursdays, 10:00am – 2:00pm at Handcock Crescent, Macgregor and/or Fridays 10:00am –2:00pm at Forde, Gungahlin
  

For more details contact Lucia Lu on 0410 981 788 or email mandarinforfun@gmail.com

To support and encourage bilingualism in the Canberra region, Mandarin for Fun also hosts a Mandarin Language program from 6.30pm to 7pm on Friday evenings. The program showcases the Mandarin for Fun program on air to make the learning curve easier for families. See http://mandarinforfun.weebly.com/ and http://learningmandarin.weebly.com/weekly-radio-show.html for more details. 

BILINGUAL PROGAMS IN THE NEWS  

The Chronicle, 25 February 2014: Upgrade of Yarralumla Primary School’s building, including a state-of-the-art video conferencing facility, will enhance the Italian-English bilingual program at the school.  CLICK HERE FOR STORY_

The Chronicle, 25 Feb 2014: New building for St Nicholas Preschool and childcare centre in Yarralumla thanks to support from the Hellenic Club in Woden will help promote the Greek language and culture. CLICK HERE FOR STORY

The Chronicle, 1 April 2014: Promotion of reading in other languages as part of the Let’s Read program at the Child and Family Centre in Tuggeranong to help develop children’s literacy thanks to a partnership between the Smith Family and Communities@work.  CLICK HERE FOR STORY

German programs for children in 2014

1. Playgroups (for children and their parent/carer).

• Spiel und Spagat, a new south-side group for 0-3 year olds on Tuesday afternoons
• Spiel und Sproessling for 0-3 year olds on Monday mornings
• Spiel und Spass for 0-5 year olds on Wednesday mornings 9.30-11.30am at the Turner Scout Hall  
• Spiel und Spurfinder for 5.5 year olds on Monday evenings 6-7pm at the Turner Scout Hall 
  

2. German Australian Playschool (GAP):  
Playschool is like preschool and is for 3-5 year olds. Two programs from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the Turner Scout Hall. Children may attend 2 to 4 days per week: 

• Immersion (Monday/Tuesday), basic understanding of German required
  
• Bilingual (Thursday/Friday), no previous German required.  

3. After school programs:

• Musik:  A music program, Tuesdays, 3.30 to 5pm at the Turner Scout Hall. Geared at 3-5 year olds, but 6-10 year olds are welcome.
  
• German Language School:  more formal German lessons for children on Mondays after school.  For more information see http://www.actgermanschool.org.au/childrens-division
  

4. Pfadfinder scout group nights (must be able to speak/understand German):

• Joeys, Spurfinder and siblings: for boys and girls 5.5 to 8 years, Mondays  6-7pm at the Turner Scout Hall.  Older siblings may also attend if they can't make Tuesdays.
  
• Cubs, Scouts and Venturers:  For boys and girls aged 8 years and up, Tuesdays 6-7.30pm at the Turner Scout Hall. 

For more information on the above see www.spielwelt.org.au 

Two open days during ACT Children's Week  

1.Southside Filipino Language Class, Sunday 20 October, 2-4pm, Erindale Neighbourhood Centre, Wanniassa

Learn some simple Tagalog greetings and words, games, and puppet making. Exhibiton and displays and Filipno snacks.  Please RSVP before 16 Oct for catering purposes：Sheila 0411 243 487, Alma on 0439 594 826 or email Canberra.filipino@gmail.com    

2. Mandarin for Fun playgroup, Tuesday, 22 October, 3.20 4.50pm, West Belconnen Child and Family Centre, Holt.

Performances by children and parents, games, craft, singing, dancing and healthy afternoon tea.  All welcome with Chinese or non-Chinese background. 

Please advise interest in attending (for catering purposes) by Friday, 18 October: mandarinforfun@gmail.com  or 0410 981 788. For more information CLICK HERE

NOTE: Both the above proudly acknowledge the support they have received through grants from the ACT Children’s Week committee. For more information about ACT Children’s Week and a full program of events, CLICK HERE

Chinese Camp 30 September to 11 October 2013

A 10 day camp (daily attendance) at UC Senior Secondary College, Lake Ginninderra.  A  fun holiday program for school-aged students, especially those of Chinese heritage. 

Activities will include Chinese Kung Fu, Dough Figurines, Clay Sculpture, Egg Decorating, Chinese knots, Calligraphy, Traditional Chinese Painting, Peking Opera Styles of Makeup, Paper-cut, Gong & Drum, Singing and Dancing.

Organised by the Australian School of Contemporary Chinese, the camp is supported by the China Overseas Exchange  Association (Qiaoban), Shandong Overseas Exchange Association and the Chinese Embassy in Australia. 

For more details, see poster and registration form or contact ASCC on 6176 0528 or ascc@trilong.com.au

Alliance Française de Canberra School holiday program. 

Another Way to learn & have fun with French!   Monday 15 - Friday 19 April, 9.30am - 12.30pm 

Open to all levels and ages from Pre-kindy (3-4 yrs old), Kindy (5-6), Children  (7-11) to teens (12-17).

Price $215, Morning Tea Included.  Bookings essential

For more details: phone 6247 5027, email enquiries@afcanberra.com.au  or visit www.afcanberra.com.au 

NEW Monday afternoon German classes for children 

These will be held from 4:00 until 5:30pm (supervision available from 3:30 until 4pm) at the Scout Hall in Turner. Classes are for 4 to 7 year olds, though 8-10 year olds will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Fee for Term 1 (8 weeks) in 2013 is $160. 

CURRICULUM: The program will start with all the children working with "Hans Hase" (an educational puppet program from the Goethe Institute).  Afterwards, the class will be split:  the younger children and German beginner children will continue with Hans Hase, and the older children and fluent children will work on reading and writing in German.

For more information and to enrol, see Monday class enrolment page. 

Term 1 at the Alliance Française Canberra 2 February - 13 April 2013

Classes for Young learners (Pre-kindy to Year 12) 
From Monday to Thursday at all levels In the afternoons from 4.15pm to 5.45pm 
 
Classes for Adults from Monday to Saturday at all levels. Daytime classes and evening classes

For more info & timetable visit: www.afcanberra.com.au or contact: 6247 5027 or enquiries@afcanberra.com.au.

New Mandarin Chinese Language School opening in Canberra 2013

For adults and children interested in learning Mandarin Chinese. Organised by the Taiwanese Association of Canberra and taught by experienced Chinese Language Teachers.

Teaching Materials: “Live Interactive Chinese” and textbooks approved by Overseas Compatriot Affair Commission, supplemented by textbooks published in Hong Kong and China. The course uses Taiwan Phonetic System (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ) and Roman Phonetic System, and includes Mandarin conversation, bilingual Mandarin-English learning, introduction to Chinese history and culture, introduction to Taiwan local culture.

When?  Saturday 10am-12 noon during ACT school terms, including a 15 minute recess. Starting Date: Saturday 8 February 2013

Where?  30 Chauvel Circle, Chapman ACT 2611 (Parking available)

Tuition Fees: $100 (member); $120 (non-member) per school per term, plus $10 for teaching materials each term. There is a $10 discount for each subsequent family member enrolled

Volunteers most welcome to assist

For more information and to enrol (by 31 January please), email tacamail.act@gmail.com

Spielwelt German programs for children in 2013 

Two German playgroups (for children and their parent/carer)

1.  NEW group!  Spiel und Sproessling for 0-2 year olds. Tuesday mornings, Ainslie Scout Hall, 9:45-11:45am. 

2.  Spiel und Spass for 0-5 year olds. Wednesday mornings (NEW day!), Turner Scout Hall, 10am - 12noon.

Two classes at the German Australian Playschool (GAP):
Playschool is like preschool with caring, qualified native-German speaking staff guiding a class of 3-5 year old children through a fun play-based educational program.  GAP is from 9:30am to 3:30pm, at the Turner Scout Hall.  In 2013, two classes are offered.  Children may attend 2 to 4 days per week.

1.  Immersion (Monday/Tuesday) class:  Playschool in German only.  A basic understanding of German required. 

2.  Bilingual (Thursday/Friday) class:  Playschool in German and English.  No previous German required.  Open to fluent and beginners, as well as German children wanting to learn English.

Two after school programs:
1.  Musik / Lied und Wort:  A delightful music program taught by GAP head teacher, Dr Cristina Robins-Figl.  Tuesdays, 3:30 to 5pm,  Turner Scout Hall.  Geared at 3-5 year olds, but 6-10 year olds have also enjoyed this program in the past, and are welcome.

2.  German Language School:  a possible new offering if families are interested in more formal German language lessons. Class would be held after school at the Turner Scout Hall, 3:30 to 5pm, probably on Mondays, and will cater for 3-10 year olds.  This program will run if there is sufficient interest. 

Two Pfadfinder scout group nights:
1.  Joeys, Spurfinder and siblings:  For boys and girls aged 5.5 to 8 years, Mondays, Turner Scout Hall, 6-7pm.  Older siblings may also attend if they can't make Tuesdays.

2.  Cubs, Scouts and Venturers:  For boys and girls aged 8 years and up, Tuesdays, Turner Scout Hall, 6-7:30pm.

Pfadfinder must be able to speak/understand German.  The group is very family-oriented, and has a LOT of fun with an incredibly exciting program run by its native German-speaking volunteer leaders.

For more information, see www.spielwelt.org.au 

Many Voices - ACT Language Policy for 2012-2016

This long awaited and anticipated government policy appeared without much fanfare on the website of the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs just before the ACT government went into caretaker mode in the lead up to the ACT election.

The policy makes a number of commitments to promote, enhance and safeguard the language skills in the ACT community. These include to:

• work with the ACT languages sector to promote the benefits of languages education and influence positive attitudes towards languages education in our community

• encourage schools to be aware of and value language learning outside the school – in the home, the community and in after-hours programs
• encourage all Canberrans to learn languages in addition to English
• make every effort to retain, preserve and use Australian languages in the ACT region
• provide interpreting and translation services and use plain English to ensure access and equity to government programs and services
• make English language programs readily available to Canberrans who need to improve their English proficiency (oral and/or literate).

A copy of the policy in various formats can be found at www.dhcs.act.gov.au/multicultural/publications or see pdf version below.

While short on detail about funding or how implementation of the policy will be assessed, the policy is a clear statement of the ACT government’s commitment to developing the language skills of all Canberrans and valuing the vital role of all languages in personal, family, community and economic life.

We hope that whatever government comes to power after 20 October accepts the main thrust of the policy and acts upon it.

Meanwhile, if you think the actions of the ACT government and its agencies do not measure up to the rhetoric in the policy, why not make your views known to the agencies concerned and Office of Multicultural Affairs (email: nic.manikis@act.gov.au).

You are also welcome to share ideas about the policy on our Share News and Views page.  ACTBEA is happy to raise issues with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and relevant ACT politicians and ministers.

Individuals and groups might also consider using the policy as a basis for applying for government funding and support!

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Chinese Rainbow Scout Group

Scout Hall in Tooms Place, Lyons, near Woden Town Centre

A new group offering scouting activities, speaking in both Chinese and English. Young people can enjoy an outdoor skills adventure and gain new skills and knowledge in a safe, encouraging and challenging environment.

Young people aged 14-26 can join now; 6-13 year-olds may be able to join in 2014. 

Venturers (14-17 years) meet on Saturdays 2-4pm, Rovers (18-26 years) meet on Thursdays 2-4pm

The group is also looking for adults who would like to become a Scout Leader or just like to help out.

To read about Scouts in the ACT, see www.act.scouts.asn.au 

For more information email jo.guth@hotmail.com or telephone Joanne on 0452 224 228

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ACTBEA has become a partner in the National Year of Reading and a member of the local steering committee. 

We look forward to promoting reading in English and the many other languages used in the Canberra region.  Reading, or being read to, in one’s home language – whatever it may be - plays a valuable role in the development of children's cognitive, language and literacy skills.

Alliance Francaise Pâtisserie Workshop, Arts and Conversation!  

French Workshop Winter program for Children: a fun way to learn French! Children will enjoy their holidays in a French speaking environment and come back home with delicious recipes and artworks!

Monday 9 July & Tuesday 10 July,  9am – 12pm, for 5 to 6 years old 
Wednesday 11 July & Thursday 12 July, 9am – 12pm for 7 to 10 years old

Conversation class for teens
Monday 9 July, Tuesday 10 July and Wednesday 11 July, 2pm-4pm

For more details contact (02) 6247 5027, enquiries@afcanberra.com.au or visit 
www.afcanberra.com.au

'Fun Languages for Little Linguists' now running French Clubs for Children in Canberra

1.  Weekly classes in various locations: preschool to 10 years old. 

2. French Holiday Program:  “ Les artistes en herbe”   
17 and 18 of July, Kingston, ACT.  For children 6 to 10 years old. Practice your French while learning to paint funny pictures like René Magritte (a Belgian painter) Fee $100.
Booking required before the 6th of July.  CLICK HERE for more details  

3. French Camp: 3-5 October 2012 in Berry, NSW.   
For children 9 to 12 yrs old who want to have fun while improving and practicing their French through a 3 days immersion program, including outdoor/indoor activities, cooking, bushwalking and swimming.  Fee: $400 
Booking required by 31 August. CLICK HERE for more details 

For more details about any of the above, contact Elodie on 0466 544 705 (mobile) or email elodie.bouvier@lcfclubs.com.au 

Mandarin for Fun

A language learning playgroup open to people from any background as it aims to teach both children (from 18 months to 5 years old) and carers so that they can go home and practice together. Mandarin for Fun uses different fun ways to teach so that everyone is learning without knowing. The objective is to help children build up a solid Mandarin language foundation and keep their interest up for further second language development.

There are two programs: one meets every Tuesday afternoon at Holt and the other meets fortnightly at Cook on Saturday morning.  A small fee applies and booking is essential as numbers are limited. Please register your interest through mandarinforfun@gmail.com or phone Lucia on 0410 981 788.

There are also plans for a Mandarin Immersion Program every Tuesday from 10am – 2pm. Contact Lucia for more details. 

This project was made possible with the support of the ACT Government's Multicultural Language Grants Program.

The ACT Dads' Playgroup  

The group meets on the first Saturday of every month from 11am to 3pm. For more details of the group’s aims and activities, see ‘Being a mum is a not a full time job’, which was written by Justin Murray, who co-founded the group with Casten Makochekanwa.  Both of them are raising their children in more than one language.

In the article, Justin explains that although the original intent of the group was to give mums a break, it has developed into much more than that. Bonds between Dad and child, Dad and Dad, child and child have been enhanced and grown. In addition, the group has offered the opportunity for open discussion about the challenges of the transition from husband to Dad. 

Whilst multilingualism is not the focus of this group,  languages other than English are used, and the majority of dads are  multilingual. New members are welcome. 

For more information, email actdadsgroup@gmail.com or visit the group on Facebook 

NOTE: ‘Being a mum is a not a full time job’ was written in connection with an interview for a special issue for dads of Totline, the National Playgroup Magazine. A copy of this Issue 3, 2011, is currently available online (CLICK HERE for a copy).

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Calling all trilingual families 

A linguist in the UK currently pursuing a doctorate in education is conducting research for a book to help multilingual families bringing children up using three languages.  If you are a non-native English speaker who uses English to communicate with your partner she would like to hear from you. 

Participants will need to fill out an online survey and be interviewed online about bringing up children using three languages. This is a doctorate research project and not a commercial one. The information you provide will be used for research purposes only and your identity will be protected. Manal is interested in this topic because her family is trilingual.

For more details contact ms.manal@gmail.com

German for children in 2012  

a) Playschool : The German Australian Playschool will be operating for 4 DAYS a WEEK from July 2012!! 
Enrolments are now open. For details see www.spielwelt.org.au/home/page.php?pid=53

b) Pfadfinder (German-speaking scout group for girls and boys 6 years and up) is set for another fantastic year, and will launch its exciting 2012 program on Monday 6 February at 6pm in the Turner Scout Hall. 
For more details, visit    www.spielwelt.org.au/home/page.php?pid=55 

Filipino language school has expanded to the southside!!

Classes run by Learning Filipino Together (LFT) now available on Saturdays in Palmerston and Sundays in Erindale:  Term 3 will start on the 31st of July 2011.  See flyer for more information.

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"Turnen und Tanzen" (tumbling/gym/sports and dancing) for children 3-5 years old

An exciting new afternoon program (Fridays 3:30 to 5pm) for young children beginning 29 July 2011. This program will help children learn German, improve fitness, have fun and make friends, improve their balance, agility and coordination.

The program, organised by the Spielwelt German Parents Association Inc, will be run at the Scout Hall on Masson Street in Turner by Swiss teacher, Karin Klaus, who is a children's services qualified native German speaker, with Montessori and childcare experience.  Turnen und Tanzen accepts children of all German comprehension levels, from total beginners to fluent children.

This program is being run by popular demand following the success of Spielwelt's "Musik: Lied und Wort" on Thursday afternoons, with Dr Cristina Robins-Figl.

Cost is $20 per week for a term of 10 weeks; or $25 for one-off sessions.

Email spielwelt@homemail.com.au for an enrolment form or more information. 

Recent articles about Chinese - English bilingual childcare in the ACT, May and June 2011

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New French Scout Group starting in Canberra in 2011

Les Explorateurs starts in Term 2, 2011 for children 6 years and up! Fantastic scouting program for joeys, cubs and scouts in French.  

Thursday evenings at the Turner Scout Hall. Open for enrolments immediately.

Expressions of interest also welcomed from more francophone leaders.  

For more information contact the Scout Group Leader, Darren Kriticos on 4gumnuts@gmail.com

2010 ARTICLE ABOUT THE POLISH PLAYGROUP IN CANBERRA  

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2010 ARTICLES IN THE PRESS ABOUT BILINGUAL EDUCATION IN THE ACT AREA  

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