Assemblea Italiana

In the first assembly of Term 3 in Week 1, children from Years 1 to 6 showcased a little of what they have been learning in Italian through music.

Learning a language through music assists immensely with acquisition and retention of vocabulary and grammar patterns. Language and music have been described as ‘kindred spirits’. Both have rhythm, tone, melody, pitch, volume and pauses. Both can be learned through repeated exposure. Learning the lyrics of a particular language presents vocabulary in specific context. Children demonstrated this notion as they sang of concepts familiar and relevant to their world. All the children performed with energy and passion.

The assembly opened with a rousing chorus of the Wattle Grove Primary School Song in Italian by Year 3 to Year 6 children. Year 1s stole hearts with their bright singing and adorable actions to Buongiorno [a song of greetings] and Se Sei Felice Tu Lo Sai (If You're Happy and You Know it). Year 2s and 3s bopped along enthusiastically to Il Leone Si Addormentato (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) and Year 4s tackled the most complicated lyrics of the morning with a high energy version of Due Liocorni (Two Unicorns - The Italian version of The Unicorn Song).

I was particularly proud when all children from Years 1 to 6 sang and performed the actions to the very catchy tune Grande e Piccolo. It was great to see even some of the more reluctant seniors joining in and obviously having some fun.

The assembly was brought to a close with a heart-warming rendition of Mi Rialzerai [You Raise Me Up], a Pop Opera song selected for the theme of resilience, a value all teachers at Wattle Grove have been working toward instilling in their students. I was overwhelmed with how beautifully and powerfully the senior students sang this particularly poignant ballad and from what I have heard, a few tears were shed. Our goal was to touch our audience's hearts, and we believe we achieved this. Of note, were the words spoken by Shirlina (Room 8) over the top of the instrumental. Shirlina impressed me with her outstanding articulation of some difficult Italian prose. She spoke confidently and with perfect expression.

Signora Q and I were so very proud of all the students whom all gave 120%, as is the Wattle Grove Way. Special mention also goes to Aadidev (Room 18) and Jessica (Room 8) who were selected as the presenters. They took on the challenge with courage and enthusiasm and were brilliant!

It was a joyous assembly that could not have been achieved without the support and dedication of Signora Q. I felt both humbled and privileged to be a part of bringing the school together through music and the beauty of the Italian language.

Please note: Photographs and video footage to follow.
Signora Isaia