Victorian School of Languages

National Reconciliation Week 2026

During National Reconciliation Week, students and staff across the Victorian School of Languages took part in activities that encouraged reflection, learning and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.

These wonderful works were created by the Korean Faculty at our Blackburn Centre. We are pleased to share their creativity and participation in this important week.

Modern Greek Immersion Day Brings Language and Culture to Life

Students from Years 2–9 at South Oakleigh VSL recently took part in a vibrant Modern Greek Language Immersion Day delivered by the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV).

From storytelling and drama to traditional dance, puppet shows, vase making and cultural activities, students enjoyed a hands-on experience that brought Greek language and culture to life.

A wonderful celebration of language learning, creativity and cultural connection. Well done to everyone involved in making the day such a success!

This week, the Victorian School of Languages recognises National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme, All In - a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation and take action to make meaningful change.

The VSL community is committed to deepening our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and to walking together respectfully in the spirit of reconciliation to help build a more inclusive Australia.

Year 11 Persian students explore culture and identity through creative posters

Year 11 Persian students at VSL Dandenong recently showcased their learning through a series of posters completed as part of their holiday homework for Persian Unit 1.

The task focused on the theme of sustainability, with students exploring how culture and language can be sustained from a community perspective. Through their research, students examined the rich cultural identities of Persian-speaking nations and gained a deeper understanding of Persian civilisation across Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan.

Each student approached the task from a different perspective, presenting topics that highlighted unique aspects of cultural identity, heritage and tradition within Persian-speaking communities.

The project provided students with an opportunity to strengthen their language skills while also deepening their appreciation for the diversity and shared connections across Persian-speaking cultures.

Sayed Quraishi, Year 11 Persian Teacher, VSL Dandenong

Education Week 2026 at the Victorian School of Languages

This year’s Education Week theme, “Showcase your school”, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many things that make the VSL community so special.

At our Berwick Kannada class, students recently took part in a creative activity where they wrote and drew about what learning Kannada at the VSL means to them.

It was heartwarming to see students proudly share how learning their language helps them:

🌱 Stay connected to their cultural roots
👨‍👩‍👧 Communicate with family members
🎨 Celebrate traditions and heritage
📖 Grow their language skills and confidence

The activity showcased not only creativity and enthusiasm, but also the important role community language education plays in strengthening identity, connection and belonging.

A big thank you to our wonderful students, families and instructors who make language learning at the VSL such a vibrant and meaningful experience every week. 👏

VSL Punjabi Students Promote Environmental Awareness at the 38th Sikh Games

Around 80 VSL Punjabi Language students proudly participated in the 38th Sikh Games in Melbourne over three days. As part of their contribution, they created meaningful posters promoting environmental awareness, encouraging everyone to keep the playgrounds clean and use the correct bins when disposing of litter. Their efforts highlighted the importance of responsibility and caring for shared spaces.

Some teachers, along with a few students, displayed the posters at the event grounds, where they received positive feedback from attendees and organisers alike.

The Games organisers have announced that participation certificates will soon be awarded to all students. Events like these help students build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and become more aware of their social and environmental responsibilities.

Jagdeep Gill
Coordinator Punjabi Sec. School
Hampton Park

Harmony Day Celebrations in the Virtual New Arrivals Program

One artwork, many voices—students in VSL’s Virtual New Arrivals Program each contributed to this collaborative Harmony Week piece, created together online to reflect culture, diversity and belonging.

Celebrating diversity. Creating belonging.

Harmony Day Celebrations in Area South 1

Students at VSL Area South 1 (McKinnon, Mentone, South Oakleigh, Westall) marked Harmony Week with simple, creative activities, including colouring and classroom tasks that encouraged reflection on culture and belonging.

Celebrating diversity. Creating belonging.

Harmony Day Celebrations in Area Central

From creative projects to cultural discussions, VSL Area Central (Brunswick, Collingwood, Footscray, University High) students celebrated Harmony Week in ways that were engaging, inclusive and full of energy.

�Celebrating diversity. Creating belonging.