Kalamunda SHS welcomes our new language assistants

As a Lead Language school, it is imperative that we continue to celebrate cultural diversity and other languages through a variety of learning experiences and professional opportunities. We have been successful four years consecutively with our application for the Languages Assistant Program.  We would like to welcome Francesca Ardino (Italy), Mami Hibino (Japan) and Julianty Sihombing and Astri Blakeney(Indonesia). This is the first time that the Kalamunda SHS Languages Department have had a language assistant for all three languages.  It is exciting for students to have language assistants in the classroom to experience the language and learn about that country’s culture, current events from a primary source. Students are also provided with more opportunities to apply their speaking skills with face to face time with the language assistant. This is a great way to boost confidence in public speaking and the ability to speak more naturally and spontaneously in another language. The language assistants also collaborate with the language teachers when designing meaningful and rigorous tasks and also be part of lunch time language clubs, cooking activities, role plays and study groups. Participating in this program also strengthens our partnerships with Kalamunda Primary School, Maida Vale Primary School and High Wycombe Primary School.

Italian language assistant

Ciao,

My name is Francesca, I am Italian and since February 2020 I am also an Australian citizen.

For this current year I will be the Italian Language Assistant at Kalamunda Senior High School.

I was born in the North of Italy and my hometown is Verona. Verona is located in a beautiful geographic position: one hour from Venice and the beach, less than an hour from the mountains and only a couple of hours from Milan. Part of my were family born in the South of Italy so we use to spent our holiday in Puglia region.

In 2011 I completed my degree in Journalism at the University of Verona and I have decided to follow my dream to come to Australia to learn English.

I have spent the first year in this beautiful country between New South Wales and Queensland working towards my second year visa.

Since 2012 I have been in the stunning Western Australia where I have been studying a Diploma in Early Childhood. I have been working with children since 2013. After many rewarding years in the childcare industry I have been giving the opportunity to work in high school.

I am very passionate in following the student’s development; I love helping them feeling safe in a fun and stimulated environment while helping them to achieve their Italian goals.

Looking forward to meeting all of you and experiencing this journey together.

A presto
Francesca Ardino

Japanese language assistant

Konnichiwa (Hello)

My name is Mami Hibino. I am a Japanese language assistant for this 

year.  
I am from Tokyo, Japan. I have been in Perth for 3 years and I am real

thern area of Japan. Because the town where I was born was called Makomanai, my parents took one of the Chinese characters from the town for my name. 
Mami’s ‘Ma’ comes from the place name, also it means ‘truth.’  Mami’s ‘mi’ means ‘look’ or ‘see’ so my name means ‘look for the truth.’ 

ly enjoying living here.
I mostly grew up in Tokyo but I was born in Hokkaido which is in the Nor

Mami sounds like ‘mummy’ but it does not mean mother and it is common female name!

My hobby is playing music. I mostly play the piano or Sanshin which is an Okinawan traditional instrument a bit like a banjo.
I also dance Okinawan dance. It would be great if I can share these Japanese cultures with students.
I was a kindergarten teacher for 9 and a half years in Japan. I really like interacting with people. I hope I can help students to improve their Japanese language and help them enjoy it!

Mami Hibino

Indonesian language assistants

Hi Kalamunda Senior High School!!

I am Julianty Sihombing, you all can call me Ibu Julia. I am so exciting to be part of this school. I will be an Indonesian language assistant for this whole year to assist Ibu Kuldeep in teaching Bahasa, looking forward to meet you all.

I live in Pinjarra and have been living in Australia for over 7 years. I have three beautiful children, 2 boys and 1 girl.

I am Indonesian and was born in Medan, it is in North Sumatera. Beautiful place I like to go in Medan is Lake Toba, it is amazing lake which happened naturally by Volcano. I spent my childhood and my school in Medan. It quite big and busy city to live but I love my home town.

Looking forward to meet and to know you all.

Regards

Ibu Julia

Hello, my name is Astri. I am originally from East Java and I have been living in Mandurah since 2009. I used to be an English teacher in Yogyakarta, Jakarta and Denpasar. I also taught Indonesian for expatriates in a mining company in South Kalimantan. One of the expats proposed to me and then became my husband. I love teaching and sharing knowledge and culture with others. I am looking forward to creating and sharing great moments at Kalamunda Senior High School.

Sampai Jumpa Nanti :)