During the first week of Term 3, the Year 10 and 11 Italian language students enthusiastically participated in the annual Italian Camp on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Our focus was on Italian migration in the McLaren Vale region, and their influence on the region and its produce.
We began our adventure with a visit to the Art Gallery in the CBD, before heading off to our accommodation in Victor Harbour. At the Art Gallery the students were given an interesting talk about the Italian statues and paintings on display.
The Thursday morning we attended a gourmet cooking class by Pino and Lorena at Santopalato Gourmet Cooking School. We cooked authentic Sicilian dishes and had a three course feast for lunch. Delizioso!!
Serafino Winery was established by an Italian migrant and Pietro was only too happy to show us, and tell us, about the wine production at this very beautiful winery. The students also listened to a guest speaker, Anna Rogers, in the town square of McLaren Vale. Anna enlightened the group with the history and significance of the “Piazza della Valle”, which told the story of the struggles and experiences of the Italian migrant community.
From there we had a guided lesson at the Bocce Club with the town’s resident players followed by a pasta meal and cannoli for dessert. Our evenings were spent engaging in an Italian Quiz Night, watching a film and playing Italian scrabble and cards.
The camp was an enjoyable experience for all. Most of the guest speakers spoke to the students in Italian so they felt they were being immersed in the language at every possible opportunity. They also learnt firsthand about the influence the Italian migrant community has had on the McLaren Vale region.
Anna, Angelia & Anne
Italian Teachers
