Now in her third year in the role, Russo brings with her over 30 years of teaching experience. An Italian teacher by training, her first steps at the school were focused on establishing a continuous Italian program from Year 7 through to Year 12.
“This year we’re offering Italian up to Year 10, so starting in 2026 we’ll launch the VCE course,” she explained. Arabic is also taught at Kolbe College, “a choice based on the fact that many students were already learning the language through the Victorian School of Languages (VSL), so I thought it made sense for the school to offer it directly”.
Looking ahead, the department hopes to introduce a third language. Backed by Principal Nick Scully, the team of six teachers puts tremendous energy into promoting language learning.
“Principal Scully is very supportive of the department and backs any initiative he sees value in. Unfortunately, that hasn’t always been the case elsewhere. In other schools I’ve taught at, I often had to fight to get language programs recognised,” Russo said.
One of her first moves as coordinator was to redesign the Italian curriculum. “It was too difficult for the students, especially since they weren’t getting enough exposure to the language.” To avoid discouraging them, Russo revamped the program, starting with classroom materials. “Instead of using a single textbook, we created multiple booklets tailored to different levels,” she revealed.
Beyond classroom teaching, the department organises a range of initiatives to make language learning more engaging and meaningful.
“This year, we’re taking the Year 9 and 10 students to Italy for two weeks, [where we’ll] visit cities like Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Capri, Sorrento, Assisi, Bologna, Florence and Venice,” she shared.
“It’s also a chance to connect with a partner school for future exchange opportunities.”
But while the trip is a major highlight and a source of excitement, it’s not the only way to foster interest in the language. Russo also runs a pen-pal program with other schools, as well as Multicultural Week, which gives students a platform to share their backgrounds and the languages they speak at home.
“It’s a much-loved event, with grandparents and family members often getting involved by cooking traditional dishes or sharing personal stories,” she said.
The school also hosts a weekly language club and has welcomed guest speakers like Archimede Fusillo, a well-known young adult fiction author who shares his experiences growing up as an Italian-Australian and spending time in Italy. With the Year 9 students, they read his novel The Dons, which explores his family’s story.
“We also go on excursions,” explained Russo, “We’ve visited the Calabria Club, the Immigration Museum, the LUME exhibition on Leonardo Da Vinci and the Italian Museum at Co.As.It.” All these experiences are designed to highlight the value of language and culture.
Russo also believes in involving students when designing activities, frequently running surveys to better understand their interests.
“I want to know what they enjoy, what they’d like to explore further and what they’re not interested in,” she said.
“The students tell me the excursions really matter to them; they help them see the point of continuing with Italian.”
Having a shared goal with students boosts their motivation. “That’s why it’s so important to give them a voice and really listen to what they have to say,” she emphasised.
Connecting language with culture is just as vital. One way Russo does this is by having students participate in the Dante Alighieri Society’s poetry recitation competition.
“But it’s not enough to just ask who wants to take part - we made it compulsory by turning it into an assessment task, so everyone gets involved. Last year, we even won,” she said proudly.
The department has recently welcomed two native-speaker teachers, who not only bring authentic pronunciation but also share real-life stories about modern Italian migrant experiences.
Looking ahead, Kolbe College has big plans. With a new campus opening in Mickleham in 2026, the school is set to grow from 1200 to 2000 students, and the Italian teaching team is ready to rise to the challenge.
“I’m incredibly lucky to work with such a dedicated team,” Russo said, “And the students notice and appreciate their passion.”
With a strong vision for the future, Claudia Russo is confident in the growth and sustainability of Italian at the school. “I’ve spent 32 years working to make students fall in love with this language, and I have no intention of stopping now.”
