Some 877 posters were submitted, exploring the theme ‘Mangiare Bene’ (Eating Well).

Some were truly original, including one student’s work which compared food to the solar system, with Earth depicted as a tasty cutlet.

A great deal of effort goes into this project: teachers work on the theme for five weeks (the length of a unit), introducing the topic and explaining ideas, terms and concepts.

Then the students are given time to channel their new knowledge into art, personalising the content and presentation.

The competition has become part of many primary schools’ Italian studies program.

Teachers believe the competition is important because it shows students that learning Italian can be fun and creative.

After long deliberations, the society handed out 38 awards to the best posters.

Year 2 students recieving their awards alongside Elisabetta Ferrara from The University of Melbourne and president of DAS Melbourne, Dominic Barbaro (left to right): Antonio Cirrito from CO.AS.IT. After School; Amelia Micucci from St Anthony’s Primary School; Lacey Campbell from Glenferrie Primary School; and Japleen Batth and Rachel Tannen from St Andrew’​s Primary School. (Photo supplied)

The awards ceremony took place last November, and also featured the new Teacher’s Choice category, in which every school could nominate a student who received a book and trophy.

Special guests at the ceremony included: Elisabetta Ferrari of The University of Melbourne; Fernando Cardinale from the event’s sponsor, Casa d’Abruzzo; and actor Carmelina Di Guglielmo.

Dressed as the Befana, Di Guglielmo called three students to join her on stage: Charlie Mitchell (Year 6, Northcote Primary School); Lucia Ragnanese (Year 6, Associazione Culturale L’Aurora – Fawkner); and Nicholas Michaele (Year 5, Christ Church Grammar School).

The committee extended a special thanks to Imogen Lazarus, who organised the event for the last time.

Tania Barbati will take on the role moving forward, and this year’s theme is ‘’Super’.

Teachers and students of Italian are invited to let their imaginations run wild and create posters which explore superheroes.

Schools have until September 19, 2020 to work on the project!

For more information, visit the Dante Alighieri Society’s website.