Italian language is taught at St Martin’s as part of the school curriculum.

Coursework and events such as the recent Spring Restaurant at San Martino are supported by the Italian Language Centre, which also offers after-school language classes.

To celebrate their achievements in Italian language, sixth graders set up a “Spring Restaurant” in the courtyard of the school.

Students had recently completed a course in regional cooking.

A four-course dinner was organised, prepared, cooked and served by the students to 35 diners, including parents and teachers.

Each student undertook an essential role in the set-up, from cook to waitress, manager to kitchen-hand, artist to cashier.

The students were coached in their roles by teacher, Enza Camuglia, who spoke to them only in Italian.

Dishes were prepared by the students in the theme of the colours of the Italian flag: red, white and green.

Tables were set with biodegradable tablecloths and re-useable plates and cutlery, in line with the students’ recent studies on the importance of ecological sustainability.

The menu was drafted by the students and included bruschetta tricolore (three-coloured bruschetta) as the antipasto and a first course of gnocchi alla napoletana.

The gnocchi were prepared by the students with special instruction from “mamma Silvana”, a mother of one of the students.

They were accompanied by a rocket salad with parmesan and balsamic vinegar.

The meal was completed with the classic Italian dessert, tiramisù.

Between one dish and another, students entertained the guests with a performance of the song That’s Amore.

Guests and students sang along together.

At the end of the event, Camuglia confirmed that “it was a fantastic experience, probably the best moment in teaching I’ve ever had!”

The Italian Language Centre (ILC) supports Italian language programs in primary and secondary schools in Queensland, such as at St Martin’s, where afternoon Italian classes are also on offer.

The ILC offers language classes to students of any age, from children to adults.

For more information visit the ILC website or Facebook, send an email, or call (07) 3626 5755.