PERTH - Over five intense days, a series of events were organised by Italian teachers Eliza Knapman and Melissa Rosso, who worked tirelessly so that the students could truly immerse themselves in the language and culture of the Bel Paese.
The week began to the rhythms of the accordion played by Frank Miranda, known as ‘Mr Accordion Man’. Mirando played nothing but Italian music as students were able to dance the tarantella and other dances from different regions of Italy.
The following day, the two Italian teachers who were inspired by the Giro d’Italia, organised a scooter race around the school grounds. The participants were divided into two teams, pupils and staff, and competed in front of a large audience of teachers, students and guests cheering them on.
Unfortunately for the students, the teachers’ team won the race. But as a consolation for the losers, who were disappointed and hot from the muggy weather, was Italian gelato from Perth’s Take 5 Gelato.
During the week there were also cultural knowledge quizzes and a football match against the teachers, which saw the teachers pile on more misery for the students with a win on penalties.
In the middle of the week, another competition requiring speed was held, this time with a fork. Students with a big appetite were required to eat a plate of spaghetti alla Bolognese as fast as possible.
The competition attracted another large crowd that brought an energy reminiscent of an iconic scene from Alberto Sordi’s An American in Rome.
The competition was won by Alex, a student who proved to be a pro at rushing through one of Italy’s most famous meals.
As a reminder that Italy is more than just food, Knapman and Rosso displayed Italian cars and motorbikes from Ferrari to the FIAT Cinquecento, Ducati to Vespa, all of which underline the quality of Italian engineering.
The celebrations ended with an Italian assembly of the primary school, where Bella Ciao was sung. The Italian teachers and staff of Trinity College provided a wonderful opportunity for the whole school to come together and celebrate Italy and all that it stands for.
