Townsville and District Italian Speech Competition 2024

On 1 August 2024, the Townsville Catholic Education office hosted the Italian Primary and Secondary Speech Competition 2024 at St Anthony’s College Assisi Campus, Deeragun.

Louise Dunlop, Language Curriculum Advisor from the Townsville Catholic Education Office warmly welcomed assembled students, parents and teachers in perfect Italian before handing over to St Anthony’s Principal Barry Homer who officially opened the proceedings. The Principal spoke of the benefits of studying a second language, saying that students who continue with a language through to year 11 and 12 have been identified as being very strong in their other subjects too. Language acquisition requires the refining of skills that enhance lifelong learning.    

Year 4 and 5 students recited poems and the Years 6-12 delivered prepared speeches.  

The invited judges, Marzia Mauro and Rosella Dermedgoglou from the Italian Language Centre (ILC) evaluated the students’ speaking skills according to criteria including accuracy of grammatical structure, pronunciation, content and delivery. They were most impressed with the high standard of language fluency. At the end of each session participants were called up to receive a participation certificate and a memento of the day provided by Townsville Catholic Education. Winners were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals.

The highlight was the awarding of the champion trophy shields. Carmela Di Marzio and her son Donald Di Marzio presented the Maria di Marzio Memorial Trophy to the Year 6 speaker with the highest overall score.  

The Dante Alighieri Junior Champion Speaker Award was presented to the highest scoring student in Years 7-10 whilst the Overall Champion Trophy was awarded to the highest scorer in Years 11-12.

Parents and Teachers expressed their appreciation for the efforts of Townsville Catholic Education in organising the Italian Speech Contest which promotes teaching and learning a foreign language and makes a valuable contribution towards students becoming better global citizens.

The Italian Language Centre (ILC), a division of Co.As.It. Community Services, has a long tradition of teaching, supporting and promoting Italian language and culture across Queensland. ILC supports Italian programs in Queensland schools and also offers a wide range of Italian language courses from beginners to advanced; from preschoolers to adults.

For further information contact ILC on 3624 6172 or via email enquiries@italianlanguagecentre.org