The Maltese Language School (MLS) has been providing professional classes for more than eight years.
It is sponsored by the Maltese Community Council (MCC). Staff are fully qualified teachers, either in day schools or accredited to teach their community language via UNSWlL course. The teaching staff are passionate about the program because they are supported by their colleagues and also receive 'in-service training sessions'.
This gives them confidence to present high class "product" to students of all ages. Teachers find that the students who are long term are a testament to the school's high standards. They see improvement in both the receptive and the expressive language of students; more so those students who are "stayers" and do the HSC with good or excellent results.
The schools first HSC candidate received the Minister's award for coming first in NSW, obtaining a mark over 90 per cent. Since then, all students have obtained very good or excellent results in a very rigorous paper.
Teachers report that the students are supportive in practical terms: putting away resources, looking after the place (closing windows, putting back furniture if moved and so on), as well as providing ideas for discussion. They also value being able to work within and for the good of their Maltese community.
Students are committed and enthusiastic with some continuing at the MLS for six or seven years. 'There is a mix of students from all age groups, and with various entry levels. Some keep going until they pass their HSC in Maltese 2 Unit Continuers, which is a Board Developed Course, and quite a rigorous paper of three hours duration, besides on oral exam.
The parents are pleased with the very professional way classes are run. Report cards are issued every semester and contact is made as often as necessary. Also the Maltese Language School is pleased to inform that the adult classes, in fact have a number of parents whose children attend the other classes.
The students are very helpful and this increases the trust and motivation of the staff and those they teach. A favourite event of students and staff alike is the end of the year Christmas celebration of Maltese food and Christmas carols in Maltese.
This is an important time of recognition through the annual presentation of certificates of achievement.
Catholic Weekly, January 28, 2007
 Updated Periodically - Please, visit this site often. Copyright 2007 Building Virtual Bridges
Free Web Counter  |