By Maria Grazia Storniolo
Italian language students at Holy Spirit Catholic College in Lakemba swapped textbooks for rolling pins on 28 July as they took part in the school’s third annual Pasta Day, an immersive cultural initiative celebrating Italy’s rich culinary heritage.
Organised in partnership with Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney in Bossley Park, the event offered Year 8 Italian students the opportunity to experience Italian culture first-hand by making fresh pasta using traditional methods passed down through generations.
A total of 113 students participated in the hands-on workshop, learning how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch using simple ingredients such as flour and eggs.
More than a cooking lesson, the activity combined language learning, history and cultural awareness, transforming the classroom into a vibrant culinary workshop where students discovered Italy through one of its most iconic foods.
Preparations began early in the morning, with Marco Polo volunteers carefully setting up the venue. U-shaped workstations were equipped with bowls of flour, eggs and water, alongside pasta machines ready for use.
Colourful chef hats and aprons added to the atmosphere, allowing students to fully embrace the experience as aspiring Italian cooks.
The session was introduced and coordinated by Charles Milazzo, assisted by colleagues Patrizia Carbone and Kieran Murphy, who guided students through every stage of the pasta-making process.
Before the practical activities began, Milazzo shared the fascinating history and origins of pasta, taking students on a journey through one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Working in small groups, students rotated through the different stations under the guidance of Marco Polo volunteers.
The room quickly filled with excitement, curiosity and laughter as flour-covered hands, eager questions and enthusiastic participation reflected the students’ enjoyment of learning through experience.
Many were surprised to discover how just a few everyday ingredients could be transformed into one of the world’s most recognised symbols of Italian cuisine.
Venera helps prepare the Pasta Dough
The First Fresh Handmade Tagliatelle
Kieran, Patrizia and Charles together with the Marco Polo volunteers
At the end of the workshop, each student received a container filled with the fresh pasta they had made, taking home not only their own creation but also a tangible reminder of what they had learned to share with their families.
Speaking during the event, Charles Milazzo, coordinator of the initiative at Holy Spirit Catholic College, highlighted the educational value of the programme.
“This is a wonderful learning opportunity for our students,” he said. “It allows them to experience authentic Italian culture and traditions through food in a way that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom. They are learning by doing, and that makes the experience far more meaningful.”
All Year 8 students at the college study Italian, and the workshop enabled them to connect classroom learning with practical application.
Beyond mastering the basics of pasta making, students explored the historical and cultural significance of a tradition that has become synonymous with Italy around the world.
Milazzo explained that the experience would continue beyond the workshop, with students encouraged to reflect on what they had learned in subsequent lessons and to share both their pasta and their newly acquired knowledge with family members at home.
“This is the third time we have organised an activity celebrating Italian culture and traditions,” Milazzo said. “We are extremely proud of our partnership with Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney. We already look forward to welcoming another group of students next year for a new cultural experience. I would highly recommend this type of practical learning to anyone studying Italian.”
Special recognition was given to the Marco Polo volunteers, whose commitment, expertise and enthusiasm made the day possible.
Their dedication ensured that students not only learned new skills but also gained a deeper appreciation of the traditions and values that lie at the heart of Italian culture.
Far more than a cooking workshop, Pasta Day once again demonstrated how food can become a powerful bridge between generations, languages and cultures.
Through the simple act of making fresh pasta, students experienced the importance of sharing traditions, preserving cultural heritage and celebrating the enduring connections that unite communities across the world.
