Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney is pleased to announce the winners of the 2021 Marco Polo Awards for Excellence in Italian Language and Culture in NSW Schools.
The awards support the quality of teaching and learning of Italian across schools in NSW, by recognising and encouraging the further academic proficiency and study of Italian language and culture in NSW.
“As a result of Covid-19 disruptions to normal operations, the assessment process had to be delayed until 2022. We are now extremely pleased to recognise such a skilled and varied group of young students, who have promoted and excelled in the Italian language and cultural aspects of our heritage,” said CNA President Bruno Lopreiato.
The winner of the $250 monetary prize was Marcus Igual of Freeman Catholic College, Bonnyrigg Heights. The jury’s citation noted:
Marcus has passionately championed his desire to study and promote the Italian language in his school context. He has been engaged in a range of curricular and extracurricular activities which involve not only the further acquisition of knowledge, but also the significant aspect of mentoring peers and teachers alike. Marcus’ establishment of a “Languages Program” at Freeman Catholic College and his ongoing contribution to the Languages Faculty in the provision of teaching resources is clearly reflective of a highly capable, proven linguist and successful life-long learner of the Italian language. Marcus is encouraged to continue studying Italian at a tertiary level, as part of his ongoing cultural and linguistic development.
In addition, the jury determined to grant three more non-monetary awards and provide citations for all award recipients:
Luca Alessi, Year 8 (St Augustine’s College, Sydney)
Luca is a diligent and talented student of Italian, who understands the value of learning a second language. He has excelled in his studies of the Italian language and has ranked 1st in his class.
Luca’s promotion of Italian is strongly linked to his leadership role within the Student Representative Council of Saint Augustine’s College, as well as his participation in extracurricular activities as a Language Ambassador for the College. Luca is encouraged to continue pursuing the study of Italian at more advanced levels for the Higher School Certificate and in the years to come.
Antonio Revere, Year 12 (Mosman High School, Mosman)
Antonio has been a committed student of Italian throughout his secondary schooling. He has demonstrated exceptional respect for Italian heritage and culture, while exhibiting the key characteristics of a mature and passionate student.
Antonio’s merits in learning Italian are recognised by the leaders of Mosman High School and he remains an esteemed and highly valued member of the community.
Luke Micallef, Year 11 (St Dominic’s College, Kingswood)
Luke’s ongoing excellence in the study of Italian is evident in his inquisitive approach to learning, seeking clarifications and acting on feedback received.
His active participation in the life of Saint Dominic’s College, in the promotion of languages through cultural immersions and his willingness to face challenges involving language knowledge and skills are to be commended as he prepares for the Higher School Certificate and in the pursuit of language acquisition in the years to come.
Award certificates were forwarded to the teachers who submitted nominations, together with a certificate of recognition for all nominees. Schools in NSW are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2022 awards. Submissions will open at the start of Term 3.
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