Form I Modern Language Festival Features Culture and Cuisine

As Form I prepares for its first Modern Language classes upon returning from spring break, the boys had the opportunity to gather together, meet their teachers, and eat great food at the annual Modern Language Festival. 

“The festival is a way for the Form I boys to connect with us so they can hit the ground running next semester and have fun learning a modern language,” said French Teacher Nancy Montanaro.

The event began in the Dining Hall for a meal comprised of dishes from Chinese, French, and Spanish cuisine such as chicken longevity noodles, beef bourguignon, and empanadas. After hearing from Chef Randi Burger about the process behind preparing each dish, students toured classrooms to get time with the members of the Modern Language faculty. In each stop along the tour, teachers delivered a workshop centered around their language, the culture of its country of origin, and what to expect in the upcoming course. Whether it was a spirited game of Spanish trivia or a look at recent technological breakthroughs made in China, the tour was a spirited foray into the wider world that awaits Form I next marking period. 

While the festival provides an exciting introduction to these languages, Mrs. Montanaro sees it as the beginning of a lifelong skill for the boys. “It’s a chance for them to begin to see how important it is to have a language they can carry with them for the rest of their lives and how it can empower them to connect with other cultures.”