Enseigner avec passion!
That’s “teaching with passion” … and we’re incredibly fortunate to have Ioana Branet doing exactly that at our Carramar Campus!
To cultivate this innate passion even further, Ioana was fortunate to be part of a two-week immersion training for Australian teachers of French in New Caledonia during the Term 3 holidays.
Ioana was born in Romania, and began her career teaching kindergarten there before expanding her studies and trying a number of other professional pathways including as a change manager in telecommunications and also in a role delivering education marketing services.
We’re delighted that Ioana decided to resume her teaching career when she joined St Stephen’s School in 2022 as a French teacher, after moving to Australia in 2020.
Learning languages has long been part of Ioana’s life. “I’m passionate about teaching French to primary students because I personally experienced the profound impact of early language learning, having started with English when I was in kindergarten and French in fifth grade. This firsthand experience drives my commitment to fostering a love for language acquisition in young learners”.
From chatting to Ioana, it’s clear that learning a language has broad benefits for our students, too. She explains, “For primary students, learning a language, particularly French, holds a wealth of advantages. It not only nurtures their cognitive development, enhancing problem-solving and communication skills, but also fosters an understanding of different cultures, making them more empathetic. Additionally, it paves the way for diverse career opportunities, boosts academic performance, and nurtures creativity, all while broadening their horizons”.
“Language learning at a young age encourages personal growth, self-confidence, and enriches their experience during travel and exploration. It also instils a sense of global citizenship, motivating them to engage with global issues and connect with a more interconnected world. In essence, language learning empowers primary students with invaluable skills and experiences that transcend borders and cultures”.
It’s clear from Ioana’s reflection here, why she was selected for the immersion training scholarship offered by the Teachers of French Association (WA) and the French Embassy.
“I believe my unique background as a Romanian teaching French in Australia and my passion for the French language were essential to my selection. During my time in New Caledonia, the focus was on refining my spoken French, deepening my cultural knowledge, and gaining pedagogical insights”.
The two weeks were jam-packed with learning experiences for all participants. “During the first week, I had the opportunity to focus on language learning and immerse myself in the vibrant culture of New Caledonia. This experience enriched my understanding of the French language and its cultural context, which is invaluable for teaching”.
“The second week, spent in a primary school, provided me with a remarkable experience of observing and participating in classes ranging from Kindergarten to Year 5. This immersion allowed me to discover new teaching techniques and access a wealth of authentic resources, which I can incorporate into my lessons to create a more dynamic and engaging language learning environment for my students. These two weeks of training were transformative, offering me a deeper connection with the French language and culture, as well as practical insights into innovative teaching practices, ultimately enhancing my professional expertise as a French teacher”
The trip to New Caledonia was also an excellent opportunity to build connections with French teachers from across Australia, gaining diverse perspectives which have helped Ioana to broaden her horizons both personally and professionally.
“The connections forged with fellow educators will continue to be a valuable resource for collaboration, idea sharing, and mutual support in the teaching of French. The training has also rejuvenated my enthusiasm for teaching French, and I am now better equipped to motivate and inspire my students, fostering a love for the language and culture.
Of course, we couldn’t let Ioana go without some words of encouragement for students to continue studying French in Secondary school!
“Remember that learning a language is a journey, and the effort you put in now will yield rewarding experiences and opportunities in the future. So, keep up the good work, and continue your French studies with enthusiasm and determination!”