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Words: Head of Languages, Aaron McLuckie

A true sense of belonging comes from feeling connected, valued, respected, and celebrated. Our richly diverse learning environment invites students to embrace different ways of thinking, challenges assumptions, and encourages personal and collective growth.

When we learn from one another, we grow, both as individuals and as a community. Living harmoniously goes beyond coexisting peacefully. It means genuinely valuing one another’s differences and recognising them as strengths. Fostering a culture of respect, understanding and inclusion is fundamental to who we are as a school and to the kind of world we are preparing our students to be a part of. That’s why celebrating the diversity of our community’s cultures and languages is a priority and a key goal within the Languages Department. 

Our comprehensive and diverse language program, offered from Kindergarten through to Year 12, is a key part of this vision. It equips students with more than the gift of being able to communicate in a different language. Research has shown that bilingualism improves memory, critical thinking, problem-solving, multi-tasking, and even concentration. Some studies also suggest that learning a foreign language can reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia (Gaybulloyeva & Negmurodova, 2025). Beyond the undeniable cognitive benefits, language learning opens an unparalleled window to the world. Critically, it helps students see from different perspectives and develop empathy and tolerance. 

In an era of language translation tools, there have been increasing discussions about the need to study foreign languages. However, online tools often lack the ability to capture the nuance, the weight of a cultural tradition, or the deep connection formed when you speak to someone in their language. It is now more critical than ever for our students to learn new languages and about different cultures so that they are equipped with the skills to be global citizens who respect and value others. 

Providing our students with authentic international learning experiences continues to be a highlight for many of our students. In-country language programs to China, Japan and New Caledonia, in addition to our reciprocal exchange program to Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan and the USA, are among the most powerful learning opportunities our students encounter. These immersive experiences foster meaningful interactions and the development of intercultural understanding beyond what can be provided in a traditional classroom. There is nothing more rewarding as an educator than witnessing a student confidently and authentically communicate in the target language – connecting, embracing and celebrating. As Nelson Mandela so beautifully said, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

CCGS has also openly embraced national events such as Harmony Day which offers a powerful vehicle for students and staff to share insights into their stories: where they come from, how they celebrate, and what experiences have shaped them. We endeavour to build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued and these moments invite reflection and build empathy, helping our community to connect on a deeper level. 

It’s never too late to learn a new language. And it’s never too early to start talking to people’s hearts.