Dear Members,
Welcome to the spring issue of Vita Nuova. The quote above was presented in September by the delegation from Rome of the Societa’ Dante Alighieri during the Dante Alighieri Congress in Mildura. Our first language and related culture define us, have an impact on our lives and often may shape our future. Those who are fortunate or unfortunate to travel the world, live in new and diverse places, learn other languages and explore new cultures can sometimes lose their sense of identity and belonging and can feel torn between languages and cultures. Maintaining a strong bond with our native language can help bring us back home without travelling. Language is our home and using our language makes us feel at home.
Our association continues to proudly promote our beautiful Italian language and culture to ensure that Italians and Italian of today and tomorrow will always feel at home.
Much has happened during the winter months, starting with the film screening of two Italian comedies from the Lavazza Film Festival at the Palace Nova. In August we collaborated with the South Australian Association of Teachers of Italian to offer a special preview of the new entertaining Italian movie “Come un Gatto in Tangenziale”. In September, we organised a ‘Movie & Aperitivo Night’ with the light-hearted comedy “Metti la nonna in freezer”.
As you will read, on 28th – 30th September our Vice President, Natasha Marona, and myself participated in the biennial Dante Alighieri Congress ‘Dante nel Deserto’ hosted by the Dante Alighieri society of Mildura. During the congress we had the opportunity to present and share our program and activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the president of Dante Alighieri Society of Mildura, Lina Kadziela, and her committee for the wonderful experience and organization.
At the beginning of October, together with Filef and Flinders University, we organised the book launch of “La mia Liguria 1930-1958” by Umberto Lavazzari. A lovely night started with the introduction of the book by MP Tony Zappia and culminated with an entertaining Q&A session with Carmela Lavezzari, wife of the late Umberto Lavazzari.
Italian Language Classes for Adults
The second semester of PLIDA Language Proficiency Courses started in August running four classes: beginners (A1), continuers (A2), intermediate (B1) and upper intermediate speakers of the language (B2).
The second semester of “Caffe Italiano” conversation classes also started in August running on alternate Tuesdays.
Thanks to a project in collaboration with Com.It.Es, in Mid-July we also started an Italian language and culture course for health carers within Italian-background aged-care facilities. The program has started with Bene Aged Care and we are planning to extend it to other aged-care facilities.
Schools Project
The Italian language assistants’ program for schools in South Australia started in May and will end in Term 4. The program continues to see the successful cooperation with the SA Department of Education and Child Development and the Catholic Schools Office and the support of both the Italian Consulate and the Director of the Educational and Cultural Office in Canberra, Anna Rita Tamponi.
Dante Kids
Our Italian playgroup children’s language course (0-5 years’ old) continues to run successfully throughout Term 4’ The program receives consistent positive feedback and response from the community wanting to involve young children in the learning of an additional language through fun activities and games.
The new Italian language course for children of 6-13yrs started in Term 3, ending in September with positive feedback from all involved.
Upcoming social events
“Terza Settimana della Cucina Italiana nel Mondo” – We continue to support the Italian Consulate’s program with a special opening night dinner on 19th November at ‘Coccobello’, the new restaurant from the Ruby Red Flamingo and Tony Tomato crew. Come along to taste a classic – ‘Il Menu’ Italiano’.
Saturday 1st December, “Befana Down Under” in the Marche Club grounds from 9am to 4pm. Come along for a day of free entertainment for children aged 3-10 with the arrival of ‘la BEFANA’. During the event children will learn about the history and tradition of ‘Befana’ in Italy, will receive the traditional ‘calza’ (stocking) and will enjoy a day of fun and varied activities. The event will be opened by a bilingual theatrical performance from the students of Morialta High School.
As always, I would like to conclude thanking all committee members (and their families) for their continuous hard work. Our volunteers make the association successful and ensure that the Italian language and culture stay alive in South Australia. We look forward to new members joining and invite you to come to our events, to read our news and to continue to follow and like our page Dante Alighieri Society of SA Inc. on Facebook.
Looking forward to another exciting summer. Grazie.Silvia De Cesare
(President)