It’s humbling to meet a four-year-old student fluent in four languages, says St Elizabeth’s School principal Christine Ash.
That one tiny student may have absorbed a language from each parent and each grandparent.
“It’s mind blowing,” Ms Ash says.
As the Dandenong North-based school sets itself for its 40th anniversary, Ms Ash says it’s one part of the school that fills her with pride.
There are 30 ethnic communities that speak 35 languages within its classrooms. The school also teaches Mandarin Chinese.
“All those languages are exercising their brains – it stretches their brains.”
Ms Ash was a parent and teacher at the school in the 1990s. She returned as principal for the past 11 years.
“I think the school is remarkable. It’s family oriented and welcoming.
“It embraces all cultures and all faiths.”
Jessica Connolly was a student at St Elizabeth’s in the early 1990s, now the school’s Prep teacher.
“I have very happy memories,” she says.
“I made a lot of my friends at primary school, we went to high school together and are still friends now.”
From 1978, the Presentation Sisters of Victoria were formative parts of the school. Sister Lynne Farrelly was the school’s first principal, followed by Sister Roma Carroll in 1980.
On 3 August, Presentation Sisters of Victoria will return to plant a commemorative tree followed by school tours, an art show and childrens’ disco.
Ms Connolly says her students are abuzz by the milestone celebrations.
“As soon as you mention disco music and pizza, they get very excited.”
The 40th anniversary celebration is at St Elizabeth’s School, 111 Bakers Road, Dandenong North on 3 August from 2.45pm-8pm.
