Marco Polo – The Italian School of Sydney is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 Marco Polo Awards for Excellence in Italian Language and Culture in NSW Schools.
The awards support the quality of teaching and learning of Italian across schools in NSW, by recognising and encouraging the further academic proficiency and study of Italian language and culture in NSW. This year, the award received 20 nominations from across 13 government and non-government schools in NSW.
“We are continuing to provide a meaningful recognition for students across NSW schools to demonstrate a passion commitment to the Italian Language. Well done to all nominees this year. It is a testament not only to the students’ efforts but also to see how determined educators can make the difference. We look forward to more entries in 2024 to continuing to encourage students to study Italian beyond High School,” said CNA President Bruno Lopreiato.
A special thank you to Mr Robert Ruggeri, former principal and life-time educator for his key role in driving the jury’s result for this year’s award’s conferral.
The winner of the $250 monetary prize was Jack Ross of Year 10 at St Mary’s Cathedral College, Sydney. The nominating teacher was Ms Amelia Denton.
The jury’s citation noted:
Jack, a dedicated student of Italian language and culture since year 8, showcases excellence in academics and passion. Motivated by his mother’s Italian background, he actively pursues advanced coursework, scoring impressively in exams. Jack’s linguistic prowess extends beyond the classroom, evident in his independent study habits and a transformative six-month exchange program in Italy. Humble and altruistic, he assists peers without seeking recognition. His ability to inspire and motivate others sets him apart, making him a deserving recipient of this award, reflecting not only his commitment to Italian studies but also his positive impact on the learning community.
In addition, the jury determined to grant five more non-monetary awards and provide citations for all award recipients:
Jayden Nicolas of Year 10 at Clancy Catholic College, West Hoxton. The nominating teacher was Mr Gaetano Castiglione.
Jayden, an exceptional Italian student since Year 8, surpasses expectations, displaying remarkable dedication despite non-Italian heritage. As a Newman Program member, he extends commitment beyond class, joining the Italian Tour and pursuing external Italian studies for the HSC. Notably, in recent speaking assessments, Jayden eloquently exceeded expectations, speaking for an impressive 10-12 minutes. His unique blend of linguistism, unwavering dedication, and spirit of determination, position him as an outstanding candidate for the award, setting him apart and inspiring other language enthusiasts.
Natalina Iemma of Year 10 at Good Samaritan Catholic College, Hinchinbrook. The nominating teacher was Ms Chiara Torresan.
Natalina, a beacon of passion for Italian language and culture since 2021, is deserving of commendation for her exceptional commitment to learning. Her sustained dedication, demonstrated through meticulous organisation and active engagement, sets her apart. Natalina not only takes pride in her heritage but also actively supports her peers, fostering a collaborative learning environment. Beyond regular class commitments, she invests her recess and lunch times in study sessions to enhance her skills and assist classmates. Natalina’s inspiring dedication has not only impacted her immediate peers but has also served as a catalyst, motivating younger students to pursue Italian Studies in elective courses. Her positive influence resonates throughout the academic community, making Natalina a standout example of passionate dedication and support for Italian language education.
Lachlan Gray of Year 11 at St Augustine’s College, Brookvale. The nominating teacher was Ms Stephanie D’Arcangeli.
Lachlan, a devoted and passionate student of Italian language and culture, embodies an authentic appreciation that resonates throughout his academic journey. His unwavering dedication and deep admiration for the rich heritage and traditions associated with Italian have left an indelible mark on peers and educators alike. Lachlan’s academic accomplishments are truly remarkable, consistently earning top honours through exceptional grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. His transformation into a confident and articulate speaker, coupled with cultural immersion in Italy, reflects a genuine ambassadorship. Lachlan’s proactive engagement in relevant activities showcases a commitment that extends beyond the classroom, making him a shining example of a student fully embracing the essence of Italy in every facet of his educational experience.
Chiara Giglioli of Year 12 at Cerdon College, Merrylands. The nominating teacher was Ms Maria Barbieri-Marando.
Chiara, a dedicated student of Beginners Italian, exhibits remarkable determination despite the challenges of being surrounded by high-achieving Continuers students. Coming from a Spanish and Italian background without language use at home, Chiara’s dream of visiting relatives in Milano motivates her language learning journey. Her outstanding work ethic is evident in her commitment to extra practice sessions during free periods and early mornings, driven by a passion to match the proficiency of her peers. Chiara’s exceptional results, achieving full marks in all beginner assessments, showcase her linguistic prowess and commitment. Her enthusiasm extends to mentoring junior language students, embodying the essence of a passionate and capable language learner. Chiara’s transformative language acquisition journey is a testament to her dedication and serves as an inspiration to others.
Carmellia Badolato of Year 12 at Domremy College, Five Dock. The nominating teacher was Ms Serita Vari.
Carmellia’s commendable progress in the two-year Italian Beginners Course reflects her commitment, marked by embracing teacher feedback and unwavering effort. Beyond the classroom, she actively engages with the language, conversing with teachers, and immersing herself in Italian movies and songs. Carmellia’s exceptional passion, diligence, and application have propelled her to the top rank in her dedication to mastering the Italian language. Her consistent pursuit of linguistic excellence showcases not only her academic prowess but also her genuine enthusiasm for and dedication to the subject.
Award certificates were forwarded to the teachers who submitted nominations, together with a certificate of recognition for all nominees. Schools in NSW are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2024 awards. Submissions will open at the start of Term 3.
