MORNINGTON PENINSULA LANGUAGE & CULTURE STUDIES
OUR TEACHERS
DIANA TEACHES SPANISH
Hola! My name is Diana; I am from Madrid and I have been living in Australia for 6 years. When I was younger, I decided to study tourism. I wanted to travel worldwide and open my eyes to other cultures. I lived in Ireland, and I travelled to many countries in Europe and America.
Later on, I decided to study many techniques to balance my body and mind, which opened a path that I still love. I’ve been teaching in Spain in many areas and working in cultural centres for kids and adults. When I moved to Mornington, I taught in the U3A, and this experience was a treasure for me, as were the people I had the opportunity to meet there.
For almost 5 years, I have been enjoying being part of MPLCS. I love to have the chance to share my culture, and it is great when I can see my students talking in my language; it makes me happy.
I am looking forward to meeting you soon. Nos vemos pronto!
AJINDER TEACHES ENGLISH
Ajinder Kaur is a full-time English language and media trainer based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her experience spans over 20 years in education, corporate training and journalism. She provides professional English and Literature tutor services for those studying for their IGCSE, O-levels, A-levels, TOEFL, IELTS and PTE. She holds a master's degree in Corporate Communications and a Bachelor's major in English Language and Computer Science.
She was formerly the Head of the Faculty of Communications at HELP University, Kuala Lumpur and the Deputy Principal of Regent International School. She is passionate about training and coaching those seeking to improve their communication, language and presentation skills. She is a bubbly and result-focused tutor who forms a bond quickly with her students.
Interestingly, Ajinder was also one of the pioneer journalists with Malaysia's first independent online newspaper, Malaysiakini. She covered high-profile court trials and human rights issues and worked extensively with NGOs. Many of her articles have been picked up and translated into various languages by organisations such as the United Nations and Southeast Asia Press Alliance.
SAM TEACHES ENGLISH & ITALIAN
Hello. My name is Simonetta, aka Sam. I was born in Rome, Italy and migrated to Australia as a young child. I have been a teacher for most of my adult life and have taught general, academic, and professional English at several university language centres here and in Hong Kong. In addition to my love of teaching English, I enjoy singing – especially in Italian! For many years, I was a member of La Voce della Luna (the Melbourne Italian Women’s Choir).
I have found that the best way to become more confident and skilled in a language is to relax and have fun during the learning process. Whether teaching individuals or large groups, I encourage my students to see language learning as an enjoyable, rewarding, and exciting new ‘adventure’. I look forward to having you join me on this adventure!
TONY TEACHES ENGLISH & MANDARIN
Hello, Hola, Bonjour, Ciao and 你好！I am Tony Qiu, who is crazy about languages, so much so that I chose to teach English, French, and Chinese as my job for 15, 6, and 3 years, respectively. I am very good at teaching the essentials of languages, such as the formations of vocabulary and characters and the essential grammatical structures besides the standard pronunciation and intonation, which are, of course, also quite important.
Languages are the trove that we can use to communicate with others; what’s more, they are more likely to be the treasure that should be delivered with passion, enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism.
So, if you are someone who’d like to explore the bonanza of Chinese or English, welcome to our learning group to make it come true!
CLARK TEACHES MANDARIN
Hello everyone. My name is Clark. I am a native Mandarin speaker and I have been a language tutor for many years. I like to help my students learn Mandarin as it is a beautiful and so popular language spoken by billions in the world. I am patient and kind. I hope to see you in my class!
ANNA TEACHES ITALIAN
My name is Anna Campanella. I was born in Italy on the island of Sicily. I am 65 years old, and I have been an Italian tutor for the past 10 years. I have had the privilege of teaching at the Mornington Peninsula Language School for about 6 years.
I am a member of the Frankston U3A, where I taught Italian for a few years, and where I am part of a Philosophy class called Big Ideas, in which we tackle different topics by listening to lectures followed by discussion. I love reading, writing and listening to music.
I have written and self-published a collection of my original poems in Italian, as well as a children's book in English. I love teaching my language and enjoy the interaction with my students.
MARCO TEACHES ITALIAN
Ciao a tutti!! Mi chiamo Marco, sono Italiano e presto sarò il vostro insegnante di Italiano!!! I lived in Bergamo, Northern Italy, for more than 30 years and upon graduation, I decided to move to Australia together with my family.
I have a passion for teaching and for the Italian culture in general. Italian history, geography, art and architecture and maybe some travel tips and suggestions of Italy’s hidden gems, there is so much to talk about during our classes!!!
It will be a pleasure for me to teach you the language that I love and represent, somehow, my home country. A presto!!
GUILLA TEACHES ITALIAN
Ciao a tutti! Hi everyone! I’m Giulia, 24, born and raised in Italy.I graduated in Communication at Siena University in 2018.
In 2019 I worked as Italian teacher at MPLCS school. I’m an enthusiastic and very patient teacher. During lessons I'll cover the different parts of the Italian language (listening - speaking - reading - writing) in a friendly and fun atmosphere.
At the moment I’m back in Italy and available for online lessons.
VALENTINA TEACHES GERMAN
Hallo hallo! My name is Valentina, I am a pre-service teacher in my 4th year of a Bachelor in Primary and Secondary Education. My passion lies in teaching children through an art-centred approach and encouraging them to approach every task creatively.
I am a native speaker and part of the DerDieDas program at MPLCS teaching little ones the basics of German, as well as sharing with them the German culture, festivals and more!
ROSELLA TEACHES ITALIAN
Ciao, mi chiamo Rosella / Hi, my name is Rosella
I was born in Italy and lived there until I was 25. After my studies, I decided to travel and explore this beautiful country. I fell in love with Australia and now live on the Mornington Peninsula.
My love for Australia and its people, as well as Italy and Italians, makes me strive to invent new approaches to teaching language. I have experienced both worlds and understand the experience of communicating with the locals as a foreigner.
My classes will have you talking from day one, using natural and practical sentences that will help you on your travels in Italy. Learn how to book a hotel room or restaurant and how to buy a train ticket is a must!
Understanding the culture, including why Italians eat at different times and socialise in other ways, will make you feel fully immersed in the Italian culture and language.
Since 2010 I have been teaching all ages group from 3 years old to third age and anyone who would like to have fun while learning.
I love Italian cuisine and am passionate about socialising and travelling, so I bring these together by visiting my hometown in Italy yearly and sharing this trip with a small group of people who would like to have a fully immersed Italian family experience. A presto
PAUL TEACHES GERMAN
Paul speaks English and German at native level and teaches both at MPLCS. He holds a First-Class Honours degree in German Language and literature and also undertook postgraduate studies in Germany, where he still maintains close family ties.
Paul spent much of his professional career of more than 30 years involved in adult training and development. Since retiring, he has returned to his “first love” - languages - both as a teacher and a student (learning Italian!)
CHRISTINA TEACHES GERMAN
Hallo! My name is Christina Sawaya, and I have lived in Australia for 25 years now – half my life! With my husband, three children (12-18) and our 8 pets, we live in Frankston on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
From early on, I always wanted to work with children, so I decided to assist in a kindergarten for a year after finishing my “Abitur” at school. I then went on to study and completed my diploma in Social Work in 1997 before heading to Australia, not knowing I would end up staying here!
I spent my first years in Australia as an assistant in a School for special needs children and worked as a support worker. While having my first 2 children, I still did Family Day Care from home and then spent many years supporting my children with their schooling and growing up.
My hobbies are reading, laughing with friends, dancing and singing. For the last few years, I have been teaching women yoga and pilates-inspired exercise classes, which is lots of fun, too. I enjoy running German sessions with the kids at MPLCS as I can combine many of the things I’ve done into one – including singing German children’s songs again! Bis bald!
ISABELLE TEACHES FRENCH
Hi, I'm Isabelle! I was born and raised on the shore of Lake Geneva, Switzerland and grew up in the international community Geneva is known for. Divonne, Evian, the Alps and the Jura were our playgrounds.
I am a native French speaker who has taught French for nearly 20 years; one of my specialised areas is VCE exam preparation. I also translate/proofread and do voice recordings for French learning methods. Having taught in schools in Melbourne and then in various settings on the Mornington Peninsula, I am passionate about sharing the nuances of the French language with my students.
I like to incorporate activities such as collage, journal writing, watching French cultural videos and newspaper articles to discuss. Using a creative touch to the learning process, students are engaged in and out of the classroom, and progress is constant! I use a modern French method for grammar learning, which contains expert tips for mastering the concepts that learners find most challenging.
Did you know French is a language spoken by over 275 million people worldwide? Yes, the “Francophonie” is well alive! I am an enthusiastic, encouraging and patient teacher, and I hope to meet you soon!
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NATHALIE TEACHES FRENCH
Nathalie was born in Nantes and she has lived in different parts of France such as Provence, the French Riviera and Massif Central. She has had a love of languages from early on and has been eager to share her passion starting tutoring in her teens.
Nathalie loves teaching her native language and she can teach French to all ages. Her lessons suit student’s needs for each class to be a fun and motivating environment where you will become a confident French speaker. Nathalie uses games, news, art, music and culture topics to enrich your journey learning about a new language and a new culture.
SIMO TEACHES FRENCH
Bonjour, My Name is Mohamed (AKA Simo). I am a Moroccan born screenwriter and visual artist. I moved to Australia with my partner 3 years ago. I have been tutoring Arabic and French for many years, offering lessons for Individuals and small groups.
My particular love is teaching the French language through movies. It is my pleasure to help students enhance and appreciate French and Arabic languages. A bientôt.
ANABELA TEACHES PORTUGUESE
Anabela was born in Lisbon, Portugal. She received her Degree from the Portuguese Catholic University, and for 5 years her studies covered not only Classical but also Portuguese, Brazilian, and African Culture and Literature. She has a long experience on teaching Languages in her country as well as in Australia, since 2013.
In 2018, she became a Volunteer Guide of the National Gallery of Australia, in Canberra. In 2019, Anabela achieved the status of Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA - ANU EFS). In recent years, she has taught Portuguese to members of the Department of Foreign Affaires and Trade (DFAT), designed and guided Portuguese Immersion Courses, and conducted and corrected oral and written exams at the Diplomatic Academy, in Canberra.
She has a Certificate IV - TAE 40116 Training and Assessment. Anabela taught Portuguese at the Defense Force School of Languages, in Laverton. She lives in Mornington Peninsula,Victoria, since March 2022 and in her spare time she dedicates to watercolour and research Languages are the trove that we can use to communicate with others , what’s more, they are more likely to be the treasure that should be delivered with passion, enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism.
SUE TEACHES JAPANESE & KOREAN
Hi, my name is Sue and I have recently relocated to the Peninsula with my husband and 3 years old daughter. I studied Japanese as my second major at the University and used to live and work in Japan. I currently hold the highest level of proficiency certificate (JLPT level 1).
Additionally, I have experience teaching Japanese and my native Korean language to international students abroad several years. I am very excited about the opportunity to share these languages with the local community.
Looking forward to seeing you soon. よろしくお願いします。! 반갑습니다!
PAM TEACHES GREEK
My name is Pam and I am from a beautiful Greek island called Chios which is quite famous for its unique mastic gum trees. I love the sea and, therefore, reside in lovely Mornington with my husband and our two children.
I am bilingual and specialise in teaching English and Modern Greek as an additional language to children and adults in any learning progress. I have been teaching for more than 20 very rewarding and fulfilling years and still continue with the same passion and dedication!