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Pizza and pasta were the orders of the day when McGuire Secondary College Italian language students dined at Cellar 47 last week.

The end-of-year celebration doubled as a practical language activity with the years 9 and 10 students ordering and conversing in Italian.

Italian teacher Mary Calandro said the lunch was one of the highlights of the year.

‘‘The students were really looking forward to this,’’ Mrs Calandro said.

‘‘We had a quick revision, and this is a chance for them to order in Italian and put some of their class work into practice.’’

Mrs Calandro said similar excursions were often used to prepare more senior pupils for school assessments.

‘‘With the older students who are much more conversant, we usually come here and practise for our oral exams. (It’s helpful) to be in an atmosphere that is Italian and away from the classroom.’’

Student Jenny Parker said she hoped to be able to further her language skills with a school-organised trip to Italy next year.

‘‘It’s just fun learning about a different culture and language,’’ the Year 10 pupil said.

And the best part?

‘‘Definitely the food.’’

This story first appeared in the November 29 edition of SN Weekly.