Victorian School of Languages

Victorian School of Languages The Victorian School of Languages is the largest single provider of languages in Australia, with a long history of academic excellence in language provision.

History:
The Victorian School of Languages (VSL) is a government school with a strong history of commitment to the provision of language programs for students in Years Foundation to 12 (VCE) who do not have access to the study of those languages in their mainstream schools. The school's language program is delivered through face-to-face teaching in language Centres across the state and through Dis

tance Education mode. The school had its beginnings in 1935 when it started Saturday classes at MacRobertson Girls' High School for pupils who desired to learn modern languages. The first classes offered were in Italian and Japanese. Currently the VSL offers over 40 languages around Victoria to 13,000 students in face-to-face classes and 1600 students in Distance Education. Our face-to-face classes for students in Years Foundation-12 (VCE) are held out of school hours in 29 metropolitan and 12 country/regional Centre's of the VSL, which are located in government secondary colleges

The Distance Education (DE) section of the VSL provides instruction in the following languages for students in secondary school: Arabic, Chinese, Classical Greek, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese. The DE section caters for a range of school-based and non school-based students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to access a language in either a mainstream school or face-to-face VSL classes

Refugee Week - 14 June to 20 June 2026Refugee Week is an annual celebration to recognise and showcase the contributions ...
16/06/2026

Refugee Week - 14 June to 20 June 2026

Refugee Week is an annual celebration to recognise and showcase the contributions of refugees in enriching our communities, workplaces, schools and cultural life.

This year we are celebrating the 40th Refugee Week, a celebration born in Australia and now observed around the world. This year’s theme is ‘A Million Stories’. We are honouring Australia's milestone of having welcomed one million refugees since 1947.

This is about more than a number though. One person’s journey influences the lives of many others: children, grandchildren, and future generations who leave their unique mark on our shared story.

At the VSL, we recognise that members of our school community may have refugee experiences, either personally or through their family histories. During Refugee Week, we celebrate the courage, resilience and cultural richness they bring to our school community and reflect on the importance of welcome, inclusion and belonging.

The annual Hindi Niketan VCE Presentation 2026, held at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, celebrated the achi...
04/06/2026

The annual Hindi Niketan VCE Presentation 2026, held at the Consulate General of India in Melbourne, celebrated the achievements of more than 90 Victorian School of Languages students from across Victoria studying VCE Hindi.

Students were recognised for their hard work with awards, certificates and prizes, and showcased vibrant cultural performances including Kathak dance coordinated by Ms Shally Khanna, highlighting the strong connection between language and culture.

Representing VSL, Ms Kerry Law spoke about the importance of language learning in building cultural understanding, community connection and global citizenship, and acknowledged the long-standing Australia–India relationship.

The Consul General of India, Melbourne, Mr Anish Ranjan, commended VSL teachers and the wider community for supporting Hindi language education and student success.

A proud celebration of achievement, culture and connection.

National Reconciliation Week 2026During National Reconciliation Week, students and staff across the Victorian School of ...
03/06/2026

National Reconciliation Week 2026

During National Reconciliation Week, students and staff across the Victorian School of Languages took part in activities that encouraged reflection, learning and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and histories.

These wonderful works were created by the Korean Faculty at our Blackburn Centre. We are pleased to share their creativity and participation in this important week.

Modern Greek Immersion Day Brings Language and Culture to LifeStudents from Years 2–9 at South Oakleigh VSL recently too...
02/06/2026

Modern Greek Immersion Day Brings Language and Culture to Life

Students from Years 2–9 at South Oakleigh VSL recently took part in a vibrant Modern Greek Language Immersion Day delivered by the Modern Greek Teachers Association of Victoria (MGTAV).

From storytelling and drama to traditional dance, puppet shows, vase making and cultural activities, students enjoyed a hands-on experience that brought Greek language and culture to life.

A wonderful celebration of language learning, creativity and cultural connection. Well done to everyone involved in making the day such a success!

This week, the Victorian School of Languages recognises National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme, All In - a c...
27/05/2026

This week, the Victorian School of Languages recognises National Reconciliation Week and this year’s theme, All In - a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation and take action to make meaningful change.

The VSL community is committed to deepening our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and to walking together respectfully in the spirit of reconciliation to help build a more inclusive Australia.

Year 11 Persian students explore culture and identity through creative postersYear 11 Persian students at VSL Dandenong ...
25/05/2026

Year 11 Persian students explore culture and identity through creative posters

Year 11 Persian students at VSL Dandenong recently showcased their learning through a series of posters completed as part of their holiday homework for Persian Unit 1.

The task focused on the theme of sustainability, with students exploring how culture and language can be sustained from a community perspective. Through their research, students examined the rich cultural identities of Persian-speaking nations and gained a deeper understanding of Persian civilisation across Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan.

Each student approached the task from a different perspective, presenting topics that highlighted unique aspects of cultural identity, heritage and tradition within Persian-speaking communities.

The project provided students with an opportunity to strengthen their language skills while also deepening their appreciation for the diversity and shared connections across Persian-speaking cultures.

Sayed Quraishi, Year 11 Persian Teacher, VSL Dandenong

22/05/2026

Dutch King's Day

On Sunday, 26 April, the Dutch community came together to celebrate the vibrant festival of King’s Day, known in Dutch as Koningsdag, at the Dutch Club Abel Tasman in Carnegie. The event brought together families and community members with Dutch heritage for a joyful day of cultural celebration, music, food and activities.

The VSL was proud to be part of this successful festival, using the opportunity to promote the VSL Languages Program, particularly Dutch. Throughout the day, Area Manager Ms Kerry Law spoke with parents, grandparents and community members who were enthusiastic about supporting language learning and maintaining cultural connections for younger generations.

With children and grandchildren attending alongside their families, the event created a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflected the strong connection Melbourne’s Dutch community has to its heritage.

A special thank you goes to Dutch parent Mr Nick Jansen for inviting the VSL to be part of this wonderful event and for his ongoing support in promoting the Dutch language within the community. His encouragement and commitment were greatly appreciated.

The VSL looks forward to connecting with more families of Dutch background and introducing them to the Dutch language program. We also thank everyone who visited the VSL display and helped make the festival such a rewarding and successful experience.

Education Week 2026 at the Victorian School of Languages This year’s Education Week theme, “Showcase your school”, is a ...
20/05/2026

Education Week 2026 at the Victorian School of Languages

This year’s Education Week theme, “Showcase your school”, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many things that make the VSL community so special.

At our Berwick Kannada class, students recently took part in a creative activity where they wrote and drew about what learning Kannada at the VSL means to them.

It was heartwarming to see students proudly share how learning their language helps them:

🌱 Stay connected to their cultural roots
👨‍👩‍👧 Communicate with family members
🎨 Celebrate traditions and heritage
📖 Grow their language skills and confidence

The activity showcased not only creativity and enthusiasm, but also the important role community language education plays in strengthening identity, connection and belonging.

A big thank you to our wonderful students, families and instructors who make language learning at the VSL such a vibrant and meaningful experience every week. 👏

VSL Punjabi Students Promote Environmental Awareness at the 38th Sikh GamesAround 80 VSL Punjabi Language students proud...
18/05/2026

VSL Punjabi Students Promote Environmental Awareness at the 38th Sikh Games

Around 80 VSL Punjabi Language students proudly participated in the 38th Sikh Games in Melbourne over three days. As part of their contribution, they created meaningful posters promoting environmental awareness, encouraging everyone to keep the playgrounds clean and use the correct bins when disposing of litter. Their efforts highlighted the importance of responsibility and caring for shared spaces.

Some teachers, along with a few students, displayed the posters at the event grounds, where they received positive feedback from attendees and organisers alike.

The Games organisers have announced that participation certificates will soon be awarded to all students. Events like these help students build confidence, develop teamwork skills, and become more aware of their social and environmental responsibilities.

Jagdeep Gill
Coordinator Punjabi Sec. School
Hampton Park

Harmony Day Celebrations in the Virtual New Arrivals ProgramOne artwork, many voices—students in VSL’s Virtual New Arriv...
13/05/2026

Harmony Day Celebrations in the Virtual New Arrivals Program

One artwork, many voices—students in VSL’s Virtual New Arrivals Program each contributed to this collaborative Harmony Week piece, created together online to reflect culture, diversity and belonging.

Celebrating diversity. Creating belonging.

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Level 6/20 Otter Street
Melbourne, VIC
3066

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Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
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