Sun, Sports, and Snacks: A Fun-Filled Day of Games, Good Food, and Great Company!
21st May: Beach Picnic & Conversation
Last Wednesday we went on a beach picnic at the main beach. Before heading to the beach, we stopped at Woolworths, where each student picked a snack or drink to share with the group. The weather couldn’t have been better—clear skies and sunshine made it the perfect day to be outdoors.
Once we arrived at the beach, we set up our picnic spot and started playing Jenga, sparking fun conversations with some thoughtful and lighthearted questions. It was a great way to connect, laugh, and learn more about each other. The atmosphere was full of good vibes and laughter as we enjoyed snacks, games, and the sound of the waves. We stayed until 4 o’clock, making the most of our time in the sun. It was a memorable afternoon.
22nd May: Table Tennis Competition
On Wednesday, 22nd May, we hosted an exciting table tennis tournament in the student accommodation common area. Around ten enthusiastic students participated, each bringing their best game and competitive spirit.
After some intense rounds, we crowned our champion—Furka! He played with impressive skill, earning himself a free kayak tour with Dundee as the grand prize. Furka was thrilled, and we’re sure he’ll enjoy his upcoming adventure on the water!
23rd May: Aussie Food Tasting
Friday, 23rd May, was all about experiencing Australian culture through food and language. We kicked things off with a fun and competitive Kahoot quiz all about Aussie slang. The students had a blast trying to decode the quirky phrases and expressions, and the winner, Ruben, took home a delicious pack of Tim Tams—a classic Australian snack!
After the quiz, it was time for the highlight of the day: Aussie food tasting! The students had the opportunity to try a wide variety of iconic Australian snacks and drinks, including:
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Vegemite – A salty, savory spread made from yeast extract, often enjoyed on toast with butter. It has a bold, umami flavor that’s a true Aussie staple.
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Fairy Bread – A nostalgic party treat made with white bread, butter, and colorful sprinkles (hundreds and thousands).
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Lamingtons – Soft sponge cakes coated in chocolate and rolled in coconut, sometimes filled with jam or cream.
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Tim Tams – Chocolate-coated biscuits with a creamy center, famous for the “Tim Tam Slam.”
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Sausage Rolls – Puff pastry filled with seasoned minced meat, baked to golden perfection.
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Meat Pies – A beloved savory pastry filled with meat and gravy, often enjoyed with tomato sauce.
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Kirks Soft Drinks – Classic Aussie sodas in flavors like Lemonade, Pasito (passionfruit), and Creaming Soda.
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Shapes – Savory crackers in bold flavors like Pizza, BBQ, Chicken Crimpy, and Cheddar.
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Bundaberg Ginger Beer – A rich, non-alcoholic drink brewed with real ginger for a bold, spicy taste.
The students were curious and adventurous, and most were pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoyed the new flavors—yes, even Vegemite! This activity is always a favorite, and it was once again a big hit.
We can’t wait to host another Aussie Food and Slang day soon. It’s the perfect way to mix fun with culture and make lasting memories!
Australia is known for its laid-back culture and friendly people, and part of that culture is a unique slang vocabulary that can sometimes be confusing for newly arrived international students. However, understanding just a few phrases can make your English sound very ‘natural’, and break down barriers with your host family, Australian friends or that random stranger next to you in the pub!
Here are a few examples of Aussie slang to get you started:
“G’day” One of the most iconic Australian phrases is “G’day,” which is a shortened form of “good day.” It’s a casual greeting that can be used at any time of day and is often accompanied by a nod or a wave. You’ll hear this phrase all the time in Australia, so it’s a good one to know. This is the first slang term that EVERY student learns in Australia!
“Mate” Another popular Australian slang term is “mate.” It’s used to refer to a friend or companion and can be used for both men and women. ‘Mate’ is a friendly and welcoming word to use with close friends and strangers alike. For example, you might hear someone say, “Thanks, mate,” or “Hey, mate, how’s it going?”
“Aussie” This is an obvious one that almost everyone already knows. You almost never hear people from Australia calling themselves ‘Australian’….it’s almost always ‘Aussie’. For example, you might hear your homestay say “Mate, the Aussie cricket team is just rubbish!
“Arvo” “Arvo” is a shortened form of “afternoon” and is commonly used in Australia. It’s an example of a habit of Australian’s to shorten everyday words. For example, you might hear someone say, “See you this arvo” or “Let’s meet up in the arvo.”
“No worries” “No worries” is an Australian phrase that means “it’s okay” or “don’t worry about it.” It’s a common response to a thank you or an apology. For example, if you forget to do your homework and apologise to your teacher, they might say, “No worries, but makes sure you do it tonight.”
“Brekkie” “Brekkie” is a shortened form of “breakfast” and is a common term used in Australia. For example, you might hear one of your Lexis classmates say, “Let’s grab some brekkie before class.”
“Bottle-o” A “bottle-o” is a liquor store in Australia. For example, someone might say, “I’m going to the bottle-o to pick up some beer for the party.”
“She’ll be right” “She’ll be right” is an Australian phrase that means “everything will be okay – it’s often used in the same place as ‘no worries’. It’s often used to reassure someone that there’s no need to be concerned about something. For example, if you’re running late for a class, someone might say, “Don’t stress, mate. She’ll be right.
“Sickie” If someone takes a “sickie,” it means they’re taking a day off work or school because they’re pretending to be sick. For example, someone might say, “The surf is looking great! I’m taking a sickie tomorrow to go to the beach.”
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Learn English in Byron Bay. Lexis English students study General English, IELTS, FCE, CAE, and English plus Surfing in a friendly and professional school right in the heart of Byron Bay and only 15 minutes from the beach.
