Why BonjourATAR ?
I grew up in Switzerland (Geneva) surrounded by languages. I was speaking two languages at home and studied German, English, Spanish, Latin, and Arabic. Yes, languages are challenging and I've had many sleepless nights trying to learn the Arabic alphabet or understanding the logic of having 3 German genders (French has 2, consider yourself lucky).
Still, learning languages was one of the most rewarding parts of my education.
And when I moved to Australia nearly 10 years ago, I quickly realized languages don't get the love they deserve here. And at the heart of it, that's why BonjourATAR emerged: I want my students to leave not just with better French, but with the same confidence, curiosity, and joy I’ve found through learning them.
Everything I teach is based on 3 ideas:
Backed By Science
As the saying goes, work smarter, not harder. Working long hours doesn’t necessarily result in better marks. I myself studied a lot and my grades didn’t always reflect that. So I know how frustrating it can be. As a teacher, I love empowering my students with the knowledge I acquired on the science of studying, learning and language acquisition. Curious about how science can help you study better? Here are some examples. Testing yourself repeatedly (eg: through flashcards) is more efficient than passive note taking (“active recall”). Using a "spaced repetition system" to learn your vocabulary is much more efficient than trying to cram everything. It’s also worth "chunking" your vocabulary, meaning learning some words together rather than learning them one by one. In my blog, Instagram account and newsletter I share about my strategies and how you can apply them not only in your language learning but also in every other subject. Make sure to sign up.
Engaging & Interactive
The true secret to improving French isn’t discipline. It’s joy. Students need to find ways to enjoy at least *some* of the process. This is why I highly value the use of games, competitions, quizzes and apps. I am not here to pretend that learning the subjunctive tense is fun! But revising it through games, quizzes and authentic videos can be rewarding. One reason I enjoyed learning English and Spanish so much was the opportunity of seeing my skills translate into the real world: being able to understand songs, movies and YouTube videos in their original language was incredibly rewarding. So when working with my students, I always try to find at least one song, artist or movie that they would genuinely appreciate. It’s an easy way to add enjoyment and motivation to their learning.
Student-Centered
Obvious? Yes. But here is what I truly mean by student-centered. Firstly, using clear and simple explanations. Not everything needs to be complicated. Secondly, I know VCE is busy and there’s lots going on. My programs are flexible and designed to fit within your schedule. Lastly, I meet my students where they’re at. Whether you love French and looking to excel or hate it and just want to survive the year… I truly believe there’s a solution for everyone.
Bonjour!
Moi, c'est Livnat (ou Liv)
I’m a French teacher based in Melbourne, originally from Geneva, Switzerland. I studied History, English Literature, and Linguistics at the University of Geneva, then moved to Australia to complete a Master of Cultural Heritage at Deakin University.
I first thought I’d be a museum curator and even completed internships in museums. Then, COVID hit and things changed. I deepened my love for languages and completed two teaching diplomas: CELTA (for teaching English as a second language) and DAEFLE (for teaching French as a second language).
Since 2021, I’ve worked as a French teacher and a Language Assistant in different schools across Melbourne (Haileybury, Nossal High School, John Monash Science School, Bialik...). I have worked with all kinds of students: from near-native speakers to those rebuilding their confidence after a break.
What I enjoy most as a teacher is finding the “window” that makes French click for each student. Sometimes it’s about explaining a tricky concept in just the right way so they get that light-bulb moment. Other times, it’s about connecting their own interests — whether it’s sport, music, fashion, or history — to something French. That’s when learning feels exciting, progress feels real, and students discover they’re capable of more than they thought.
