This term, Vasse Primary hosted our second Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador for 2025. Ibu Rizka took a week away from her master’s studies at the University of Adelaide to visit Vasse Primary and share Indonesian culture, including dance, costume, and music from West Sumatra, West Kalimantan, and West Java. Students enjoyed learning moves from the Plate Dance and the Bird Dance, learning how to play the bamboo musical instrument called the Angklung and designing their own small bag with traditional Indonesian designs to take home. Terima kasih banyak (thank you very much) to Ibu Rizka for coming to visit us, and the Australian Government for funding the Indonesian Language Learning Ambassador Program.
Zoom meetings with students from Sekolah Fastabiqil Khairat
This term, three lucky classes had the opportunity to trial Zoom meetings with Year 6 students from our partner Sekolah Fastabiqul Khairat. Vasse primary students practised introducing themselves in Indonesian before helping their new Indonesian friends practise English, comparing hobbies, interests and sports. It was wonderful to hear our students using important, useful phrases such as “tolong ulangi” (please repeat), “pelan-pelan” (slow down), “saya tidak mengerti” (I don’t understand) and “Saya bisa bicara Bahasa Indonesia sedikit” (I can speak Indonesian a little). Students were left buzzing with excitement after the trial sessions, and we can’t wait to try again next year.
‘Speaking my Language’ Competition
In Term 3, all students in Year 4, 5 and 6 recorded a short film about themselves in Indonesian. Three students from each year group excelled in the Speaking My Language competition run by Language Teachers WA. They have been awarded certificates and a small gift for their accurate and expressive pronunciation. Congratulations to Taj B, Tasma R and Sasha B from Year 4; Keira A, Ella Y and Lincoln Z from Year 5; Campbell G, Jake W, Emmy B and Hayden L (Italian) from Year 6.
Ibu Jackie Drake
