On Saturday 17 August VSL students in Years 7-9 enjoyed a fun, interactive morning of cultural games and activities. The 17th August is Indonesian Independence Day. Our games reflected those that would be played in Indonesia at this time of year and students also wore the colours of the Indonesian flag (red and white) or traditional batik pattern.

We enjoyed craft, Indonesian card games, traditional 'congklak', marble and spoon races and the exciting 'krupuk-eating' competition!

To finish off the morning the Year 10 classes also joined us and we all ate an Indonesian lunch together. Students enjoyed 'nasi kuning' (yellow rice) with sides of chicken, beef rendang, vegetables and crackers.

Selamat Hari Kemerdekaan! Happy Independence Day!

Clare Bradbury,  Year 9 Indonesian Teacher

On Saturday August 17 the VCE Indonesian students and teachers made a visit to the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne.

Our students had an enriching experience engaging with native speakers, which gave them the confidence to practice speaking with strangers—a crucial step in preparing for their oral exams in one month. The lively conversations and cultural exchanges brought the language to life, and the students thoroughly enjoyed this real-world practice. To top it all off, they savored a hearty serving of hot meatball soup, adding a warm and flavorful touch to the memorable day.

Thanks to Indonesian co-ordinator Sophia Teo, and teachers Michael Boss and Minarni Tirta for organising and attending the excursion, and to admin staff Tom Lee for accompaniment.

On Saturday the 27th of July in VSL’s Roxburgh Park Centre, we celebrated NAIDOC Week. Students took part in NAIDOC Week activities, watched informative videos, read relevant stories, made personalised NAIDOC-themed T-shirts, and used natural materials for arts and craft. Our students enjoyed the creative experience for themselves and gained insight into Indigenous Australian culture as part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations.

The NAIDOC week theme for 2024 was ‘Keep the Fire Burning - Black, Loud and Proud’.

Uzma Akhlaq, Urdu 2-4 VSL Centre Roxburgh Park

The Wodonga Punjabi class excelled at the Griffith Shaheedi Tournament, held in Griffith on June 8-9, 2024. Participating in the Punjabi language quiz competition named "Gurmukhi Vehra," they proudly secured the 2nd prize. The competition consisted of five challenging rounds, where the students showcased outstanding performance, surpassing teams from Victoria and NSW.

During the tournament, which occurs every June long weekend, the Sikh community gathers for a two-day celebration in Griffith. Alongside the quiz competition, participants enjoyed traditional Indian cuisine throughout the day and engaged in various activities such as soccer, tug-of-war, kabbadi, and athletic events for children. This cultural extravaganza is widely popular, drawing thousands to Griffith to partake in and witness the games, as well as to revel in the festivities.

Congratulations to the VSL Wodonga Punjabi students for their achievement!

Amandeep Samrao