NEWS FROM LANGUAGE & INDIGENOUS
LANGUAGE NEWS
Kelas kelas Bahasa Indonesia have begun with a bang this year.
Year 8 has taken on the challenge of learning a new language and exploring a different culture with gusto! They can now introduce themselves and have simple conversations in Bahasa Indonesia. They are testing their new grasp on how adjectives are used through the exploration of the sad life of Marty the Sumatran Tiger and have learned how to say that the African Black Rain Frog has the appearance of a balloon. Selamat belajar kelas delapan!
Year 9 are finalising their study of Makanan Indonesia, the food of Indonesia. This topic is always a popular one and students are perfecting their ordering skills as well as expressing their likes and dislikes when it comes to the culinary world. They will be rewarded for their diligence with the annual feast day where they will put all of their new skills into practise. Selamat makan kelas sembilan!
Year 11 have been making huge progress in their Indonesian Beginners course. Through their language study they have discovered how Indonesians travel throughout the archipelago and what the average day of an Indonesian teenager looks like. Semoga sukses kelas sebelas!
The Indonesian program was well represented at the 2023 Open Night for future students. Our current students played games of Congkak, marvelled guests with their Angklung skills and expressed Selamat datang to our guests on the night.
We are all excited and gearing up for a great year studying the language and culture of incredible Indonesia.
Ms Lucy Manley
Language Coordinator
INDIGENOUS NEWS
Term 1 has been jam-packed with learning and fun here at the Gooroon centre
at St John’s.
Firstly, students have been able to take their Indigenous learning outside of the
classroom and on country.
Our Year 9 Bushcraft were very fortunate this term to walk on country at
Moyen Hill. The group were given an official Welcome to Country by Aunty
Grace and Aunty Jenny and then treated to a guided walk with knowledge
shared by Uncle Ronnie regarding connection and significance of the area. Mr
Higgins did a fantastic job organising the day and involving amazing knowledge
holders to really add to the experience. The Gooroon team were honoured to be
part of such a great day.
In addition, Our Year 11 Aboriginal Studies Class took a trip to Cullinghutti
Aboriginal Child and Family Centre as part of their studies to speak with Uncle
Charlie Ashby regarding Aboriginal Health and the importance of the centre to
the local community. Meanwhile on year 7 camp, as rain attempted to dampen
the trip, students were still able to experience Indigenous learning via the
Cathedral rock formation, where Mr Scanlon and Miss Millington shared stories
and origins of local place names.
Secondly, students have contributed to many extensive facets of school life.
The school’s Open Night was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the boys
dance group. Several dance items were on display from the fella’s including the
Welcoming Dance, Black Cockatoo (Yuriak) Dance, Lyrebird (Ngrarun) Dance and
a farewell Dance. The group had previously received cultural mentoring and
feedback around performing from Elder Uncle Phil Butler, and they put on an
amazing performance with confidence and pride for all new students and their
families.
The Gooroon centre will be adding some inspiring new artwork, with Lauren
Henry, a previous graduate of St Johns, looking to paint a new artwork out the front of the Gooroon Centre. Lauren ran a deep and engaging consultation
session with the students around elements of Indigenous cultural art and design
history. Many students improved their knowledge around many elements of
Indigenous artwork and also provided valuable feedback for the design that will
be displayed at the centre’s entrance.
Thirdly, students have had the opportunity to research and progress through a
variety of career pathways.
On Thursday 9 March 24 students embarked on a trip up the coast to Kiama for the Bangawarra Senior Career Expo. The day started with a fitting smoking
ceremony and dance introduction, led by St John's very own students and Mr
Scanlon. The students then heard from speakers Josh Sly and Marlee Silver,
about their success and what being Indigenous has meant to them throughout
their journey. The students then went around learning about future career
options from over 21 Career Exhibitors in the Macarthur, Wollongong and
Shoalhaven areas.
Several students have also successfully attained school based traineeships
including Drae Keating with Australia Post, while both Mackenzie Carter and
Madi Doosey are with the Shoalhaven Hospital. The school was also fortunate
enough to have a visit from Officer Jordan Bradshaw, who came into the school
to discuss Navy culture and wider Indigenous career options with the Navy.
Career progression is an important part of what the Gooroon staff try to instill
in all students.
Three of our students recently attended the Shoalhaven City Council, Youth Advisory Committee Meeting on March 1, 2023. The purpose of the committee is to represent the interests and views of young people, by providing an opportunity to discuss issues of concern, while also acting as a mechanism for them to experience Local Government and community affairs. The meeting commenced with an Introduction Activity, a committee overview and closely examining priorities for 2023.
Relevant policies and procedures were discussed and ideas were raised on how best to assist the wider community in having better access to support services throughout the Shoalhaven.
A continued and genuine thank you to all the amazing Gooroon educators for
their inspired and dedicated efforts- Aunty Jo, Uncle Archie, Uncle Sean,
Aunty Chris, Aunty Deb, Aunty Kirri. It has been a pleasure to witness so much
Indigenous learning and celebration, and I look forward to more across Term 2,
especially during NAIDOC week.
Mr Stuart Brunsdon
Gooroon Coordinator