Scotts Head Public School Newsletter

Hello, Giinagay, Hai

Indonesia Goes to School

Yesterday we had some very important visitors and friends returning to the school - Bapak M. Imran Hanafi, Education & Cultural Attache, Indonesian Embassy Canberra and Bapak Heru Hartanto Subolo, Consul General, Indonesian Consulate Sydney.

We are so sorry we could not share this event with our parents and community due to Covid restrictions.

This day came about after sending the Indonesian diplomats a letter on 22 September to invite the embassy for a ZOOM meeting to discuss the following points:

• Silaturahmi (Gathering)
• General update on the progress of number of students studying Indonesian language.
• How can we help support the Virtual Indonesian Festival?

This was sent after we were motivated by the fact this time last year a group of parents, students and staff were heading to the Indonesian Festival in Canberra. The excursion was cancelled due to the fires so we at the school wanted to show our support.

This resulted in the Diplomatic team from Canberra and Sydney (which included 10 staff) coming to our school to commemorate Hari Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge Day) which was held on 28 October.

We started the day with performances on the basketball court and a costume parade by the Kindergarten children, performance of Indonesia songs of Rumah kita, Kurikulim Hatimu and Tanah Airku. Cohen Pithers had an accomplished performance on the piano. The Aceh dancers bought it home with an outstanding performance of Ratoh Duek.

A meeting was held between the local Mayor, Rhonda Hoban discussing the promotion of Bahasa Indonesia in the area and exploring possible collaboration with

the local government regarding tourism and trade.  It was a highly successful meeting with further meetings planned.

Later in the day a meeting with an educational focus was held with Ms Sue Brown, Regional Director, Department of Education NSW; Ms Erica Lyne, Principal Macksville High School; Mr Tony Buckley, Principal Macksville Public School; Penny Robertson, Founder of Australia International School (Bali and Jakarta) and Ricky Buchanan, Vice-President Aboriginal Educational Consultative Group Nambucca Valley. On the agenda was how all parties could continue to raise the profile of intercultural understanding through people to people relationships and the learning of Bahasa Indonesian language. A very positive vibe with many poignant conversations were raised.

While the meetings were being held students had the opportunity to participate in either a cultural screening, Gamelan or Anglung workshop. The day concluded with all students participating in a Mie Goreng cooking demonstration and tasting feast.

A highlight of the day was being able to share this event with our Little Whales of 2021 and three high school students from Macksville High School, Zach Pacey, Koby Hanham and Samantha Hamer.  These students are beginning their HSC subject of Bahasa Indonesia next year to conclude in 2022.

Pak Murtala and Noa Granek recorded a podcast program, which discussed the learning process of Bahasa Indonesia in Scotts Head Public School.

A great day was had by all and a huge thank you to our amazing Indonesian team, especially Pak Mur, who worked tirelessly for weeks arranging this day. To Amin Melo and Dominque Servais, who provided the delicious catering for all the adults, which was payed for by our P&C. Thank you to all our staff that did all the cleaning, setting up, setting down and supervision of a very successful event. The school was sparkling. Thanks to the generosity of the Embassy for the gifts given to each student and staff member.

Finally, to the students whose behaviour and enthusiasm was outstanding, for stepping up once again to a very important occasion with courage, pride and confidence.

Thanks, yaarri yaraang, terima kasih.

Bu Gillian

Gillian Stuart - Principal

This week students started new rotations for Learned Leaders. One of the activities was Minecraft and Virtual Reality. The leaders had to support the younger students to build structures and teach them the skills of building in Minecraft. Many students were able to experience dinosaurs and important landmarks around Sydney. It felt like we were really there. By Henry

Every student will have the opportunity to go to the library each Thursday. Please make sure your child has a library bag and brings it to school each Thursday. 

Please make sure students return any overdue books .