Hello or Sawasdee,

For the next two weeks, we’ll focus on the Thai language and some other things about Thailand that are amazing. Our Thai students feel very confident with their Thai skills and are looking forward to share them with us.

• Did you know that Thailand is home to a tenth of the world’s bird species? And that is despite the extensive deforestation.
• That Thailand is the only SE Asian country not to be colonised by a European country? This fits with the country’s name which means “The Land of the Free”.
• Is home to the biggest freshwater fish? (293kg)
• Is the world’s largest orchid exporter? They have 1300 native species.
• Is home to the largest gold statue of Buddha? (5.5tons!)
• That in Thailand, the head is the most important part of the body? Consequently, no one must ever touch another person, even a child, on the head.
• Etc, etc.
• What an amazing country!

Watch this space for more!

This fortnight’s language is Narrunga, which is a an Aboriginal language spoken by the Narrunga people. Sadly, there are not many speakers left. According to the 2006 census, there were only 24 speakers left.

The Narrunga people are the traditional owners of the Yorke Peninsula.  Djaran Goldsmith in Y2 MP will teach us a few words in Narrunga so watch this space!

On Friday, 3/4 MC and 3/4 SM had their assembly which showcased what they have been exploring in class: the different cultures that make up their classes, school and country. They read Mem Fox’s book “I am Australian too” which highlights Australia’s  multiculturalism and that fact that we are all Australians no matter where we come from. The children had the opportunity to share their family cultural background not only with their classmates, but with the rest of the school.

Well done, 3/4 MC and 3/4 SM!

The bamboo sticks used in the Vietnamese dance

Last piece of advice from sister ( Arthi) to sister (Deepthi) before the Indian dance.

Zdravo,

We are very happy to learn a few words in Serbian this two weeks as well as a few facts about this great country. Our experts are: Darcy Lulduraj ( yr 1) and Stefan ( yr 2) and Jovana Uzur ( yr 7).

Here are Ishaan and Shantana greeting us ( Vanakkam) and introducing themselves to us ( Hi, my name is…)

Hello and welcome to Term 2!

We hope everyone had a relaxing break.  Holidays are also a great opportunity for the children to hear and practise their home language/s a bit more.

This term we are starting off with Tamil, which is one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. It is spoken in many parts of the world by 70 million people, but it is also an official language in Singapore, Sri Lanka and the Indian state of Tamilnadu.

We have a few students whose families are Tamil speakers:

Arthur and Deepthi Babu

Shantana Rajendran

Rachel Loyolo

Ishaan Aravind

Stay tuned for more to come!

On Fri, March the 24th, the whole school celebrated our school’s amazing diversity. There were cultural dresses, music and dances, there was shared lunch, soccer and netball. There were parents, grandparents, caregivers, sisters and brothers. Here are a few highlights from the day.

Although the whole school celebration was scheduled for the end of the week, on Harmony Day ( 21st March)  we had breakfast with the parents/caregivers. It was beautiful autumn morning.

Harmony Day Breakfast: Tuesday 21st March

Parents/caregivers welcome!