The format of the Indonesian lesson focuses on oral language which includes learning new words and revising previously learnt ones, written language in the form of activities, puzzles, games etc. Also, other forms of presentation such as music, videos, computer programs, outside games as well as art based activities.

As Indonesia has a strong arts focus we have incorporated arts and crafts into the program. The students have made wayang puppets, model making, murals, sculpting and masks. As an extension to the LOTE program the school participates in cultural performances that are available, invite guest speakers and other Indonesian teachers to take part in the lessons.

2009 LOTE INDONESIAN UPDATE
During the school holidays Toora Primary School's Indonesian teacher Janet Bland spent three weeks in Darwin as a recipient of the Federal Government’s Endeavour Language teacher’s fellowship.

Endeavour language teacher fellowships are awarded to language teachers who are motivated, passionate and willing to share their knowledge and skills with other Australian teachers. Through the Endeavour Language Teacher Fellowship (ELTF) the Australian government provides opportunities for language teachers in Australian schools to engage in intensive short-term in country study programs to improved their language skills and raise cultural awareness.  The study programs take place over a three-week period in January each year. Usually the programs are in country of the language the teacher teaches but due to Government travel bands the Indonesian program was held in Darwin.  

 During her three weeks stay in Darwin Janet improved her language skills, networked with Indonesian teachers from Indonesia and all states of Australia, enjoyed cultural activities such as batik, cooking, dance and literature, visited the Indonesian consulate, a mosque and the Nhulunbuy aboriginal community which has a long history of encounters with Indonesian fishermen.

 “The ELTF program fulfilled and exceeded my expectations. There were so many highlights and memorable occasions, but if I had to mention any that would be the opportunity to practise my Indonesian language, new friendships, and visits to Nhulunbuy, the mosque and the consulate. I have returned inspired with new ideas, contacts and enthusiasm.”

LOTE - INDONESIAN  -  2008
Learning a new language is exciting.  Not only do you learn that language, but you learn about the culture, geography and people of that country.  Indonesia is our nearest neighbour and also one of the largest trading partners.  It has the fourth biggest population in the world and is an important tourist destination for Australians.  

In August Toora Primary School will host an Indonesian Day for the district cluster schools: Alberton, Tarwin Valley and Toora.  This day will involve an immersion into Indonesian culture coordinated by LOTE teacher Mrs Janet Bland, including Drumming Workshops, Indonesian food and music.

INDONESIAN CULTURAL DAY
Our LOTE Indonesian cultural day was held on Tuesday 12th August. Alberton Primary school  visited for the day. Children participated in making food (Indonesian Pancakes and Crunchy Salad), music - drumming, literature and game activities to develop and foster an understanding of Indonesia.

We chose Tuesday 12th August to compliment Indonesia's Independence Day on August 17th. Independence Day is the most important event in Indonesia. On this date Indonesian flags are hung on every home, school, public building and along every roadway. It is on this day the Indonesian people remember their struggle against the Dutch who ruled Indonesia before WW1. Indonesian celebrated its first Independence Day on 17th August 1945.

On our LOTE Indonesian Cultural Day students were encouraged to dress Indonesian style in the colours of the Indonesian flag (Red & White).

Mask Making

Gamelan Drumming

 

Gamelan Drumming

Congklak

Congklak, also called Dakon, Congkak, or Sungka, is a  game played in Indonesia. The name "Congklak" comes from the Indonesian name for cowrie shells, which are often used as pieces.

Equipment::
The Congklak board has seven holes plus an additional store for each player. Each player controls the seven holes on their side of the board, and their score is the number of seeds in their left-hand store.  The pieces are 98 undifferentiated seeds.
Set up:
Seven seeds are placed in each hole except the stores, which remain empty.
Object:  The object of the game is to capture more seeds than one's opponent.
Sowing: 
Players take turns moving the seeds. On a turn, a player chooses one of the seven holes under their control. The player removes all seeds from this hole, and distributes them in each hole clockwise from this hole, in a process called sowing. Sowing skips an opponent's store, but does not skip a player's own store.
If the last seed falls into an occupied hole, all the seeds are removed from that hole, and are sown starting from that hole. The process continues until the last seed falls into a player's store, or an empty hole.
If the last seed sown falls into a player's own store, they immediately earn another turn, which can begin at any of the seven holes under their control.
Capturing:
If the last seed sown falls into an empty hole on the current player's side, then the player captures all the seeds in the hole directly across from this one, on the opponent's side. If the opposing hole is empty, no seeds are captured.

Our Congklak Tournament

Congklak is a popular game in Indonesia and most of Asia.  It is like draughts, but different.  As part of the cultural component of our Indonesian program, the students have learnt to play Congklak.  During lunchtime we have held our annual Congklak champion competition.  This years Congklak champions are Pace Swart and Kirsten Shanks.  

This site is a Toora School Community Project ~ 2008
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