Languages News

Sayembara Lisan – Indonesian Speaking Competition

For several years, Matthew Flinders Girls has been a proud participant in the Victorian Indonesian Language Teachers’ Association (VILTA) Sayembara Lisan (Speaking Competition), which gives primary and secondary school learners of Indonesian the opportunity to test their skills against students from other schools. This year, on Wednesday May 2, a group of Year 8 and 10 students headed out to Saint Ignatius College to test our Indonesian skills against approximately 280 students from ten regional schools.

Competitors were evaluated by volunteer assessors, who included Indonesian teachers, Deakin University’s leading Indonesian teacher, volunteer university students, and Indonesian language assistants. Students were required to engage in general conversation, present a prepared speech, and answer unrehearsed questions on that speech.

Everyone involved should be congratulated on the excellent effort they put in - the standard was very high and competition was fierce. Our students were also very patient once they’d had their turn and their thoughtfulness was admirable.

Congratulations to Mena Alabdullah (8L) for coming first in the year 8 cohort, closely followed by Isabel Smith (8L) in second place and Olivia Ilekovic (8B) in third. Well done Grace Tyrrell (8C) and Jasmin Thomas (8L), for earning a Highly Commended. Lani Kasperovic topped our year 10 cohort, coming in third place, with Grace Robson earning a Highly Commended.

The students who have earned a place in the regional rounds are now eligible to represent the Geelong region at the State Finals of the Sayembara Lisan at the University of Melbourne on June 2. Good luck to all our competitors and we wish them all the best in the competition!

Thanks to Julia Hall and the Saint Ignatius crew for organising a great day and giving our students such a wonderful opportunity. Well done to everyone who participated!

Ms Caroline Hall (Learning Area Leader)