Sayembara Lisan Awards Night

This year some of the classes studying Indonesian at MECS were invited to participate in the Sayembara Lisan Conversation Competition run by the Victorian Indonesian Teachers Association Victoria (VILTA). The first round of interviews was held in May on Zoom. 12 students from Year 5/6 and 3 students from Year 8 chose to participate. After the first round 5 students from Year 6 and 2 students from Year 8 progressed to the Finals, held in person at Melbourne High School in June. After that round it was announced that Harin had placed first and Grace was given a Highly Commended for her efforts at the Year 6 level. Olivia and Jasmine came second and third respectively in the Year 8 category.

The winners and their families were invited to attend the gala Awards Night on Friday 1 August, again at Melbourne High School. It was there that we were informed that over 870 students from all around Victoria had attended that first round of interviews! And our MECS students received four placings after the Finals! We were so full of joy! How amazing!

In turn our students were presented with their awards by the President of VILTA – Ibu Silvy. We had lots of photos taken with her!

But another highlight of the evening was the presentation by the Indonesian students themselves. Each school was invited to have their students present a song or poem in Indonesian as a part of the Awards ceremony. So Harin and Grace prepped their presentation – a short story in Indonesian about Kancil and the crocodiles. Olivia and Jasmine too prepped a short story – another fable about Kancil and the naughty monkey.

We were so surprised on the night that our school ended up being the only school presenting, as the students from the one and only other school that offered to perform did not turn up! So Harin and Grace stepped up on that stage and set the scene for their story. Harin read out aloud with a great Indonesian accent. Grace enthusiastically acted out the story with her soft toys. It was such a thrill to see them up there relaxed, confident and enjoying the experience. The crowd cheered afterwards because that was not an easy thing to do when you’re in Year 6! Later in the evening Olivia and Jasmine had their turn up on stage, again providing a very entertaining story about Kancil and that naughty monkey. Olivia brought great dramatic effect to her reading of the story and enthralled us all! Jasmine faithfully followed along with her soft toys, acting each part of the story as it unfolded. Again there was lots of clapping and laughter afterwards!

As Indonesian teachers we are so very proud of all our students who volunteered to take a hold of this opportunity. The final slide of the night said “Thank you, until we meet again next year”. Yes, we look forward to it!

Salam hangat,

Pak Jack Privitera – Primary Indonesian Teacher

Bu Sharon Tromp – Secondary Indonesian Teacher

Pak Daniel Bradbury – Indonesian Faculty Leader