Language & Culture Program

Kii, Deadly TPS community, biladu-njan wat/how are you all? 

And in the words of my Yawuru language...Ngaji gurrjin/Hello everyone!

This term, all classes are working on developing their understanding and knowledge of the Woiwurrung sound system and the spelling system used to record the language.

Prep language learning is focused on hearing the language modelled, with lots of practice through repetition, games and songs, to develop correct pronunciation.

Grade 1/2s are learning about vowel and regular consonant sounds that are similar in both English and Woiwurrung, and the relationship with single alphabet letters that are used to represent these sounds. They are beginning to apply this knowledge in writing and reading some Woiwurrung words.

Grades 3/4s and 5/6s are developing their skills with these same consonant sound/letter relationships but are also learning about some of the sounds and letter patterns that are different to what they are familiar with in English.

All classes are having fun playing a variety of games to increase their Woiwurrung vocabulary. This term, depending on year levels, students are learning or consolidating their knowledge of animal nouns, people nouns, body part nouns, and other words and phrases used regularly in the LOTE classroom.

Professional Learning with Aunty Terri 

Aunty Terri each term teaches our staff the sounds and pronunciation for the Woiwurrung words our students learn in her classes.   We practice the sounds together as a group and build our vocabulary we can use in our classrooms.  We also learn truth telling about Wurundjeri Woiwurrung clans, family groups and the impacts of colonisation on language and culture.