Echuca College had the honour of hosting an Indonesian immersion day on Monday the 24th of July. We were fortunate to receive one of two available grants in Victoria to run a day designed to give students the opportunity to experience Indonesian culture and language. We welcomed to Echuca College 450 primary school students from Echuca South, Echuca East, Echuca PS (208), Echuca West, Kyabram P-12, Gunbower, Lockington and Nanneella, as well as senior Indonesian students from Rochester SC and Echuca College, our entire year 7 cohort and a select group of 30 year 8 students.
A Bendigo based Indonesian group, Baguskan, started the day with a performance that included dance, martial arts, drumming and a shadow puppet play. Throughout the day students were involved in workshops, which included wayang puppet making, mask making, traditional dance, gamelan orchestra, batik making, village games, pencak silat (martial arts) and an Indonesian themed photobooth. The senior students attended a language class run by Ibu Sopi, a language assistant from Bandung in Java, who is working in Kyenton.
It was a fabulous day with the mesmorising sound of the gamelan orchestra echoing throughout the yard. Students left with huge smiles, having learnt a little more about Indonesian culture. Terima kasih banyak kepada semua guru di Echuca College.
