Learning a new language can be a daunting experience. It can be a struggle to remember what all the words and phrases mean especially when we are completely surrounded by our native language.
To help the learning process and make it more meaningful and fun, the Year 5 students set up a massive Pasar Indonesia in the Olive Grove on Tuesday 2nd November. For those of you new to Indonesian, Pasar Indonesia refers to an Indonesian Market. Students prepared for this event over a term and a half by researching and translating potential recipes, creating a market stall name and logo, learning how to conduct a sales transaction in the Indonesian language and currency, and creating the signs and advertising material required on the day.
The day started with a money exchange. As all sales were to be conducted in Indonesian Rupiah, students were able to exchange each dollar for Rp10 000. That in itself was a challenge, as thinking and transacting in bigger numbers was not a skill most students were experienced in.
The stalls were all set up around the Olive Grove in preparation for the arrival of the Year 4 to 6 students, as well as select classes of Year 8 students. Students were having a grand time, even though they had to overcome the fear of sounding silly. But with enthusiasm and a lot of determination, students were able use their language skills in a useful and fun way.
Best of all, classes will be able to contribute their profits to a charity of their choice. In total they raised $1185. The students have voted and have decided to donate the money raised to the following charities:
- lass 5.1 have decided to donate their $395 to the Solemen Indonesia Foundation.
- lass 5.2 have decided to donate their $395 to the Cancer Council of Australia.
- Class 5.3 have decided to donate $190 to Movember and $190 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Well done to everyone involved!