Meet some of the state’s best young Indonesian speakers.
These eight Point Cook P-9 College students (right) are all smiles after stellar performances at the recent state-level Indonesian speech contest held at Melbourne University.
Amilia Collins, Jason Lim and Isabelle McGrath each came first in their respective age groups; Wendy Widjojo, Riva Dubey and Ella Pettigrove placed second; and Karmun Chan and Ella Wallace placed third.
Of the 32 Point Cook P-9 College students who competed at the regional finals earlier this year, 17 qualified for the state titles.
Amelia said the students practised most days, including at playtimes every Wednesday and Friday, to prepare for the state competition.
Isabelle said students in her age category had to answer up to seven questions from a list of 15.
“We knew the range of questions but not which ones we would be asked,” she said.
Ella said that as well as the question and answer section, she had to make a speech about her family and have an unrehearsed discussion during which judges could ask questions.
“The whole experience was quite exhilarating,” Karmun added.
Jason said he found it easier to speak and respond in Indonesian in the finals when there wasn’t an audience – just the judges.
The students received their awards at a ceremony last Friday.
Indonesian teacher Gede Marsaja said Indonesian was a compulsory subject for prep to year 8 students.
The subject then became an elective once students reached year 9.
“This is a big reward for us as teachers,” Mr Marsaja said.
