Broulee Public School - Dhurga Stages 1-3
www.broulee-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
'Dhurga is one of four main languages that was, and still is spoken, in Djuwin country. It is now widely accepted that Djuwin country extends from the Shoalhaven River to the Victorian border. There are several dialects, one of which belongs to the Wandiwandian people. Wandiwandian means "valley" or "home of lost lovers". They spoke Dharumba. Dharumba was, and still is, a dialect of Dharawal and Dhurga.'
Waine Donovan, Classroom and Dhurga Teacher, Broulee Public School
Introducing the Aboriginal Language Team
- Kerry Boyenga, Classroom and Dhurga Teacher
- Waine Donovan, Classroom and Dhurga Teacher
- Jutta Besold, Linguist
- Ursula Brown, Trainee Teacher
- Jeff Ward, Principal
Background
Broulee Public School was invited to join in workshops with Vincentia High School in 2004. Both schools continued the background research needed to begin a large project such as an Aboriginal language program. While staff at Broulee Public School became increasingly keen to get started, the language is at a very early stage of reclamation and required more work with their linguist. Teaching commenced across the school in 2006. At the same time as beginning a language program, therefore, the language is also undergoing some reconstruction and resources have yet to be produced. In many ways, however, this allows for a close relationship between the linguist and the team members, as they are truly working together to reclaim the language.
Jeff Ward, PrincipalThis video requires QuickTime to be installed.
Download and install the latest version of QuickTime.'I think we’re really lucky. One of the keys I think to the success of our program has been having two trained teachers, two teachers who are already in our school, who are of local Aboriginal descent. I think that’s a key and that’s the key to our success, because they are trained teachers and they are able to learn and speak the language as community members as well. I think one of the difficulties that would’ve arisen perhaps is having someone from the local community confident enough and fairly comfortable enough to come in and teach the language. They may have the language skills and knowledge but then being able to put it across.'
Jeff Ward, Principal, Broulee Public School, 23/1105
Kerry Boyenga, Classroom and Dhurga TeacherThis video requires QuickTime to be installed.
Download and install the latest version of QuickTime.'It seems to be becoming bigger than ‘Ben Hur’ because we’re constantly doing extra things now because of this language program. We’re forever having to give presentations at things. We’re forever having other people from other schools and other areas ringing us to find out information and stuff. It’s not just as simple as learning [your language], using what you know and teaching it your school. There’s so much more to it than just that sort of stuff and it’s really quite demanding, especially when you’re a classroom teacher and you have to maintain your class five days a week; you’re writing reports, you know, you’re doing all the normal things that you do and then this on top of it….A lot of preparation for whoever is taking your class so your kids don’t suffer. You know, I think this school’s lucky to have two Aboriginal teachers but I don’t think people understand that side of it, you know, I don’t think people realise the extra effort you have go to.'
Kerry Boyenga, Classroom and Dhurga Teacher, Broulee Public School, 23/11/05
Congratulations to the Broulee Public School’s Dhurga Djamanj team for winning the Eurobodalla/Braidwood Learning Community’s ‘Excellent Program’ award in 2005! This is a just reward for your determination and hard work to get your language program off the ground.