  |
| Maltese School - NSW | Skola Maltija-Wollongong | Skola Maltija - Sydney | Maltese School - Adelaide | Maltese Classes - Victoria | Skola Maltija - Mackay QLD |
 | |
| REPORT FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA - MR. GERRY PULE' | |
|
Appendix to the formal Report: Subject: Dealings by the Conference regarding Administration of the Schools. The Delegates explored many forms of Administrations without coming to firm conclusions. The function of Administration of the various schools does not lend its self to only one form, nor to only one level. The natural general principle that would apply would be varied and would need to meet the special, specific requirements of the format and structure of the particular school. A summary of the various applications follows, however, this is not necessarily the final, nor only, format that administrations could apply: 1. In the case of the Victorian School of Maltese language, where there is a mix of Government funding and Voluntary provisions: the Government regulations need to be complied with and this can often be done through government services. However even in these circumstances there needs to be an Administrator from the school to collate, organise and provide the work of administration so that it can be presented for processing by the government service. The mix of paid and voluntary administration is unique to the situation and may change over time. 2. Where Maltese Language Schools are outside the formal government structure then, the administration would be, as it is set up by the organising body. Naturally the format of the administration would still need to meet the normal administrative standards and again it can be a mix of paid and unpaid service. 3. Competent administrators, as well as, professional accountants and auditors are the necessary personnel of any good administration system and these can be based at schools, at community associations, at government focuses and at local and Federal Levels. 4. Administration systems can also incorporate support systems such as systems for payments, advisory services for both clients and teachers, reference centres for information such as academic, technological and financial. The better these systems operate, the better the teachers can focus on their job of actually teaching. The Federation of Maltese Language Schools will need to address these issues and set down both broad and exact criteria and these will then become the standards for the operating organizations to follow. |
| |
| REPORT FROM MACKAY QUEENSALND ~ CARMEL BARETTA | |
|
REPORT from Carmel Baretta, Mackay Maltese Club Inc regarding the recent National Conference for Teachers and Administrators of the Maltese Language Schools in Australia and New Zealand held in Canberra 6 & 7 October 2007. (1) Communication by the Chairman Mr Frank Scicluna kept everyone well infomed prior to the Conference. Introductions and reports from each organization gave us a greater insight and understanding of the structure, history, aspirations and difficulties of the various schools and organizations. As a consequence, there was the opportunity to learn from each other. This was one of the highlights of the conference as we were able to source so much information re the running of a language school from people who had first-hand knowledge. Such a diverse collection of talents and strengths must be utilized to the maximum. (2) The banner, logo, candles and prayer were a great initiative - Congratulations to Manwel Fenech (Wollongong NSW) for his foresight; it was a shame that some misinterpreted this well-intentioned gesture. (3) I felt that the presence of a Religious Sister had a calming effect on proceedings. Sister Pauline Bonavia (QLD) helped to maintain the presence of God in our midst through prayerful intercessions. (4) Really enjoyed language presentations by Rigu Bovington and Laurie Dimech.(NSW) (5)Review by Rhonda Balzon Bastow (NSW) was informative - re access to helping communities from non-speaking English backgrounds. (6) HE Francis Tabone was the perfect diplomat and host. Keeping his cool, acknowledging everyone's opinion but always ensuring that the best outcome for the proposed Federation was the main objective. The informal dinner hosted by the High Commissioner created the perfect opportunity for people to socialise, relax and exchange ideas. Well-done Your Excellency. (7) Dr Carmen Dalli is a real gem and proved to be a wonderful asset to the conference. Her review of the conference was concise, constructive, positive and well presented. (8) I would like to suggest that we invite Language Schools to bring their banners to the next Conference and have a procession into the conference room as a show of unity. (9) The Flask family (ably supported by the Maltese community) made us especially welcome. Congratulations on being such wonderful hosts! (10) My point for improvement: The chairman needs a gavel and must use it when necessary to maintain order. I feel that certain elements will test our fortitude, but if we keep in mind our objectives and work towards them, we will triumph over adversities and emerge as a strong, unified organization. (11) The BBQ was `the icing on the cake'. Tensions seemed to dissolve, friendship and comradeship took over as we shared Maltese food and sang and danced to traditional music. So very, very special. (12) On behalf of the Mackay Maltese Club Inc, it would be our great pleasure to host the next Conference but keeping in mind that our cyclone/wet season extends from December to March. Congratulations and thank you for allowing me to share in the Conference. Carmel Baretta |
| |
| REPORT FROM SKOLA MALTIJA - WOLLONGONG NSW by Mr. Emmanuel Fenech | |
|
Our journey continues 1) We have started with consecrated candle brought from the feast of Our Lady of Victories at St Mary cathedral in Sydney, bless by Fr Tarcisio Micallef. The delegates received candles had the logo Skola Maltija - Australia and with white and red ribbons attached. Its burning flame conveys warmth and heat that represents life and teaching of knowledge that was passed down to all Maltese, wherever they are. The banner with Skola Maltija was displayed near the Maltese and European flags. This has given the delegates a sense of unity and pride. 2) Then His Excellency Mr. Francis Tabone, the high commissioner, opened the conference with words of a great vision and much wisdom, to look at this conference with confidence and invited us all to work hand in hand and to collaborate with a true spirit of national pride, In his introductory speech he used these words we must never forget: "Ahna ilkoll ulied Dik L'Art Helwa u irridu nassiguraw li t-taghlim tal- Malti jghaqqadna dejjem u ma nhallu l-hadd juzah bhala mezz ta' firda". I thank you on behalf of all those present. Your Excellency, your hard work taught us all to be humble and to love what is Maltese with pride and joy. 3) The message of our Maltese Prime Minister, Dr Lawrence Gonzi, conveyed the strength of a great Prime Minister who was with us in spirit. In his message he said that; our strategy is based on our confidence in our people, in our cultural resources and their capacity for work and recreation. By "our people" he include all Maltese, wherever they may be. 4) The convenor of this historical event, the honorary consul of Malta in Adelaide and the chairman of the conference, Mr. Frank Scicluna, commenced his introduction by inviting us to open our hearts and minds and to stusy the needs of teaching and to share the knowledge of the Maltese language and culture. His words are a gem for us all - communication - coordination and cooperation. Never to forget as the saying goes "behind great men there is a great wife". His wife Josie brought not only joy and peace and we all admired her greatly. 5) The delegates deliberating on educational issues, sharing their knowledge and the pedagogy of teaching during the work shops that were divided in three important issues which were; 1. A national curriculum, 2. Administration issues, and 3. Technology in Language Teaching. This brought urgency to the increase the number of students who need to study Maltese for the Higher School Certificate. Rosanne Pirotta from Victoria reminded us that if we do not have enough students next year (2008) to sit for the HSC/VCE/SACE exams we lose accreditation of the language. 6) Roderick Bovingdon's speech gave us an insight into the history and knowledge of the Maltese language and our cultural identity and how it survived through the ages. With his speech we all felt a true Maltese spirit and the need to continue our journey after this conference would be over. I personally admire Rigu's passion for the Maltese language and the flame we share for the Maltese language and culture. 7) The next day concluding this historical conference, a poem was recited which I wrote in honour of our Prim Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi during visit to Wollongong. The poem is named; Tislima lil Dun Karm Psaila. The chairman Mr. Frank Scicluna welcomed all delegates and gave them 'Merhba' once again. The high commissioner made it clear that we need to form a motion that portrays two important issues: First to elect one of the delegates to prepare a "draft constitution" to be issued and voted on by all delegates present. And second to form our first federation immediately at the next conference. This was passed unanimouslyby the delegates. 8) Immediately after the poem Dr Carmen Dalli gave her report of what has happened during the first day of the conference, it is exhibited on our website. This learned friend of ours brought wisdom and a great spirit from New Zealand to share with us all. Finally, we all took a candle to our schools as a token of cooperation coordination and communication, these words unit us all. We closed these historical activity with a BBQ at the Flask family's residence where we shared together the spirit of cooperation, friendship and our Maltese identity. During this Maltese national conference I was amazed and honoured to be sharing much joy and knowledge with my Maltese brothers and sisters in promoting the Maltese language and cultural identity. We all came together - old, young, diplomats, educators and administrators and we all shared and felt proud to be Australian/Maltese. Sister Pauline Bonavia reminded us all of our Maltese culture, the traditions of our Maltese religious values and the respect for our faith. We thank you, Sr. Pauline, especially for your meaningful and intelligent prayers. Your white attire conveyed purity, justice, faith, love loyalty, and liberty that come only from above. I have learnt so much from your kindness and respect to our Maltese brothers and sisters. I thank the sponsors and especially the Prim Minister of Malta Dr Lawrence Gonzi who has given so much time and efforts to make sure we hold such a successful conference and he made sure that all Maltese in Australia are not forgotten. Our children, who were born far away from our land, feel proud that they are now ulied Malta. Thanks everyone for your friendship and solidarity. Emmanuel Fenech Principal of Skola Maltija of Wollongong |
| |
| TEACHING OF MALTESE IN NEW ZEALAND - Dr. Carmen Dalli | |
|
In terms of the teaching of Maltese in New Zealand, unfortunately, the Maltese population base in NZ has simply been too small, and too dispersed over the country, to sustain language classes. This is both in terms of providing enough students to make classes viable and also in terms of resourcing such classes with a teacher. It is not that there are no people with the skills to teach Maltese, but they also have to have the time to devote to the task and be located at a reasonable travelling distance to where students might be. To date, these obstacles appear to have prevented the development of ongoing language courses, certainly in Wellington where I live. The Maltese community in New Zealand is not a large one; In the 2006 census there were 243 people who nominated themselves as ethnically1 [1] Maltese usually resident in New Zealand - this was an increase of 21 on the 2001 census figure (Statistics New Zealand website: httpa/www.stats.govt.nz/census/2006-censusdatalclassification-countslabout-people/ethnic-group.htm). This is not to say that there may not in future be an interest, and an effort to initiate, Maltese language classes- indeed there are currently a handful of newly-arrived Maltese families with young children who would dearly love for their children to have the opportunity to continue learning Maltese. My own children (aged 15, 13 and 11yrs) rail at me for not having taught them Maltese and have been campaigning for me to take them to live in Malta to learn! Having said all this, however, I would dearly love to support the conference and thus wonder if my contribution could be of a different kind. If you think it might be useful to have someone do a concluding address on the second day of the conference which would be both a summary and a commentary from an academic / educationally-informed perspective, and from the perspective of a person who is committed to Maltese language and culture2 [2], I would be prepared to do this. This would be useful in terms of the eventual conference report. And it would also make good use of my skills as an academic and as someone who is committed to the Maltese language and culture and the Maltese community on general. 1[1] The 2006 census defines ethnicity as "the ethnic group or groups that people identify with or feel they belong to. Ethnicity is a measure of cultural affiliation, as opposed to race, ancestry, nationality or citizenship. Ethnicity is self perceived and people can belong to more than one ethnic group." 2[2]At the University of Malta I was the PRO of the Ghaqda tal- Malti Universita' and, as part of that, I copresented (with Gorg Mallia) a programme on Maltese Radio called "Mill-Hsieb ghall-kelma". I have mounted a Maltese craft exhibition at the National museum in Wellington (2001) and regularly organize Maltese information stalls at the Wellington library and at Europe Day celebrations, and give lace-making demonstrations as part of the Maltese Association's participation in multi-cultural activities in Wellington. |
 |
 |
   Launched on the 7 April, 1999 Updated Periodically - Please, visit this site often. Copyright 2007-08
You are visitor no:
|