PESTA DAY: At Woodleigh School, we are provided with opportunities that enhance our independence, persistence, and perspectives in life. One such opportunity was participating in Pesta at Penbank, where our Year 9 Indonesian classes took on the responsibility of teaching students from Prep to Year 6. This experience challenged us to lead with positivity and poise while communicating in a completely different language.

In the lead-up to our visit, we planned extensively, often facing setbacks that heightened my nerves. Walking into the classroom, we were not just leaders or teachers but also role models. My group was tasked with teaching body parts and classroom instructions, which required us to modify our approach based on age, attention spans and reading levels. Each class presented its own unique challenges, and while we struggled to keep our lessons both fun and educational. Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces made it all worthwhile.

Despite the hurdles, we adapted and persevered as a team. I gained immense respect for my teachers and classmates, recognizing the effort everyone put into making this experience a success. For future Indonesian classes at Woodleigh attending Pesta, my advice is simple, stay resilient, keep a cool head, and communicate openly. We all made mistakes, but those moments became invaluable lessons, enriching our connections and friendships.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and everything that came with it.

Bec Oswell, Y9