Scotts Head Public School and SD Ar Ridha Al Salam (2020)
Partner school: SD Ar Ridha Al Salam, West Java
Scotts Head Public School, the only Indonesian bilingual school in New South Wales, is actively involved in the BRIDGE program, which promotes connections between Australian and Indonesian schools. Led by Bilingual Coordinator Mr. Karl Krause, the school celebrated Indonesia's Independence Day in August 2022 with a special performance by its students. Mr. Krause's efforts have attracted attention from the Indonesian Consul General and government, leading to discussions on supporting Bahasa teaching in NSW. The school has also developed partnerships with Indonesian schools like MI Yasda in Jakarta, facilitating cultural exchange and language learning.
November 26, 2019
High Level Visit: Bilingual Coordinator Mr. Krause arranged discussions with the Indonesian Consul General Subolo during his visit to the school. The visit aimed to showcase the delivery of Bahasa classes and highlight the mutual interest between Indonesia and Australia in promoting language education. Mr. Krause emphasized the importance of Indonesian support for language initiatives in New South Wales, including funded language assistants and financial assistance for language programs.
October 17, 2019
Cultural Exchange: Scotts Head Public School strengthened its partnership with MI Yasda in Jakarta, Indonesia, by facilitating live interactions between students. These interactions involved conversations in both Indonesian and English, as well as the exchange of songs and cultural practices. The partnership aimed to enhance language learning and cultural understanding between the two schools.
October 5, 2020
Podcast contributions: Principal Gillian Stuart and Bilingual Program Coordinator Karl Krause shared insights into their bilingual Indonesian program during a podcast by the Asia Education Foundation. They discussed the program's challenges and successes, highlighting its impact on intercultural learning within the community and beyond. This platform provided an opportunity to advocate for continued support and investment in bilingual education initiatives.
August 17, 2022
Performance: Students from Scotts Head Public School celebrated Indonesia's Independence Day with a special performance, singing "Selamat Ulang Tahun" under the guidance of the BRIDGE program teachers. The performance showcased cultural appreciation and fostered a sense of connection between Australian and Indonesian students.
Camden Haven High School and SMPN 16 Singkawang (2015)
Partner school: Camden Haven High School, New South Wales, Australia, and SMP Negeri 16 Singkawang, West Kalimantan, Indonesia
Camden Haven High School in New South Wales, Australia, and SMP Negeri 16 Singkawang in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, have been partners in the Australia-Asia BRIDGE School Partnerships Project since 2015. This collaboration involves cultural exchanges, including traditional dance learning and visits to orangutan rehabilitation centers. Both schools organized Literacy Tours to D.I. Yogyakarta and Semarang, enabling students to interact with learning resources and create an anthology book to bridge cultures. Their commitment to fostering intercultural understanding and international cooperation has earned them Lighthouse status.
August 16, 2017
International visit: Students and teachers from Camden Haven High School visited their sister school, SMP Negeri 16 Singkawang, where they engaged in language practice, traditional dancing, and a visit to an orangutan rehabilitation center.
February 25, 2020
Grant recipient: The first Lighthouse BRIDGE School Partnership between Camden Haven High School and SMPN 16 Singkawang was celebrated in Port Macquarie, New South Wales. The event acknowledged continuous efforts to foster people-to-people links between Australia and Indonesia since 2015.
December 15, 2022
Robotics workshop: The collaboration between SMPN 16 Singkawang and Camden Haven High School under the BRIDGE School Partnership Program was broadened. STEM education activities, including a mini robotics workshop led by educators from Camden Haven High School in Singkawang, were introduced.
January 17, 2024
Grant recipient: SMPN 16 Singkawang and Camden Haven High School were recognized as the BRIDGE Honorary LPP Awardee in 2023. The Literacy Tours to D.I. Yogyakarta and Semarang were highlighted, aimed at expanding students' learning experiences and fostering cultural understanding through the creation of an anthology book.
Heathmont College and SMPN 1 Karangmojo (2012)
Partner school: Heathmont College, Victoria, Australia, and SMPN 1 Karangmojo, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Heathmont College in Victoria, Australia, and SMPN 1 Karangmojo in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, have forged a partnership in 2012 through the Australia-Indonesia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program. Through a range of activities including language exchanges, environmental projects, puppetry, and digital collaborations, students from both schools have engaged deeply in cross-cultural experiences, enriching their educational journey and strengthening ties between Australia and Indonesia.
August 11, 2015
Sustained Partnership: Celebrating three years of partnership, Heathmont College and SMPN 1 Karangmojo showcased the enduring success of their collaboration, emphasizing the lasting impact of sustained cross-cultural engagement.
October 14, 2020
Digital Collaborations: Despite geographical distances, students from both schools continued to creatively collaborate through digital platforms. Year 7 students produced a video conveying messages of support and unity, further strengthening bonds between the school communities.
June 10, 2021
Environmental Exploration and Puppetry: Year 8 and 9 students from Heathmont College collaborated with SMPN 1 Karangmojo on an environmental project combining STEM and art. Inspired by local environments and Indonesian folklore, they crafted children's stories in Bahasa Indonesian, culminating in the creation of Wayang shadow puppets to bring these tales to life.
November 13, 2021
Online Language Exchange: Heathmont College's Indonesian language program received a revitalization boost through the BRIDGE program. Students immersed themselves in Indonesian culture through online language exchanges and visits to Jogjakarta, rejuvenating their interest in Bahasa and deepening cultural connections.
November 9, 2023
Cultural Showcases: Heathmont College's commitment to cultural exchange was applauded, showcasing the talent and creativity of students engaged in bridging Indonesian and Australian cultures.
Tranby College and SMAN 5 Surabaya (2010)
Partner school: SMAN 5 School, East Java, Indonesia, and Tranby College in Western Australia, Australia
SMAN 5 School in East Java, Indonesia and Tranby College in Western Australia, Australia established a partnership in 2010. Representatives from the Australia-Indonesia Institute visited SMAN 5 School, where students and teachers engage in language practice and cultural exchange activities. The goal of these collaborations is to improve language skills, promote cultural awareness, and cultivate lifelong friendships between students and educators from both countries.
7-8 May 2018
High level visit: A delegation from the Australia-Indonesia Institute visited SMAN 5 School in Surabaya to engage with teachers and students. This visit reinforced the enduring partnership between SMAN 5 and Tranby College, which began in 2010 as part of the BRIDGE program. Students and teachers from both institutions have been actively participating in language skill development, cultural exchange activities, and fostering lasting friendships, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between Indonesia and Australia.
2 August 2022
Award recipient: SMAN 5 Surabaya was awarded the BRIDGE GEDSI Model School designation during the BRIDGE Education Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. This accolade highlights the school's commitment to Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) initiatives and showcases their efforts to incorporate GEDSI in their educational practices. This recognition was bestowed upon SMAN 5 Surabaya alongside other notable schools across Indonesia, demonstrating their pivotal role in shifting mindsets and skill sets for the benefit of all members of society.
Mullumbimby High School and SMAN 5 Mataram (2009)
Partner school: Mullumbimby High School (MHS), New South Wales, Australia, and SMAN 5 Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Since 2009, Mullumbimby High School (MHS) in New South Wales, Australia, and SMAN 5 Mataram in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, have fostered a strong partnership through the BRIDGE program. This collaboration has facilitated cultural exchanges, educational workshops, and the sharing of best practices, enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation between the two schools. Beginning in 2013, there have been several reciprocal school visits between Mullumbimby High School and and SMAN 5 Mataram, resulting in a sustained school partnership and enriching cultural experiences for number of Australian and Indonesian students.
November 29, 2013
Continued Engagement: MHS students visited SMAN 5 Mataram, highlighting the ongoing exchange and friendship between the two schools.
October 3, 2017
Exchange Programs: Over the years, MHS has hosted several groups of exchange students from SMAN 5 Mataram, strengthening ties between the two schools. During one visit, students and teachers from both schools shared their cultures through traditional dance performances, fostering friendship and cross-cultural appreciation.
April 29, 2019
Cultural Workshops: MHS welcomed students and teachers from SMAN 5 Mataram, offering them insights into Australia's rich cultural heritage. Indigenous students at MHS conducted an Aboriginal cultural workshop, showcasing traditional dances and providing an immersive cultural experience for their Indonesian guests.
March 5, 2020
Technology Integration Workshop: MHS supported SMAN 5 Mataram in delivering their first BRIDGE Class Model Workshop on Interactive Learning Boards. This workshop, attended by teachers from across the province, aimed to enhance classroom practices through the integration of technology. Inspired by MHS's experience with smart-board usage, SMAN 5 Mataram expressed excitement about implementing similar technology in their school, thanks to the insights gained from the BRIDGE program.