indonesian_open ILTA

[Melissa Gould-Drakeley]

Dear all,

I would like to commend Heidi and others for resurrecting ILTA!  It is
really important that we support each other and promote Indonesian together.
As you may be aware ILTA is now a sub-committee of the MLTA of the NSW and
the MLTA have supported Indonesian and Indonesian teachers quite a lot over
the past couple of years - more so than other Languages.  For example - the
MLTA sponsored the Bahasa Gaul workshop Ayu ran (in conjunction with DET),
provided a grant for the Languages Camp on the Mid-coast and funded the
prizes and provided certificates for the Kompetisi siswa since its
inception.  The MLTA also wrote a TRIAL paper for Indonesian a couple of
years ago.

The MLTA is happy to continue sponsoring Indonesian events and this year is
again sponsoring the Kompetisi Siswa.

It would be terrific if Indonesian teachers joined the MLTA.  As MLTA is
under the AFMLTA, it ensures Indonesian teachers have a voice nationally.
The president elect of the AFMLTA is our very own Lesley Harbon!!!!  As you
no doubt know, Lesley was the editor of Babel for many years.

The cost of membership is $55 for new members and $50 for continuing
members.  This is of course, tax deductible.  $22 of this goes to the AFMLTA
and they send members BABEL - a terrific journal.  $5.50 goes to the
Professional Teachers Council - they are another umbrella oragnisation that
coordinates secretarial support.  They also provide insurance.  This is
important.  For any event that MLTA coordinates, it is essential that
teachers and students are insured for public liability.  The same would be
the case fro ILTA events.  The remaining money goes towards funding language
events, providing professional development and running competitions.  The
MLTA also represents teachers on BOS committees and is the political voice
for language teachers. For example, I gave a radio interview promoting Asian
languages - especially Indonesian.

Sana Zreika is the president, Janelle Byrne is the vice president, Glen
Wines is the Secretary and I am the Treasurer.  I was the president for the
past 2 years and really pushed "Indonesian" events. We have a wonderful
committee of dedicated teachers.

In 2009, the MLTA of NSW is coordinating the AFMLTA conference and we would
LOVE the input of other Indonesian teachers.  At the moment Leonie and
others are looking at ASILE piggybacking with this conference.

Quite a few Indonesian teachers are already members.

Please consider becoming a member of the MLTA so that Indonesian teachers
have an even stronger voice.  I am happy to send anyone a membership form.


Cheers

Melissa