Slovenian Language
in Australia
25 years of Slovenian language in Victorian Schools

Institute of Slovenian Studies of Victoria 1977-2002
Aleksandra Ceferin
ANNIVEŘSART PROGRAM 22 MARCH 2003
Sloveniaa Religious and Ciiltural Centre, Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Melbourne
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25 Anniversary of Slovenian Language in Victorian Schools
Introduction
Today marks a significant and possibly unique landmark in the teaching and learning of the Slovenian language in Australia. It marks the end of an era. We are today - all of us who have formed the Slovenian school community, teachers, students and parents, together with all our friends - looking back on 25 years of commitment, continuous efforts and the passing through our classes of nearly five hundred students. We taught the second generation, the children of Slovenian migrants - the language of their parents and about the country that they had left behind. We strove to give them a sense of identity, of common roots, of links with their parents past, and gave them a setting and context for friendship and sharing of all these within a group of young people of similar background. That is, we fulfilled a very significant educational role. Today' s event has come about because all the teachers and all the members of the Slovenian community that we call cultural workers, as well as all Slovenian organizations supported such an event. It is a great sharing which makes a community strong. The book Slovenian Language in Australia, that is being launched today is intended as a permanent document of the Slovenian presence in Victoria from 1977 to 2002.
We wanted this reunion and commemoration to mark a new beginning, a new era. Slovenians have established their presence in Australia in significant ways. They have again and again demonstrated that to be small in number, does not mean to be insignificant. It is now up to the 2"" and generation Slovenian Australians to shape a future where belonging to two different cultures means enrichment, broadening of experience and opportunities for the future. The conference: Slovenian language and culture - the future on Sunday 23 March is intended to open the gateway to future possibilities and so inaugurate a new era, when the post-migrant Slovenian generation will take responsibility for the future.
A few words about the program, that we are offering today. The young people you will see perform are almost all past students of Slovenian, they all speak Slovenian and are involved in Slovenian cultural activities. The program has been constructed in such a way that it reflects teaching, at least partly. Not only language was taught. Interwoven with language were, songs, games, poems, stories and information on the culture and the people, past and present. We are also proudly presenting the talented young performers, who continue the Slovenian popular musical tradition.

Aleksandra Ceferin
Slovenian Language in Victorian Schools 1977-2002 Milestones
1976	Accreditation of Slovenian as a HSC subject in Victoria - first step is tal<en.
Saturday School of Modern Languages (SSML) - introduces Slovenian into the school system Slovenian Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV) - teachers association is established
1977	Six Slovenian classes, at three school centres commence in Melbourne: in Box Hill, Maribyrnong, University High School.
1978	Saturday School of Community Languages in Sydney introduces Slovenian as a school subject Accreditation process for HSC Slovenian in New South Wales is initiated
1979	The first HSC Slovenian class in New South Wales
The Sub-committee for Accreditation of HSC Slovenian in Victoria is established
1980	VISE HSC Slovenian Group 2 accreditation completed
1981	First group of students complete HSC Slovenian in Victoria HSC Slovenian Committee is established
1984 The Review of HSC Slovenian - accredited untill 1990
Slovenian Literary Reader and Slovenian Folk Songs published
1986 Field of Studies Committee for Languages OtherThan English (FOSC for LOTE) established
Slovenian Language Teachers, Parents and Students Association of Victoria (SLTPSAV) established
1990	Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Board (VCAB) introduces the new two-year VCE course
1991	Slovenian Course Outlinesfor Years 7- 10 and VCE Years 11 & 12 published by VSL
1992	The first Slovenian VCE class completes the reformed VCE (Victorian Certificate of Education) 1996	CSF Guidelines - Slovenian published by VSL
1998	Institute for Slovenian Studies of Victoria established, reinstituted from STAV
1999	The website Thezaurus.com is published on the Web
2001	Slovenian VCE Study Design 2001 published, Slovenian Literator launched
2002	CSF and VCE Course Outlines developed for VSL by A L &AACeferin
Student exchange initiative is introduced - The first student attends school in Slovenia.
Galeria Sloveniaiňa, Thezaurus Forums and Careerlinx/Slovenian Connection published on Thezaurus
Australian and Slovenian Anthems
Advance Australia fair!
Australians all let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in Nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia fair!
in joyful strains then let us sing,
"Advance Australia fair!"
Sung by Proteus anguinu
Zdravljica
A Toast
Žive naj vsi narodi, ki hrepene dočakat dan, ko koder sonce hodi prepir iz sveta bo pregnan.
Ko rojak prost bo vsak
Ne vrag le sosed bo mejak.
God's blessing on all nations. Who long and work for that bright day. When o'er earth's habitations No war, no strife shall hold its sway;
Who long to see That all men free
No more shall foes, but neighbours be.
The text of the Slovenian anthem is taken from the poem A Toast hy Slovenian foremost poet, dr. France Prešeren. It was written in 1844 and only published in 1848, when censorship of the oppressive Austro-Hungarian regime had been abolished. Zdravljica is written in the Slovenian tradition of drinking songs, and the mood of cheerful fellowship gathered ii "gostilna" (inn or pub). It recreates a very real setting of leading personalities of a small nation meeting for intellectual and political purposes that existed In Slovenia while it was emerging as a nation. Gostilna with Its regular table fellowship represented a place of talking, drinking wine, toasting and singing, of people of goodwill, common hopes and common background coming together, for enjoyment, relaxation and free expression. Prešeren has endowed his Zdravljica Wúh all the principles of national pride, peaceful co-existence among nations and freedom for individuals and nations. Most importantly he proclaimed the hope that this is possible and the need to strive for it. When Slovenia proclaimed its independence in 1991, verses from Prešeren's poem were chose for Its anthem.
It may be said that pride, hope and ideals expressed by Prešeren in 1844 had been now realized. They also proclaim, as a national Slovenian anthem, that the Republic of Slovenia stands for the ideals expressed by Prešeren, when an independent Slovenian state was only a dream.
Narrators: Veronika Smrdel and Roland Mrak
p. Ciril A. Bozič OFM,	Welcome
Head of Slovenian Religious and Cultural Centre Ss Cyril and Methodius
Aleksandra Ceferin,	25. Anniversary of Slovenian Language
Director ISSV, Organizer Bojan Bertoncelj,
Charge d'Affaires Embassy of Republic of Slovenia Bob Stensholp,
Parliamentary Secretary for the Department of Treasury and Finance, Member for Burwood Frank Merlino,
Principal, Victorian School of Languages, Department of Education and Training
Launch Slovenian Language in Australia and Slovenian CSF and VCE Course Outlines
Other Guests: Therese Mercader,
The Manager, Languages, Learning and Teaching Division, Department of Education and Training Maree Dellora,
Area manager, Victorian School of Languages, Box Hill VSL Centre
Presidents of Slovenian organizations, sponsors and teachers of Slovenian language
Program
a Lucija Srnec Alphabet/Abeced a
25 letters marching, different from each other all, whoever knows them well, will find his way around a book. In our multicultural society we have learnt not to assume that the person does not know our language. The teacher in the Slovenian Religious and Cultural Centre was told to expect an inspector by the Education Department. She thought: Nothing to worry about. The inspector won't l<now any Slovenian. The inspector turned out to be Saša Ceferin.
B Saša Srkulj Baba sede u balon... The old woman gets in a baloon and flies to London..
Slovenian tradition is rich in humorous children's rhymes, which have emerged from country children's games. Today there are many collections, which amuse the modern reader and are revived in schools.
c Iris Dietner Cankarjeva domovina - Cankar's country
Ivan Cankar was one of the four Slovenian modern poets and writers, who burst into the Slovenian
literary scene at the end of the 1century. He is still an unsurpassed master of style. His work was prolific; dramas, novels, poems, short stories and articles collected in 30 volumes. He was in many ways a tragic figure, imbued with a great love for his country and bitterly critical of the society of the day. He has touched Slovenian hearts most deeply when he spoke about his love of Slovenia:
O my homeland, when God created thee, he blessed thee with both hands and spoke: "Merry people will live here." Sparingly he measured out beauty, as he scattered it across the earth from the east to the west; he passed magnificent lands, and he did not look upon them - they lie there, dully, staring with blind eyes into the heavens, begging for mercy. Finally he had only a fistful of beauty left; he scattered it to the four parts - from the low hills of Štajerska to the steep beaches of Trst, from Mount Triglav to the Gorjanci Ranges, and spoke: "Merry people will live here; their speech will be song and their song will be a shout of joy."
As he spoke, so it happened. God's seed quickened and bore fruit - there grew the paradise under Triglav... Richer are other languages; they say that they are more melodious and more suitable for everyday use - yet Slovenian speech is the speech of feasting, singing and joyfulness. From the earth itself it rises forth like church bells at Easter and stars are singing, when they pause on their bright path and glance at the magic land beneath. Happy homeland, I greet you with a joyful heart!
c Slovenian letters Č, Š, Ž
These are the Slovenian letters which are very practical - one letter for one sound: č = the English ch, Š = English sh, ž = French j in English sometimes zh. When we send Email and use Slovenian fonts, chances are that the receiver will get something quite different in their text. School children find it somewhat confusing.
Melissa Bratina and Natalija Postruzin: O those š, č, z letters! a sketch
d.e
It happened in Dandenong High School Centre. E stands for ena (one) - Exercise One. The student, who spoke Slovenian at home, remembers the exercise vividly. It came back with many corrections in red. She learnt that words used at home every day cuker, šalca, fruštek, knof, peglam, šporget, štumpfi, were all incorrect. The correct words were sladkor, skodelica, gumb, likam, štedilnik, nogavice. She never forgot this lesson.
f Folk dance ensemble Iskra: Venček narodnih-A Wreath of Folk Dances
There is a rich tradition of folk dances and a variety of folk costumes in Slovenia./s/rra will perform a selection from the Gorenjska region (Upper Carniola)
Folk dancing has featured strongly in the Slovenian Victorian community since the sixties. In 1968 Draga Gelt established the first folkloric dancing group, from then on the tradition was continued by Viki Mrak with the group Rožmarin, Ivanka Kropich and Metka Lenarčič. Young people enjoy learning the steps and performing at Slovenian and multicultural events. The Iskra ensemble, trained by Meta
Lenarčič, has existed under that name for some years. It performs at major Slovenian events but also for other communities, most recently it has performed at an Indonesian event. The members of Iskra are: Andrew Bratina, Melissa Bratina, Adrian Butinar, Melissa Fistrič, Michelle Hervatin, Amanda Hervatin, Michelle Kohek, Natalie Postružin, Zaiika Rizmal, Sasha Srkulj, Martin Tegelj, Štefan Tegelj, Gavin Trebanc.
Folk songs Venček narodnih - A Wreath of Folk Songs
Folk songs can also be_combined into a flowing selection of melodies and texts. Christine and Wendy Cestnik will sing a selection and demonstrate a song as a dialogue. Christine Cestnik sings with her sister Wendy her own composition. Christine and Wendy Cestnik, Wake for Air by Xistance, Christine Cestnik and Wade Saliba
G, H Gore in Hribi Slovenije - Mountains and Hills of Slovenia
have been inspiration for merry polka and waltz melodies of popular Slovenian music, in rhythms as well as lyrics. It is a light-hearted, happy Alpine music, which Slovenians like to listen and dance to when they are relaxing. Slovenian immigrants brought this music with them to Australia along with their accordions. This musical tradition has been enthusiastically taken up by the second generation, and manifested itself in a number of popular bands and singers, who regularly entertain communities from central European regions, such Austrians, Bavarians, Istrians and of course Slovenians. Among them there are also several composers.
The accordion is a traditional Slovenian musical instrument. The Slovenian community has produced many excellent accordion players, and champions.
Frank Petelin has followed in his father's footsteps as a brilliant accordion player. He also composes and plays his own music and is one of the very few of the younger generation who has written his own Slovenian lyrics. With the ensemble Domači Fantje (Our Boys) he has produced a very successful CD. Today he has chosen to play for us Valček za očeta - Waltz for Father by Frank Petelin
He has composed it three years ago - for his father and all fathers.
I, J Prstne igre - Finger games
These are children's rhymes played out with fingers. It is a very specific variation of the children's rhymes, greatly enjoyed by smaller children. In these games every finger has its own role and function and the last one pays the price of whatever is going on.
"Games with fingers and rhymes derive from the same prehistoric beginnings of the personal and theatrical experience of man; they belong to the set of games of the eariy childhood that connect symbolic, sensory and motor games of the early childhood."{ár.Z\atko Bastasic) They have been collected in all the regions of Slovenia and in various dialects. Philologists are of the opinion that a great variety of dialects indicates a great age for a language. We may also say that for Slovenian people this indicates individualism and an attachment to the tradition, all of which is
reflected in the words used, in the pronounciation of vowel sounds and the melody of the speech patterns.
Lojze Jerič with selected Finger Games in the dialects Primorska This one says: Let's drink!
This one says: Let's eat!
This one says: Where will we get it from?
This one says: From mother's cupboard.
This one says: I'll tell mother
And they say: Just you wait! And they trash him: pok, pok, pok, pok
K Martin Krpan - the quintessential Slovenian hero - a dramatisation
The tale of Martin Krpan was written by Fran Levstik in 1858. The intention was to tell a Slovenian folk tale in simple style about a simple countryman, who has simplicity of heart, strength of character, wits and courage - a typical Slovenian man. The story has also a clear satirical edge, directed at the political masters in Vienna and the tension between the Austro-Hungarian court and the people. The tale is still very popular today with the younger children. The story revolves around the fact that Martin Krpan is extremely strong, that he smuggles salt (which is highly taxed), and that the emperor has met him by chance and calls for his help when Vienna is threatened by the Turk called Brdavs - a Goliath type figure. The enacted scene demonstrates the ingratitude of rulers once the danger is past. Erik Mrak	Martin Krpan
Simon Grilj	Brdavs
Andrew Bratina	Emperor
Barbara Smrdel	Empress
David Hvalica	Minister Gregor
Producer: Draga Gelt
L, M Molitev - Prayer by Edvard Kocbek
Edvard Kocbek is one of the most prominent Slovenian poets of the 20'" century. He is a reflective poet, often satirical as he smilingly observes and highlights with subtle barbs the social reality of th( times. He exemplifies the fact that the intimate language of a writer can transcend the code of a specific language in which it has been originally written.
It has been said that every fifth person in Slovenia is a poet. Poets have played an immense role among the Slovenian people. In the past they helped to build a nation by presenting them with a vision, and creating a Slovenian language, first as a language of poetry, then as a refined and sophisticated tool of communication. Paul Paddle	Molitev
Sem, ker sem bil, in vsakdo me bo mogel pozabiti.... Alenka Paddle A Prayer
I am, because I was, and everyone will be able to forget me. And yet I can say: I am, I was, I shall be.
And so, I am more than forgetting Immensely more than negating Infinitely more than nothing.
All things created are eternal. Birth has more power than death, Is hardier than loneliness and despair, Stronger than tumult and sin, More profound than abjectness. Never will I cease existing. Never. Amen.
N Nekoga moraš imeti rad - You must love someone by Ivan Minatti
Ivan Minatti is one of the best known and valued contemporary Slovenian poets. The poem You must love someone has become a classic, familiar to every Slovenian student. Andrew Bratina	You must love someone,
Even if it is grasses, river, tree or rock
You must lean your hand on a shoulder.
So that, hungry, it will sate its hunger with nearness.
You must, you must.
This is like bread, like a sip of water.
You must give your white clouds,
the bold birds of your dreams,
the timid birds of helplessness
After all somewhere there must be for them
the nest of peace and tenderness -,
you must love someone.
Even if it is grasses, river, tree or rock -,
Because trees and grasses know about loneliness
because footsteps always go on, even if for a moment
they pause-, because river knows about sadness
whenever it bends over its depths - because rock
knows about pain - how many heavy feet
have passed over its mute heart. You must love someone,
you must match steps with someone, onto the same path -
o grasses, river, rock, tree.
Unspeaking companions of loners and eccentrics.
Good, great beings, that speak only
When people fall silent.
O Pesmi za otroke - Poems for Children
All Slovenian leading poets have also written poems for children. The best known for his
children's poems is Oton Zupančič, with his series on the little boy called Ciciban - his son. The common thread in these poems is the voice of the father who is playing with his child, telling him stories and teaching him the fundamental lessons of life. These poems are variously playful, reflective, educational, together they form an extraordinary collection of poems, that are unique, and enjoyed by children and adults. The poem Mehurčki - Bubbles is a poem for a very small child. It combines play, imagination, magic and a lesson. There are three major forces in a child's life: sun, moon anc earth, and on a personal level - God, mother and father. Anita Fistrič and Matthew Bratina
Mehurčki - Bubbles by Oton Župančič	^
Cicibanus, on je danes Coprianus......
Pesem - Song
Slovenians have a song for every occasion and every mood. There are humorous songs, drinking songs, army songs, love songs, songs of parting, songs of sorrow, girls songs. They are used for singing in groups and in harmony. In the 19*^ century a new, more sophisticated and complex form emerged. Composers began to set Slovenian poetry to music and some wonderful new compositions were added to the repertoire of choirs as solo and duet pieces. The traditional songs were also rearranged for more complex renditions. Paul and Alenka Paddle, Tvoj srček bi rada imela - Give me your heart
It is an aria from the Slovenian operetta Planinska roža - The Mountain Flower. Libretto and music by Radovan Gobec. It has been translated into English and is awaiting a suitable production.
Znamenje - Roadside Chapel by Simon Jenko, composed by Hrabr Volarič Simon Jenko, is best known for his patriotic poetry. His poem Naprej (Forward) was the first Slovenian anthem in the pre-war Yugoslavia. In Znamenje the love of his country is expressed poignantly with the image of his homeland on the altar that is his heart.
Proteus ANGuiNus - Simon, Michelle, Leah and Melissa Fistrič
is a vocal ensemble who sing Acapello. The name chosen by the group is very interesting. Proteus Anguinus is a very unique creature that lives in underground rivers of Slovenia. The sisters and brother sing at all Slovenian events as well as at various Australian functions including the Parliament. Today they sing Domače ognjišče - Our Hearth by Ivan Hudnik
The Letter R.
In Slovenian the letter R often serves as a vowel in a group of consonants, and can be learnt although at first glance it appears an impossibility. Can you pronounce Trst, trdnjava, prst, vrv, krvav?
s, Š The ensemble Melodia will perform Šumijo gozdovi domači and Stari časi -Our Forests are Rustling in the Wind and The Old Times
The ensemble Melodia is one of the most recent groups of talented Slovenian musicians, who have started with a Slovenian repertoire and a Slovenian audience and are now becoming well-known outside the Slovenian community.
There are six members in Ansambel Melodia. Max Vojvoda (piano accordion), Antoni Volk (saxophone), Diane Jakšetič (drums), David Valenti ( guitar), Bernadette Brne and Belinda Rasen (vocals). The members are 2nd and 3rd generation Slovenians. The ensemble was established in May 2001. It has been performed at all the Slovenian clubs in Victoria, in AlburyAA/odonga and in Canberra. Melodia was also invited to play at the planting of the Stara Trta from Maribor at MacWilliams Vineyards in Lilydale. They are becoming well-known outside the Slovenian community and have appeared at the Istrian Club, Austrian Club, and the Savoy Italian Club in Myrtleford.
T, U Jaz sem učiteljica, ti si učiteljica, ona je učiteljica. Kaj si pa ti? Grammar and fun. I am teacher, you are teacher, she is teacher. What are you?
V Valentin Vodnik - the first Slovenian poet
He was a priest and a poet. On his gravestone is written in his own words; I leave no son or daughter- enough remembrance, my songs will sing of me. He lived at the time of the Napoleonic wars, 200 years ago, and he is remembered principally for what he had to say about Slovenia and its people - in playful rhythm and rhyme - at a crucial time of Slovenia's history. He was hardworking and inventive and an educator in the broadest sense. Interestingly, the word vodnik means guide. He established the Slovenian tradition of literacy for everybody. He started the enduring tradition o^pratika a popular annual publication containing a calendar, feast days, practical advice, interesting information and humour. It had something for every reader. He wrote appealing simple poems for the average person. These poems are unique in their way and have endured, because of their practical, common sense and incisive content. He was political in the sense that he urged literacy for Slovenian people, gave them pride in themselves, and provided an example which they could follow.
His poem, Dramilo - Wakeup Call written at the beginning of the 1century is a classic example of his ability to reach the hearts and the minds of the average person. In it he says: look, you have everything that you need for a good life. You have a good healthy land which gives you a living. You are strong, you have a good head on your shoulders, just take from the bountiful land what it offers. Go on, don't be lazy! If you let yourself go, you'll end up a beggar.
School children today still read this bright gutsy poem and learn it by heart. Patricia Antauer - Dramilo - Wakeup Call
z Zbor Planika - Slovenian Choir Planika, Melbourne
The male choir Planika Melbourne is the oldest Slovenian choir in Australia, established some twenty years ago. The conductor is Roland Carmody, manager Peter Mandel. Today it has 16 members and has performed at all major community events in Victoria. Choral singing is an ancient Slovenian musical tradition, developed in villages, and later risen to ever more challenging levels with Slovenian modern choral compositions. It is based on oktet a harmony of eight male voices and interweaving melody lines. There is a continuing 1000 year old tradition of Slovenian choral singing. In Carynthia, the singers still perform according to the old tradition, singing in harmony, under a linden tree, the sacred tree of the ancient Slavs. Pri farni cerkvici - At the Village Church
Folk song arranged for choir by Jože Leskovar. The bells of the village church awaken the lovers. It is time for parting. Its light melodic line was liked so much by Slovenian musicians in USA, that they used it as the foundation for "Slovenian mass".
PoBRATiMiJA - Brotherhood
Written by the poet Simon Jenko, Pobratimija is a fiery assertion of brotherhood and mutua loyalty which time and separation cannot break. It was first performed in Vienna in 1860 with the conductor Davorin Jenko who was also the composer. Present arrangement is by Vinko Vodopivec
Z Žabja svatba - A Frogs Wedding
Poem by Josip Stritar, arrangement by Vinko Vodopivec
Noisy and funny, the poem Frogs had a wedding was possibly intended for children, but it also a lighthearted satire. It is a technically demanding and humourous composition, executing extremely precise pronounciation with hair trigger timing. It is based on the sounds frogs make, so to speak a choral frog composition. If frogs had choirs, this is how they would sound.
R for Raffle - Tilka Lenko
Adrian Butinar will provide musical accompaniment on his button accordion
The Exhibition
25 YEARS OF TEACHING SLOVENIAN LANGUAGE IN VICTORIA in BARAGA HOUSE.
There will be a display of teaching texts and publications Slovenian books used in teaching at primary and secondary
levels, curriculum documents, photographic and textual materials.
The books will be available for purchase at the main entrance from Magda Hribernik and Anica Smrdel. For the books
already ordered see Danila Štolfa at the Exhibition in Baraga House and Marija Oppelt in the Baraga Library.
The price is $25.00. Slovenian Course Outlines orders will be taken by Ivan Lapuh.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank all the people who have helped to bring about this event. Firstly my warmest thanks to the 25th Anniversary Committee for their enthusiasm, support, advice, expertise and assistance during the past months: Marija Anžič, p.Ciril Božič, IVlilena Brgoč, Barbara Brožič, Sandi Ceferin, Draga Gelt, Marta Krenos, Metka Lenarčič, Eric Mrak, Viki Mrak, Jožica Paddie-Ledinek, Elica Rizmal, Barbara Smrdel, Veronica Smrdel, Lucija Srnec, Štefan Srnec. I would further like to thank all those who have helped with subscriptions, reservations and the raffle. Their help and suppor has been invaluable: Lidija Bratina, Melissa Bratina, Lidija Čušin,Tilka Lenko, Danila Štolfa, Magda Hribernik, Ivan Lapuh, Metka Lenarčič, Anica Smrdel, Vida Vojvoda.
Most particularly I wish to thank Fr Ciril A. Božič, Florjan Auser, Metka Lenarčič and Elica Rizmal for publicising the events. I would also like to thank all the young people who are giving their time to perform and make the 25 Anniversary a memorable occasion. Their names appear on the program.
My thanks to two Slovenian institutions: Sklad Republike Slovenije za kulturne dejavnosti and Slovenska Izseljenska Matica for donating books for the raffle.
I wish particularly to thank Draga Gelt for all the work she has put into preparation of the cultural program. The result is for all to see and appreciate.
My thanks to Društvo sv. Eme, for catering of the evening meal, and to the public for sharing this day with us.
▼MC
▼ VICTORIAN MULTICULTURAL COMMISSION
Finsbury
Printing
sponsors
Victorian Multicultural Commission The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Republic of Slovenia, Office for Slovenes Abroad Finsbury Printing, Adelaide and Melbourne (Family E. Orel) Miditek, Lenti Lenko Australian Slovenian Cultural and Sporting Association Ivan Cankar Gee\ong Australian Slovenian Social and Sporting Association Melbourne Australian Slovenian Social and Sporting Association St.Albans Council of Slovenian Organisations of Victoria Australia Slovenian Australian Cultural and Sporting Association Planica Springvale Slovenian Australian Social and Sporting Association Jadran Diggers Rest Slovenian National Council of Victoria Slovenian Religious and Cultural Centre of Ss Cyril and Methodius
Program text: Cover design: Sound and lights:
Saša Ceterin Tanja Ledwych John Golja
Narrating text:	Draga Gelt, Veronika Smrdel, Roland Mrak
Printed by	Finsbury Printing, Adelaide
Flower arrangements: Marija Anžič
Video and photography:Matija Cestnik, Ana Maria Cek Program Coordinator and Desktop publishing: Draga Gelt
Slovenian classes in Victorian School of Languages taught more than language
Through Slovenian class I was introduced to many exciting and new concepts that give flavour and uniqueness to a culture, from poems and proverbs (pregovori) to contemporary short stories. Jan Novak
The ability to move between cultures, assimilate and meld riches that are characteristic of each gives me an advantage I treasure almost daily. Andrew Potočnik
Slovenski jezik me zanima kot bistven pojav slovenske kulture iz katere izhaja moj rod. Sandi Ceferin
Saturday mornings led me on an exciting cultural journey far different to the one I was growing up in. Roland Mrak
I love my Slovenian background and being able to speak the language allows me to become involved in many aspects of the Slovenian community. Veronica Smrdel
Ponosna in zadovoljna sem, da govorim dva jezika, poznam dve kulturi in da pripadam obema v vsej njuni različnosti. Sabina Vogrin
Slovensko se učim, ker se hočem, ne zato ker moram. Evgen Iglic
This book is a chronicle of twenty-five years of teaching Slovenian language in Victoria. While outlining the major steps required to reach this milestone, the book also reflects the importance of Slovenian classes and the impact they had on our young people.
Aleksandra Ceferin