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Legislative Council - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-11-13 Daily Xml
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MATTERS OF INTEREST

BRAZILIAN ETHNIC SCHOOL

The Hon. CARMEL ZOLLO (15:24): I was pleased to have the opportunity last month to be a guest speaker and formally open our state's newest ethnic school, the Brazilian Ethnic School. I represented the Minister for Education and Child Development and the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Jennifer Rankine MP, on the evening.

The inauguration of South Australian's first Brazilian school is a very special milestone for the Brazilian community and our state. The Brazilian Ethnic School has opened its doors to people of all ages and backgrounds. This school welcomes a wide cross-section of students with one common goal—whether the pupils are five or 55, they all want to learn more about Brazilian culture. What a wonderful thing! I know we would all agree that understanding other cultures is at the centre of a harmonious society, but understanding our own culture can be pivotal to our personal happiness and success.

From speaking with many migrant families, particularly grandparents, I understand one of their biggest joys is seeing their children and grandchildren embrace their culture, especially their language. It goes both ways. Children love being able to speak to their grandparents and parents in their native tongue.

I am certain all honourable members will agree that language, indeed, is the custodian of culture. The Brazilian language is, of course, Portuguese. As was told to me, children who had already been attending the school for a short while had already learnt a few words and sentences and were starting to have conversations with their parents and grandparents, much to the excitement of the whole family.

The state government recognises the valuable role our ethnic schools play in our education system and our community. Testament to this is the government's commitment to enter into a new three-year funding agreement with the Ethnic Schools Association of South Australia, which will enable the association to continue to provide valuable support to ethnic schools.

Schools are the centre of our communities in South Australia. They are places to learn, to meet people and to feel included and supported. The Brazilian Ethnic School is no exception. It seems the only problem for the school's students so far has been breaking up for the holidays. When term 3 finished I was told one little fellow was not too pleased. He just wanted to keep going. What dedication! It is that kind of testimonial that augurs well for the future of this school and our whole community.

I would like to place on record the government's and the community's acknowledgement and thanks to all those who made the establishment of the school possible. In particular, thanks go to Andrea Hughes, the principal of the Brazilian Ethnic School, and Marina Ribeiro, the president of the Brazilian Association. So many people are involved in seeing such successes.

I am certain all would agree with me that we are so fortunate to live in this nation and great state where we can, within the laws of our land, celebrate our ethnicity, language, culture and traditions alongside many others and be so enriched and, at the same time, also celebrate everything we have in common as Australians.

Also present on the evening were the Honorary Consul for Brazil, Mr Peter McMillan, and another very interesting speaker in the form of linguistics expert, Professor Ghil'ad Zuckermann from the University of Adelaide. I should also place on the record that the school is hosted by the Burnside Primary School.

The number of people of Brazilian ethnicity in South Australia has grown in recent years to nearly 1,000, and they add a valuable contribution to our state in all areas of society. I know how proud the Brazilian Australian community is to have opened the state's first Brazilian Ethnic School and it really is the beginning of an exciting new era for them. I congratulate all involved.

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