Sundial School students showcase Dutch skills during annual taaldorp

GREAT BAY--Sundial School held its annual Taaldorp on Friday, giving Form 2 students the opportunity to put their Dutch language skills into practice in a lively, realistic and interactive setting.

The annual activity, coordinated by Ms. Roxsana Pantophlet, is one of the school’s anticipated traditions. While some students approach it with a little nervousness, Taaldorp has become an important learning experience that allows them to demonstrate their ability to communicate in Dutch outside of the regular classroom environment.

Throughout the school year, Dutch teacher Mrs. Drachtenstein and Remedial Dutch teacher Ms. Olivia Murray work diligently with the students to prepare them for their third-term test week assessment. Taaldorp serves as a practical extension of that preparation, allowing students to apply what they have learned through real-life conversations and everyday scenarios.

During the activity, students moved from classroom to classroom, with each room transformed into a different real-life location. These included the market, police station, Census Office, doctor’s office and other common settings. At each station, students were required to hold conversations in Dutch with instructors, teachers and volunteers.

The instructors included Dutch-speaking teachers and volunteers from the community, including MP Ardwell Irion, Mrs. Claire Elshot, Les Brown, Theo Telting, Estella Matinburgh, Doris Dedier, Mireya Torrenga, Letitia Dragtenstein and Joan Essed. Their participation helped create a meaningful and authentic learning environment for the students.

Sundial School expressed sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed in any way to making the Taaldorp a successful and memorable experience. The school said the support, time and encouragement given to the students helped make the activity both educational and enjoyable.

A special word of thanks was also extended to Accessible Ventures St. Maarten for sponsoring the Taaldorp banners. The contribution helped enhance the atmosphere and visibility of the school activity.

Taaldorp continues to be a valuable part of Sundial School’s language program. By allowing students to practice Dutch in realistic situations, the activity helps build confidence, improve speaking skills and reinforce the importance of language in everyday life.

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