Dhamma Sarana Vihara
| Dhamma Sarana Vihara | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Information | |
| Tradition/Linage | Sri Lanka |
| Main School | Theravada |
| Founded | Founded(when)::1999 |
| People | |
| President(s) | BUORG-Names::Names::Lal Samarasekera |
| Teacher(s) | BUORG-Names::Names::Ven. Naotunne Vijitha |
| Contact Infotmation | |
| Address | 329-335 Greens Road Keysborough Victoria 3173 Australia |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | service=google }} {{#geocode:329-335Greens RoadKeysboroughVictoriaAustralia|format=float|service=google}} service=google }}The "_geo" type of this property is invalid |
| Map | {{#display_map:{{#geocode:329-335Greens RoadKeysboroughVictoriaAustralia}}|height=250px|width=250px|zoom=18}} |
| Phone | Phone::0397690872 |
| Fax | Fa0397690875::0397690875 |
| Website | Website::http://www.dhammasarana.org.au/ "Website" has not been listed as valid URI scheme. |
| Email::info@dhammasarana.net.auURIs of the form "Email::info@dhammasarana.net.au" are not allowed. | |
Dhamma Sarana Vihara
Our Spiritual Leader
Venerable Vijitha arrived in Australia in 1993 to serve as a resident monk at the then Sri Lankan Buddist Temple in Springvale, Victoria, which he transformed to be a very successful Sri Lankan place of worship over the next six years. Venerable Vijitha took residence in the new premises in 2001 in Keysborough. He cultivated cordial relationships with most other Temples in Melbourne, particularly with those of the Cambodian, Laotian, Burmese and Thai communities, and also with Buddhist centres interstate. He has provided regular Buddhist services at the Dhammasarana Vihara and has also conducted a very successful Dhamma school attended by over a hundred and twenty children. His rapport and Popularity with children has been exceptionally noteworthy.
In the year 1999, the Buddhist Sri Lankan Association acquired the current property and under his able guidance, the initial construction and establishment of Dhammasarana Vihara was accomplished, which now serves a very large Sri Lankan devotee population, who are much Indebted and grateful for his untiring contribution to the community.
In January 2003, Venerable Vijitha was awarded 'Siri Vipulasiri Vanshavathansa Buddha Sasana Pradeepayamana Sasan Shobhana SaddhammaKiththissiri' honorary title by Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya for his outstanding Dhammaduta services overseas.
Dhamma School
BRIEF HISTORY/SCHOOL PROFILE
The Buddhist Studies School (Daham Pasala) was established under the patronage of its present management in June 1993. Having started as a school of religion, Sinhala Language was introduced to its curriculum as a subsidiary subject in 1997. In 1999, the Sinhala Language section joined the LOTE (Languages other than English) program conducted by the DET (Department of Education and Training) to impart Sinhala Language as a part of 2nd language learning. The Sinhala Language School is now defmed as an ethnic school and is funded by DET. In 2000, the school obtained accreditation from DET until the year 2003. This status is to be renewed every 3 years as a part of DET ethnic school policy.
The school started with a student population of 26 and 3 teachers. At the start of 2002, the school recorded a student population of 193, with 8 teachers and 1 relief teacher. The average class size was approximately 24 students. Presently (early 2003), the student population exceeds 230, with a teaching staff of 10 and 2 relief teachers and the average class size remains the same.
SESSIONS
School is in session every Sunday, 4 terms of the year and coincides with Victorian school sessions. School starts with general assembly at 2.00 p.m. There are 2 sessions. The 1st session from 2.15 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.is allocated for Buddhist Studies. This is followed by a 15 minute break from 3.30 p.m. to 3.45 p.m. The 2nd session from 3.45 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. is allocated for Sinhala Language. Students are dismissed at this time.
CURRICULUM/PROGRAMS
The school provides a comprehensive curriculum in key areas of the CSF 11 (Curriculum and Standards Framework 11) pertaining to Buddhist Studies and Sinhala Language. Course outlines in the 2 subjects are designed in relevance to Victorian educational requirements. Teachers go through professional training at departmental level and school level.
Programs involving cultural and religious events are followed by specially- focused activities such as choir-singing, public-speaking, annual retreats and participating in Buddhist festivals by the students. The school provides information and consultancy to parents and students and professional development to teachers.
ETHOS/CULTURE
Great emphasis is placed on good discipline, punctuality, regularity and respect. In order that students' quality of life is enhanced, mental cleansing and training are taught and encouraged.
BELIEFS
The school believes that all students can learn and experience success. For students to reach their individual potential, end-of-term testing and reporting are conducted as achievement indicator monitors.
VALUES
The school values the geographical and migratory diversity of its students, their ability to learn good things of life from the Buddha's life and teachings and the opportunity they receive to learn their native language in order that they become bilingual in communication.
EXPECTATIONS
The school expects that students and parents will continue to contribute to and support its on-going life and development.
CONCLUSION
A review shows us that the school has progressed immensely during the past 10 years. Its clientele numbers have increased, teachers receive professional training and Sinhala Language has become apart of the curriculum. This status has been achieved through the cooperation of parents, teachers, students and the wider community.
Sinhala School
Principal's Message
Sinhala Language School is proud of its long history of providing quality educational opportunities for students.
Buddhist Sri Lankan Association of Victoria Sinhala Language was established in 1997. In 1999, we joined the LOTE (Languages other than English) program conducted by the DET (Department of Education and Training) to impart Sinhala Language as a part of 2nd language learning.
The Sinhala Language School is now famed as an ethnic school. Our school is funded and accredited by Department of Education and Training. We follow Victorian Essential Learning Standards.
The school focuses remains on the key areas of listening, speaking, writing and reading of Sinhala Language but also offers a diverse curriculum to ensure that students receive a well rounded educational experience.
In addition to the academic focus, the school offers a strong value-based program that supports the building of individual and collective self-esteem.
As Principal, I am proud of the achievements of our students and teachers and believe that our school provides students with a strong foundation for future learning. I invite and encourage Sri Lankan community to enrich the development of the Sinhalese language, identity and culture in multicultural Australia for many more generations.
Our Objective
To be the leading School for the Sinhala Language and Culture, providing outstanding educational and cultural programs in a stress free environment, that motivate students to excel by reaching their goals, individual strengths and linguistic abilities.
Course Details
The Sinhala language program focuses on four language learning skills Listening, speaking, reading and writing. We teach and promote the Sinhala Language and Culture, the values, traditions and customs through progressive programs, celebrations and socio-cultural functions.
Students
We have students from Prep to Year 10
School Time
Every Sunday 3.15pm to 5.45pm (2.30 hours)
Academic Staff
Our teachers are well qualified and have a passion for teaching younger generations. With guidance of the Principal of Sinhala Language School Venerable Naotunne Vijitha Nayaka Thero all teachers are working towards a common goal.
