Tuesday afternoon saw the students participating in an Auskick workshop with Year 7 girls. The students learned a little bit about AFL, how to kick, how to pass and how to duck and weave. Much fun was had with instructor Adam as he lead them through various games to teach them the skills of AFL. The students each took home an AFL pack, including a ball and bag. Students then went home with their host families.
Wednesday started with a visit to the Leppington Pastoral Company. Students saw baby calves, the milking area and learned about the company's production of milk. One of the highlights was seeing seeing some adolescent cows running towards the group excitedly, as they approached. It was then back to College to experience the opening of the Rawdon Middleton Sports Centre. Students and staff from Fukuroi commented on how much they enjoyed the Thomas Hassall Anglican College bands and their performances. Year 11 Japanese Continuers then hosted our visitors, participating in an interactive activity.
On Thursday, Fukuroi students enjoyed seeing real Australian classes when they went to Periods 1 and 2 with their College buddies. It was then off to Putt Planet in Miranda. Students and staff alike enjoyed a game of putt putt golf and some Aussie pies and sausage rolls.
The Euroka Clearing outing was a big success on Friday. Students began with a quick orienteering activity run by Miss Friel and then tried to complete a big Treasure Hunt. Students worked together in teams figuring out word puzzles, crosswords, find-a-words and anagrams to decode clues leading them to the next clue point. It was an amazing sight seeing the use of English and Japanese to work together toward the end goal. Our visitors also experienced Aussie tucker, trying damper (some brave visitors even tried vegemite), Tim Tams, lamingtons and then a sausage sandwich for lunch. The weather was beautiful, the kangaroos were aplenty and the bird-life was so active, so much so that several sausages were snatched mid-bite by some cheeky kookaburras.
The students enjoyed fun filled weekends with their host families exploring our great city. Some were even seen wandering around the South West Festival on Saturday too.
While it was a quick trip, much fun, laughter and extended language learning was had by all. Thank you to all the host families for opening up their homes and hearts. The connection is always amazing and several tears were shed upon the farewells on Monday.
Mrs Fiona Byrne
LOTE Coordinator
