Upon arrival, a Welcome Ceremony ensued. Our College Captain, Yulika Stratti, welcomed the visitors with an impromptu speech. Year 11 students Melanie Eggins and Tasha Muller then gave a welcome speech. Gifts were exchanged by the Principals. Finally, Takayama-mura students heartily sang their school song and elective Japanese students responded with the national anthem.
Takayama students buddied up with Australian students and explored the College campus. Friendships were cemented through strongly contested table tennis, before the Takayama group headed to Calmsley Hill City Farm for an all-Aussie animal adventure.
Students were home-hosted and we are thankful to those families who welcomed the visitors into their homes. The weekend was spent exploring the beautiful city of Sydney with their host families and students enthusiastically reported back a wonderful time spent with their families.
The final outing was a day at nearby Lizard Log. Japanese elective students from Years 9 and 10, some Open High School students from Year 11 and some Year 8 host siblings attended the day with our visitors. It was a beautiful sunny day in the Western Sydney Parklands allowing students to enjoy an obstacle course, treasure hunt and photo scavenger hunt. A morning tea of freshly baked damper with golden syrup, Tim Tams and lamingtons was enjoyed, along with a traditional lunch of sausage sizzle. The day concluded with a final song from the visitors, along with a presentation ceremony and a gift bag.
Elective Japanese students pushed their language skills over the two days and created friendships that enhanced the relationship of the two schools.
Mrs Fiona Byrne
Coordinator of Languages
