The College was delighted to welcome a cohort from one of our Japanese sister schools, Takayama Junior High School. This year was a small group of only 12 students, but their enthusiasm and joy in visiting Australia was vast.
Takayama students had an opportunity to interact with Year 9 and 10 elective Japanese students, beginning with an orientation tour of the College, using online dictionaries to guide their Japanese explanations of our facilities. Isabella Morris from Year 10 welcomed the group with a speech in Japanese and gifts were exchanged between the two schools.
The elective class students had many opportunities to engage in Japanese. A photo scavenger hunt and a find someone who activity, kept both Japanese and Australian students busily communicating in both languages. Taste-testing unusual Aussie flavours, such as vegemite sandwiches and cheese sayo biscuits, was a hit with the Japanese students. The Aussie students, meanwhile, tried the uniquely Japanese flavours of wasabi, green tea and pickled ginger, with varying degrees of enjoyment. Much fun and laughter ensued with an Aussie trivia competition.
The Takayama students enjoyed homestays with some of our College families visiting the Blue Mountains, Sydney Harbour, Manly Beach and The Rocks. Many of the students commented on enjoying a BBQ meal during their stay and how much they enjoyed it. The Takayama teachers, meanwhile, visited Katoomba to see The Three Sisters and ride the Scenic Railway. They also spent a day touring around Sydney City, walking over the Harbour Bridge, visiting Mrs Macquarie’s Chair and the Opera House.
The final activity with the College was a trip to Sydney Zoo. Students saw an array of Australian animals, as well as some from around the world. The Bungarribee Workshop allowed students to hear from an Indigenous Australian and learn a bit about Indigenous culture and language. The students enjoyed hearing about the hunting weapons of the men and the gathering implements used by the women. They finally listened to some didgeridoo sounds, picking out the Australian animal sounds that were being recreated.
Finally, we farewelled the group as they then embarked on a tour of the city of Sydney before flying back to Japan.
Mrs Fiona Byrne
Coordinator of Languages & Year 8 Advisor