We are thrilled to announce the arrival of students and staff from our sister school in Japan, Horyuji High School, to our community. For two weeks, we will have the pleasure of hosting students from Horyuji, who will join us in our classes and exchange cultural experiences.
We want to express our deepest gratitude to the families who have opened their homes and welcomed our guests. Your kindness and generosity will make this exchange possible and enriching for everyone involved.
The relationship with our sister school is a wonderful opportunity for our students to broaden their horizons and learn about a different culture. By hosting and interacting with our guests, we will gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Japanese traditions, customs, and values.
Likewise, our Japanese counterparts will have the chance to immerse themselves in our Australian way of life and learn about our culture, history, and education system. We are richer for this experience, and it will help us build lifelong connections with the international community.
As part of our welcome to Australia, Darren Wandin, a Wurundjeri man, led a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony on Tuesday 14 March. This ceremony acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri people, and their continuing connection to the land, waters, sky and community. This was an essential part of our sister school's introduction to our country, and we hope it gave them a greater appreciation of Australia's First Nations culture. A welcome assembly was also held in Centennial Hall (pictured).
On Wednesday and Thursday, our visitors joined our students in Year 7 and Year 8 classes and also shared classes with their Australian brother or sister. In Thursday's class with Year 8 Silver, the students made inkan — engraving names in rubber to make a stamp (pictured).
We look forward to the next two weeks and hope that our Sister School students will have a memorable experience in Australia. We encourage everyone to participate in the cultural exchange, make new friends, and learn about our global community.
Thank you once again to the families who have opened their doors to our guests, and we look forward to sharing this journey with you all.
