SEIUN GAKUEN SCHOOL VISIT
In weeks 8 and 9 John Therry was thrilled to host the students of Seiun Gakuen school from Nagasaki, Japan for their Australian high school experience. The students of John Therry did a wonderful job making the Japanese students feel welcome and there was a dedicated group of 30 students who acted as buddies for the students on the days they were present at the College.
The Seiun Gakuen students had a fantastic time participating in school sport with the Years 7 and 8 students on the Tuesday afternoon, some experiencing Oztag and AFL for the very first time.
Friday afternoon saw the Japanese students participate in a cultural activity organised by Mrs Nau, with our Aboriginal students. The boys were introduced to the didgeridoo under the guidance of Tom, Tony C, Riley B and Angus R, and they made a good effort at trying to learn this difficult skill. The girls were taught the process of making soap, adding eucalyptus for a truly Australian souvenir as well as dance. Shaelah S, Tyleaha T, Chelsea K, Madi A were kind and thoughtful hosts and the girls loved their experience.
John Therry students who are studying Japanese had an opportunity to interact with the Japanese students introducing themselves in Japanese, listening to presentations about aspects of Japanese culture and playing games. There were also lots of playground opportunities for the JT students to meet the Japanese students and spend time together.
On their final afternoon at JT the Seiun Gakuen students were presented with a certificate by Miss Phillips acknowledging their time at John Therry and a small gift as a reminder of their time with us. The JT buddy students and elective Japanese students joined the celebration culminating in the making of fairy bread and lots of photo opportunities.
Many thanks to the students and staff of John Therry for being so welcoming of the Seiun Gakuen students, it was a wonderful opportunity for all those involved to share language, culture and friendship.
Mrs Ursino.
