Celebrating Cultures, Building Connections!
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming 23 Japanese students to WSC as part of a cultural exchange program organised by the Mitchell Honbetsu Sister City Association Inc. and what a fantastic morning it was!
The visiting students joined some of our students for an English class with Mr Jarrod Patterson, where they explored the wonderful world of Aussie slang! Our students learnt the Japanese words for the same expressions, and what started as a language lesson quickly turned into a friendly competition. Pride was on the line, the laughter was flowing, and everyone was determined to get it right!
Mr Patterson was a definite favourite with our visiting students, helping make the lesson an absolute highlight! We may not have all understood every word, but smiles, gestures and a shared sense of humour certainly helped bridge the language gap.
No Aussie cultural experience would be complete without some iconic treats! Our visitors sampled Vegemite sandwiches, lamingtons, meat pies, fairy bread and Caramello Koalas. And the biggest surprise? Even the Vegemite was a hit! We might have some new Vegemite converts on our hands!
The students then teamed up with our Academy Squad to have a go at Australian Rules Football. For many, it was their first time handling an oval ball, but you wouldn't have guessed it! Handballs, kicks, drop punts and even a torpedo or two were on display, with goals being kicked from all over the ground. Future AFL recruits, perhaps?
PE Teacher and Academy Co-Ordinator, Mr Joel Bramble was also a huge hit, dishing out high-fives and showing off his AFL athleticism. Needless to say, the footy session was full of energy, enthusiasm and plenty of smiles!
This exchange was a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about another culture, share a little piece of Australia and discover that friendship doesn't need perfect grammar or a common language. Sometimes, all it takes is a few laughs, a meat pie and a footy!
We are incredibly grateful to the Mitchell Honbetsu Sister City Association Inc. for making this experience possible and warmly welcomed their invitation for the opportunity to reciprocate by visiting Japan with our students in the future.
The college would also like to take this opportunity to thank the families who volunteered to provide a home for the visiting students for the weekend. Again another example of community at work!