Friendship, language, and culture came together in a special way as St Peter’s Woodlands.
Congratulations to our school community and especially our Year 5 students who hosted and shared a week of school with children from Japan. St Peter’s Woodlands is honoured to share a friendship with Kori Nevers Gakuin 香里ヌヴェール学院, a primary school in Osaka. Our connection was further built through this year’s homestay program. Thank you to the many Year 5 and Year 6 SPW families who hosted the visiting 22 Japanese children.
The week provided a truly enriching experience, allowing the students to explore cultural differences and similarities of Australia and Japan firsthand. Our students had the opportunity to practice their Japanese, while the Osaka students honed their English speaking skills. It transformed the classroom into a vibrant cultural exchange and deepened their learning whilst forming friendships.
“I thought the Japanese children were brave, kind and funny. I hope to see them again and I am grateful for the experience.” Evelyn, Year 6
“It was really fun to welcome Miku into my home and we had a blast doing origami, shopping, baking cakes. Miku not only became a friend but my best friend and I can’t wait to go to Japan and meet her family.” Bella, Year 5
“I really liked having a Japanese student, it was really fun. I thought he was fun and courageous and it was sad to say sayounara…” Hudson, Year 5
“It was fun meeting people from a different culture and trying to speak a different language. Me and Riina will be friends for life!” Isla, Year 5
“I liked playing games with my Japanese student like Roblox, soccer, footy and backyard cricket. I liked going to Fasta Pasta with them and overall, everyone had an amazing experience and I would like to do it all again.” Sam, Year 5
We have continued to strengthen not only our own international friendships but we are part of the bridge between Australia and Japan. Too often international news shows conflict and upset between peoples and nations. Yet, on the contrary, the open minded, respectful and courageous way our SPW students engaged with new friends from Japan indicates a bright and peaceful future for the world they will lead.
Article shared by Skye Baldacchino, Japanese Language Teacher.
