Farewelling Japan

In the photo above, staff from both schools enjoyed a traditional lunch followed by the opportunity to exchange gifts. The Head of Languages, Ms Kim Twilley, presented a gift from Sacred Heart College to Mr Moriwaki Masahiro – the Principial of Ibaraki Nishi High School. In a photo below, the Sacred Heart staff join with Mr Masahiro in displaying the resplendent photo book along with the signed Memorandum of Understanding in both Japanese and English - the formal documentation supporting the relationship between our two schools.

Student Reflection - By Annabel Eshuys

Over the course of twelve days, we had the amazing chance to travel through and experience Japan, from places like Meiji Shrine, Harajuku shopping district and the Skytree in Tokyo; Nijo Castle, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and an evening of karaoke in Kyoto; to the highlight of the trip: a homestay with students from our sister school, Ibaraki Nishi, including attending school with them for two days.

Though we only spent four full days with our host families, we all learned so much about Japanese culture and language. We were privileged to be welcomed into their homes, to see firsthand how Japanese families live and the rigours of school life. We even presented in Japanese to a range of classes, discussing life in Australia as a teenager, as well as fielding questions. While challenging, this immersive experience was so rich and allowed us to form connections that will hopefully last for a very, very long time.

Through countless shopping sprees, train rides, and konbini trips (the ubiquitous Japanese convenience store), I feel this group has become incredibly close, and hope we remain so.