Fujimigaoka High School visit

On Wednesday 14 June, 51 students from Fujimigaoka High School, along with their Principal, Vice Principal and some teaching staff, visited the College. During their visit, Year 8 Japanese students got to know them through the groups we had formed as well as through the day’s fun activities and awkward dance attempts. At first, it was quite awkward, but before long, we were friends thanks to our amazing social skills and an exchange of small gifts, practising our Japanese language skills. During the first two periods of the visit, the students got to know each other and speeches were given from both principals Ms Skerman and Principal Yoshida and a presentation was given by the Santa Sabina students. Soon after, it was recess and the groups shared the food we provided for each other.

During the middle two periods, Year 7 Japanese students joined us and everyone went to the hall for more interactive activities, which included an ‘about yourself’ mini book, Shaolin Temple demonstration (with a very intriguing spar with spontaneous screaming) from the Fujimigaoka students, heel toe polka, which was when everyone awkwardly danced, but still had fun as a whole, as well as sing both of the schools’ songs. This definitely was one of the most engaging parts of our day. Soon after we had a great chance to connect with our exchange students over classic Australian BBQ lunch. A special ありがとう to Mr Ayoub for organising the BBQ and the Sport Department for cooking.

The final two periods of the day were spent learning about Fujimigaoka High School and Japan from their presentations, and then a tour of our grounds. We showed them our (very) intricate school and our favourite places as well as different classes. We had a really fun time talking about the ghosts of Holyrood and the age of our school. It was then time for the Japanese students to go and we said a sad さようなら to our new friends.

Once again, thank you to Ms Whittemore, Ms Shiragaki and Ms Formosa for organising this experience, and we really appreciate it!

Tanvi Chava and Wendy Wang