08 September 2017
Fahan School Year 6 students hosted 22 girls from Tokyo Jogakkan School in Japan for six days from Wednesday 26 July.
The Japanese students, along with their Principal and teachers, were officially welcomed by Fahan staff and students at an assembly in the TM Hall on their arrival. During this special welcome, Fahan School Year 6 students introduced themselves and performed a play in Japanese to the great delight of the visiting students. The Jogakkan girls then presented some interesting facts about Japan and its culture before presenting a musical item. This performance was followed by a polished rendition of the Australian National Anthem by the Jogakkan girls which impressed the entire audience.
Fahan School Japanese and ESL Teacher, Clare Enright, believes the relationship with Tokyo Jogakkan Exchange brings numerous benefits to both Fahan School and Jogakkan students. “It's such a unique opportunity for the Year 6 girls to be treated to such a hands-on cultural experience. It's the closest we can get to Japanese culture without leaving the country and we are so lucky to have such generous friends in our Sister School relationship with Tokyo Jogakkan."
Over the course of the week, Fahan School and Jogakkan students participated in cultural exchanges including Kimono dressing, Japanese dancing, a Tea Ceremony, calligraphy and a trip to the Bonorong Wildlife Park. The Jogakkan girls also spent a day in Junior School classes from Kinder to Year 5 sharing aspects of their culture with the younger girls. The visitors concluded their stay in Tasmania with a special farewell BBQ and certificate presentation by Fahan Principal, Tony Freeman.
“It has been wonderful to see such strong relationships develop among the girls in such a short time. The manner in which they were able to engage and share was pleasing to witness.” said Tony Freeman.
The following are some thoughts from Year 6 girls:
“My favourite thing was getting to know all the Jogakkan girls and to know their culture. I learned that I’m not very good at origami and dancing Japanese style!” Ava Allanby
“It was a wonderful experience meeting the Tokyo Jogakkan students and learning about their culture. I enjoyed learning how to do origami even if I didn’t get it.” Millie Lindell
“I enjoyed having the Jogakkan students over because they were really good at English. They were really funny and very good at origami.” Abbey Willcox
“I’m really happy that the Jogakkan students visited us. I’ve had a really great experience and I really enjoyed the tea ceremony.” Esme Trambas
