08 May 2023
A very successful two day excursion to Sydney for our year 9 and 10 Japanese students. Our Aboriginal Education Officer Lisa Rowley delivered a lovely Acknowledgement to Country when we arrived in Sydney to commence our visit and enhanced our cultural experience of Sydney throughout the trip.
Year 9 and 10 Japanese students visited the Japan Foundation in Sydney and participated in a calligraphy workshop. As several students have now had the opportunity at MHS to practice calligraphy, some were considered calligraphy masters! Students really enjoyed practicing some basic techniques, before selecting a specific kanji to practice thoroughly, before creating their final masterpiece. Students produced some beautiful calligraphy pieces which will be displayed in the library for the next few weeks. At the Japan Foundation, students were praised for their attitude, behaviour and efforts during the calligraphy workshop.
Many students enjoyed purchasing some fun Japanese candy and items from Daiso, before being given an informative tour to Darling Harbour by our very own Mr Nick Ward. Students and teachers soaked up the knowledge and enthusiasm Mr Ward shared of Sydney. Many of the group chose to participate in an extended walk around the harbour.
We had a tired but excited group when we arrived at our accommodation for the night. We thank Ryde Secondary College for allowing us to use their hall to camp in and providing a variety of pizzas and ice cream for dinner. Camping in the hall was a fun experience for students and teachers.
Our second day started early and everyone enjoyed seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House on our way to the Tanken Centre in Kirrawee, where year 9 and 10 students participated in a range of games and activities in Japanese in an authentic environment. We had a delicious bento box for lunch, and for some students, this was their first time eating a bento box and using chopsticks.
Again, students were praised for their positive attitudes and behaviour at the Tanken Centre. We appreciated the beautiful weather as we walked to the train station to meet the bus and return to MHS.
We thank the teachers and SLSO staff involved in the excursion and hope to make this an annual trip.
