Nineteen Gib Gate students from years five and six travelled to Japan to visit sister school Hokuriku Gakuin Primary School recently.
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The exchange program, which took place in the recent school holidays, between the two schools has reached its 28th year.
During the eight-day experience, the students visited cultural sites in Kyoto and Kanazawa and enjoyed a two-night home stay with Hokuriku Gakuin families.
They were accompanied by three teachers and Gib Gate head Sally Robson,
Highlights of the trip included staying in traditional Ryokan accommodation, participating in a Japanese Taiko drumming workshop, visiting Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist Temple and Kenrokuen Gardens, and meeting and making friends with students at Hokuriku Gakuin Primary School.
“The staff and students at Hokuriku Gakuin Primary School made the Gib Gate students feel so welcome,” Ms Robson said.
“Both schools highly value our relationship which, along with weekly Skype sessions, provides our students with the most authentic cultural and language exchange programme - a unique experience for primary aged students.”
Year six student Cate Horsfall was impressed by how much people in Japan care about recycling.
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“Seeing first-hand the different recycling systems and centres they have, and how there is no litter left lying around, was amazing. When you see how thorough they are and how passionate about the future of our world, it inspires you to make a difference and try harder.”
Year five student Elizabeth Shadbolt reflected on the impact the trip had on her friendships.
“I have become a lot closer to many of the school mates who were on the trip and I have made so many new friends at the Hokuriku Gakuin School.”
While year six student Rocco Perrotta was impressed with Japan’s unique culture and traditions.
“I learnt so much about Japanese culture and enjoyed learning about Japanese religions through visiting different temples and shrines,” he said.
“I really enjoyed taking part in some of the Japanese traditions such as drinking the pure water at Kiyomizu-Dera, a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine.”
Japanese language and culture are taught to all classes at Gib Gate.
Students learn vocabulary and phrases for daily communication and also learn about Japanese literature, celebrations and traditions.
In addition to Japanese lessons, students participate in Skype sessions with Hokuriku Gakuin Primary School and communicate avidly with the students.
