Fourteen students from Winmalee High School in New South Wales, Australia, recently completed an enriching 11-day trip to Japan, marking the first overseas school excursion since the COVID-19 pandemic. The journey allowed students to engage in cultural exchange, enhance their language skills, and establish lasting friendships with Japanese peers.
The students and four staff members embarked on this long-awaited trip, which included three nights in Tokyo. They visited iconic sites such as Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and Disneyland. The itinerary also featured excursions to Hiroshima, Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, immersing students in Japan’s rich history and vibrant culture.
One of the highlights of the trip was the homestay experience in Sanda City, located in Hyogo Prefecture. There, Winmalee students lived with families from Arima High School, Winmalee’s sister school. This opportunity provided them with firsthand exposure to Japanese life, customs, and hospitality.
Ethan Fracaro, a Year 8 student, expressed his gratitude for the experience, stating, “I absolutely loved this trip; it improved my Japanese, communication skills, friendships, and more. I feel so grateful to all of the teachers who helped organise this remarkable trip, which helped form bonds between our students and school. It was a trip of a lifetime that I will treasure many memories from.”
During their time in Sanda City, the students participated in various activities at Arima High School. Their day began with an assembly that welcomed them like royalty, followed by Japanese language lessons, a calligraphy class, sports, a karate demonstration, and a traditional tea ceremony. The day concluded with a welcome party, showcasing the warm hospitality of their host families.
The connection between Winmalee High and Arima High School has strengthened over time. Last year, students from Arima High visited Winmalee for a week-long exchange, further solidifying their relationship. Next year, Arima High students are set to return to their sister school in Australia, keeping the cultural exchange alive.
Yvette Davis, Student Learning Support Officer at Winmalee High, emphasized the importance of these connections, stating, “At Winmalee, we believe that our connections to our sister city are very important, and we are very proud of the opportunities we are able to offer to our students. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to be part of this exchange to take it.”
Year 11 student Millie Lackey echoed Davis’s sentiments, adding, “We are incredibly lucky to have a sister school in Japan and an amazing school to organise these trips to take us there. Memories that will last a lifetime.”
Plans are already underway for another trip to Japan in January 2027, ensuring that future students will have the chance to experience this unique cultural exchange. The recent visit not only reignites a cherished tradition for Winmalee High but also highlights the value of cross-cultural connections in today’s global society.
