“Arigato” for Coming – Muroto Delegation Returns Home

The Muroto High School delegation is now safely back in Japan after this week’s whirlwind visit to Port Lincoln – we are extremely grateful to them all for making the long journey to spend time with us; our sister school relationship continues to thrive.

The second of the delegation’s full days in our school and wider community was just as hectic as the first. It commenced with a highly enjoyable joint excursion to Glen Forest Tourist Park with Mr. Akira Inger’s Year 10 Japanese class and a contingent of students from Navigator College. Despite the dodgy weather, the Japanese students were thrilled to be able to see, feed and pat many native Australian animals – the kangaroos and koalas were very popular. The trip back included a windswept photo opportunity at Winter’s Hill Lookout.

A traditional Aussie sausage sizzle greeted the delegation upon their return to PLHS and was eagerly consumed by the cold, damp and hungry hordes. During the afternoon session, our Japanese friends were able to experience the following:

• a tour of the Aquaculture Centre (and an opportunity to feed our barramundi) with Mr. Chris McGown and Mr. Akira Inger’s Year 10 Japanese class
• a cultural session in the Aboriginal Education (which including making a traditional toy) with ASETO’s Mrs. Shantelle Pickett and Mr. CJ Dodd
• a language class with social interaction activities with Mrs. Tanya Booker’s Senior Japanese class – somehow this lesson turned into a juggling workshop!

After school, the delegation was again offered the opportunity to go souvenir shopping – their first stop was ACE, where they proceeded to purchase PLHS school uniforms to wear back in Japan. Such is the profound impact that these cultural exchange programs have, even within such a brief timeframe as a few days.

“Arigato gozaimasu” (thank you very much) for coming to Port Lincoln, Shion-san, Suzuna-san, Kokono-san, Kento-san, Sayu-san, and Masumi-san; missing you already.