On Wednesday, PLHS was delighted to host a small delegation of students and accompanying adults from our sister school in Japan, Muroto High School.
The four students (Shion, Suzuna, Kokono and Kento), English teacher Sayu sensei, tour guide Yukie and friendship committee member Masumi (on her fourth visit to Port Lincoln), commenced their visit as our esteemed guests at a wonderful Welcome Ceremony in the Specialist Building.
With our Year 7’s, Year 8’s and a select group of Year 11/12 students in the audience, the delegation was officially welcomed to our school via speeches from PLHS Principal Mr. Craig Akehurst and School Captains Sophie Lang and Liam Akehurst – these were skilfully translated into Japanese by Miss Hazuki Yamashita and Year 11 Japanese students Rhy Kayser and Dakota Taferner.
The four Muroto HS students then took centre stage. After introducing themselves, they delivered a thoughtful presentation about their school and nation – this included an interactive quiz for our students and was all spoken in impressive English! Following an official exchange of gifts between the two schools, the ceremony was brought to a close; after being congratulated for their efforts, the very relieved Japanese students were then given a relaxed tour of the PLHS campus by the students in Mr. Akira Inger’s Year 10 Japanese class.
After a catered morning tea, the Muroto delegation spent the rest of the day participating in several of our classes, including:
- Australian sports (netball and football) with Mr. Hayden Bennett and Mr. Akira Inger’s Year 9 Japanese class
- Cooking with Mrs. Kylie George’s Year 10 Food Technology class – the resulting “oishii” kangaroo burgers were then eaten as shared lunch
- Dance with Miss Hanna Minchin’s Senior Dance class
The group was offered a walking tour of Port Lincoln after school – their favourite venues included an Australian supermarket (to purchase most of the Caramello Koalas in town!), the Makybe Diva and Tuna Poler statues, the foreshore playground, the Town Jetty and several souvenir shops along Tasman Terrace.
A Welcome Party inside the Council Chambers was thrown by the Port Lincoln Muroto Friendship Group to round out a hectic but highly enjoyable schedule for all involved.
Today, they are spending the first of two days at Port Lincoln High School (sister school). Tonight, we look forward to hosting a casual Welcome Party in the Council Chambers.
