This week, Port Lincoln High School is honoured to host another delegation of students and accompanying adults from our sister school in Japan, Muroto High School.
After taking four flights from their homes in Kochi prefecture on Japan’s Shikoku Island, the eight students (Karen, Seigen, Chiharu, Minami, Chihiro, Karen, Kanon and Rion), English teacher Sayu sensei, friendship committee member Saki (on her second trip to Port Lincoln this year) and tour guide Yukie, arrived at Port Lincoln Airport last night. Their three-day Port Lincoln itinerary kicked off this morning with a school day at PLHS, commencing as our esteemed guests at a wonderful Welcome Ceremony in the Specialist Building.
With our Year 7’s, Year 8’s, Year 9 Japanese class and a select group of Year 11/12 student ambassadors in the audience, the delegation was officially welcomed to our school via speeches from PLHS Principal Mr. Craig Akehurst and School Captains Max Stanley and Airlie Hartwich – these were translated into Japanese by PLHS Japanese teacher Mrs. Tanya Booker and Year 12 Japanese students Dakota Taferner and Rhy Kayser.
The seven Muroto HS students (unfortunately, Rion was unwell), then took centre stage. After introducing themselves, they delivered a wonderful presentation about various aspects of their school – 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 concluded; the very relieved Japanese students were then given a tour of the PLHS campus by our student ambassadors.
After a magnificent catered morning tea, the Muroto delegation spent the rest of the day enjoying a range of activities with several of our classes, including:
- Traditional Indigenous weaving craft in the Aboriginal Education Room with Shantelle, Jenny and students
- Cooking in the New Kitchen with Mrs. Nicola Baldissera and our student ambassadors – the resulting “oishii” kangaroo burgers were then eaten as shared lunch
- Japanese lessons with two separate classes – origami, self-introductions and a Karuta-style game with Mr. Akira Inger’s Year 7’s, and language practice and a combined artwork with Mrs. Tanya Booker’s Year 10/11/12 Japanese class
Many spontaneous warm and genuine interactions have occurred today between students and staff from both schools and cultures – they offer a clear indication that our sister school relationship is alive and well. We look forward to sharing more information and images of the precious time spent together in the coming days.
