In the Know | International

Global Connections Program

Lucie Dickens, Academic Dean of Languages and Global Connections Program Director  

Visit from Hiroshima Jogakuin High School, Japan 

Hosting a group of 17 Japanese students was a wonderful opportunity for Kilvington students to interact with students from our partner school in Japan, Hiroshima Jogakuin.  We thank the group for being such wonderful guests, sharing their culture and appreciation of everything Kilvington has to offer. 

The Peace ceremony they held on Tuesday 6 August was significant in teaching Year 7 students about peace, harmony and tolerance. Making paper cranes which they have now brought back to the Peace memorial in their hometown of Hiroshima was a meaningful and impactful experience for Kilvington students. Their performance, mini cultural festival and farewell speeches were full of gratitude and appreciation. 

We also extend our thanks to their enthusiastic staff and the AIIU staff, Mrs Ruth Vallejo, who took such good care of the group. We also thank the 19 Kilvington host families who generously offered to host. Their participation in our Global Connections Program is vital to maintaining strong partnerships with our partner schools.

 

Thank you to all Kilvington staff and students for making this experience a successful one for all involved. 

Tour to Japan 

Over the Term 3 holidays, 17 Kilvington students and four staff members took part in our Global Connections Program to Japan. Our students had the chance to immerse themselves in the everyday aspects of Japanese life with three different host families, as well as visit our three Japanese sister schools in Hiroshima, Ogaki and Tokyo. 

 

Below are some reflections from students and parents of students who went on the trip. 

 

KILVINGTON STUDENT REFLECTIONS:

Joe Ashmore, Year 11 

Spending time getting to know my host families was by far my favorite aspect of this trip. As none of my host families spoke any English, it was a great chance to practise my Japanese speaking and comprehension skills. Despite the minor language barrier, I was able to form lifelong bonds with many of the people.

As a VCE Japanese student this year, experiencing the culture I’ve learned about in class firsthand was extremely rewarding. Having the privilege to speak Japanese to native speakers for two weeks was also great preparation for my upcoming oral exams. The patience my host families showed me, along with the slang I learned, greatly increased my confidence in speaking Japanese during my time there.

This trip greatly enhanced my understanding of the distinct differences between Japanese and Australian culture and gave me the opportunity to discover so much more about the subtle nuances of the Japanese language and culture. 

 

Stephanie Ye, Year 11

This incredible two-week trip to Japan has truly been the highlight of my school life. 

One of my most memorable experiences was staying with three different host families. Initially, I was quite nervous, unsure if my Japanese skills would be enough to communicate effectively. 

 

On the first day, we relied on Google Translate, but to my surprise, I quickly picked up everyday vocabulary just by being immersed in the language and culture. By the time I stayed with my second and third host families, I no longer needed any translation tools! It was remarkable to realise how much I had learned in such a short time.

 

The host families themselves were incredibly kind and welcoming. Despite the scorching 35-degree heat, they took the time to show me around their cities and share their culture with me. 

I’m especially grateful for the effort the host mothers put into preparing traditional meals — it was a privilege to experience authentic Japanese cuisine prepared with such care. Even more meaningful were the evenings spent talking with the host parents and siblings after dinner. 

These conversations allowed me to connect with them on a deeper level and gain a better understanding of their culture. By the time it was time to leave each family, it felt like I was saying goodbye to people who had truly become a second family to me.

Our time in the schools was equally unforgettable. The students welcomed us warmly, taking us to museums, giving us gifts, and even spending a day with us at Disneyland! We were able to form friendships that I hope will last beyond this trip.

Reflecting on these two weeks, I realise that Japan has become more than just a travel destination for me — it has become a second home. The memories I made, the people I met, and the culture I experienced are things I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I know that I will return one day to visit the families and friends I met along the way.

 

COMMENTS FROM OTHER STUDENTS: 

  • The time in Tokyo was good. I enjoyed being in the school shadowing my host sister. It really gave a good example of Japanese high school life.
  • The host families were all so welcoming. I have made lifelong connections in Japan.
  • It was an incredible opportunity, and I’m so grateful for it. This experience has inspired me to continue my Japanese. I made so many new friends and learned so much. If I had to give myself advice for next time, it would be that sleep solves everything. But it was truly the best thing I’ve ever done in my life.

PARENT REFLECTIONS:

  • My daughter has made lifelong connections with the host families she stayed with, especially in Hiroshima. Her Japanese has become more fluent, and her overall confidence has improved. She was placed outside her comfort zone on many occasions while in Japan, but handled all situations really well. She didn’t phone or video call us once while she was away, even on her birthday! This is a huge achievement, especially for her.
  • An excellent and worthwhile experience that I would encourage any student to participate in. I am very grateful that my daughter was given the opportunity to attend this immersive experience.
  • My daughter feels that this experience helped her to grow as a person. It challenged her social boundaries and increased her independence.
  • My son learnt so many things about Japanese home life and interacting with new people. He learned how to be a good guest and how to adjust to different situations.
  • I think my daughter gained resilience from being in a very unfamiliar environment. She also has a new appreciation for her life here in Australia.

Visit from St Joseph La Salle, France 

On October 12, we were delighted to welcome 11 students and two staff members from our partner school in Toulouse, France—St Joseph La Salle. This partnership, established in 2016, continues to grow, with this being their third group visit to Australia. 

 

What makes this exchange so special is its reciprocal nature. In April, Kilvington students had the opportunity to travel to France, where they bonded with their assigned St Joseph La Salle partners. Hosting their French friends now offers a chance to strengthen those connections and share life at Kilvington with them. 

Throughout their time in Australia, our visitors enjoyed a range of exciting activities, including a few days exploring the sights of Sydney, and a fun-filled day at Healesville Sanctuary, exploring Australia’s unique indigenous flora and fauna. 

It was wonderful having the St Joseph La Salle students join our classes. Their presence added a new dimension to daily school life, and we hope the friendships built during this exchange will last well beyond this visit. 

 

Thank you to all the Kilvington families who have opened their home and looked after their guests with such care and generosity. 

 

ST JOSEPH LA SALLE STUDENT REFLECTIONS: 

  • The schooling here is very different than in France, which is why I find all the classes really interesting. I think my favourite were the mentor sessions and assembly; they are not really classes, but I liked it because we don't have anything like that in France. It was pretty fun.
  • The whole school was very welcoming, and we felt accepted not only by the students, but also by the teachers and staff.
  • I felt very comfortable with my host family, and they were so kind with me. Thanks to them, I discovered Australian culture and Australian food like Vegemite.
  • It was the first time for me to travel in another country without my parents. I think I became more independent with this experience. Before arriving in Melbourne, I thought I wouldn't be able to speak English with my host family. I learnt so much during this experience, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.
  • This experience taught me more about myself and it helped me to find out what I want to do with my future. And it has made me want to travel more.