Japan Sister School Visit
In Term 3, students and staff from our three Japanese sister schools will be visiting Ironside State School during the following times:
Haga Elementary in Haga: July 18 - July 21 (3 nights)
Tomiokahigashi Elementary in Sakai: July 25 -July 29 (4 nights)
Kobe University Elementary in Akashi: Aug 5 - Aug 7 (2 nights)
We are currently seeking families who are willing to host visiting students or adults as part of this long-standing cultural exchange program.
About the Ironside–Japan cultural exchange program
The Ironside – Japanese cultural exchange program began in 1981 and this year marks the 45th year of the program. Every second year, Ironside students travel to Japan to visit our sister schools, and in the alternate year, our sister schools visit Ironside.
The purpose of the exchange remains the same: for students from Ironside and our sister schools to:
- be immersed in a different culture
- experience school life in Japan/Australia
- experience and enjoy aspects of everyday life in Japan/Australia
- identify similarities and differences between the two cultures
With each passing year, the growing relationships between hosting families from Ironside State School and our sister schools have become one of the greatest strengths of the program. These connections provide students with authentic opportunities to build confidence, independence and empathy, strengthen communication skills, and develop a deeper understanding of different perspectives and ways of life. For many students, the experience also fosters a lasting interest in languages, global citizenship and learning opportunities. The exchange of cultural ideas and everyday family experiences continues to nurture international goodwill and understanding between our two nations.
Host Family Commitment
The host family experience is one of the most rewarding aspects of the exchange for everyone involved. Visiting students and adults are billeted in pairs to support a positive and comfortable homestay experience.
As a host family, you would be asked to:
- provide a safe and comfortable place for your guests to sleep
- welcome your guests into everyday family life
- provide breakfast and dinner each day of the stay, and some lunches (as advised)
- ensure your guests attend school with your child/ren on school days
- support your guests to travel to and from school with your family (as required)
Please note, lunches will be provided on school days.
Working with Children Checks (Blue Card)
A Queensland Working with Children Check (Volunteer Blue Card) is required for all household members aged 18 years and over. If you do not currently hold a Blue Card, school staff will provide instructions and support to assist you with the application process.
Reciprocal Arrangements
No payment is provided to host families. This is a reciprocal exchange program—when Ironside travels to Japan, our participants are hosted by sister school families.
Next Steps
If your family is willing to be considered as a host family for the Term 3 visit, please indicate your willingness by completing the Microsoft Forms. See link below.
Availability to billet visitors from one of our three Japanese sister schools
Responses are requested by March 26.
Further information, including expected routines, and a host family information session, will be provided closer to the visit.
Thank you for your support toward this valuable program and the relationships that have been built between our school communities over the last 45 years.
Kind regards,
Shelley Lee
Head of Department – Curriculum
(Japan Study Tour Co-ordinator)
Angie Kelly
Principal