Principal's 

Report

Celebrating Our Sister School Visit – Nagano High School

Dear Sunbury College community

Over the past two weeks, Sunbury College has been privileged to host a group of students and staff from our sister school, Nagano High School in Japan, including their principal, Ms Fujiwara. This visit marks another chapter in our long and proud sister school relationship, which began in 1997 and continues to flourish nearly three decades later.

A highlight of the visit was the Welcome Ceremony on Thursday 7 August, attended by Ms. Fujiwara, our 21 visiting students and staff, and Sunbury College Year 7 and 8 students. The event featured speeches, music, and a warm exchange of gifts between our two schools — a gesture symbolising respect, gratitude, and the enduring friendship we share.

The exchange has been more than just a program of shared activities — it has been an opportunity to deepen our cultural understanding and strengthen the bonds of friendship between our schools. Our students learned first-hand about Japanese customs, language, and traditions. In return, our visitors embraced Australian life, participating in classes, exploring our community, and experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Sunbury families through the homestay program.

What stood out most was the mutual curiosity and respect demonstrated by both groups of students. Whether it was discussing differences in school life, comparing favourite foods, or laughing over shared hobbies, the experience reminded us that while our cultures may differ, our values of respect, learning, and friendship are the same.

We thank Ms. Fujiwara, the staff, and students of Nagano High School for their enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to share their culture with us. We also extend our gratitude to our Sunbury College families and staff for making this visit such a rich and memorable experience.

This exchange has strengthened our belief in the power of cultural understanding — that by listening, learning, and sharing, we can build bridges that last a lifetime.

Best wishes

Craig O’Bree

Principal