Language News

By Yoshie Burrows - Faculty Coordinator: Languages

Japanese Department Update

We were delighted to welcome 20 students and their escort teacher, Ms Yuki Fujimura, from Sacred Heart Obayashi, accompanied by their tour guide, Ms Rina Komura. The group spent two and a half weeks at Loreto, participating enthusiastically in ESL classes and enjoying excursions, including a memorable trip to Sovereign Hill. Despite a chilly first week, we were fortunate to experience some warm, sunny days. 

Our enduring exchange program with Sacred Heart Obayashi, now spanning more than twenty years, is a testament to the wholehearted hospitality of our host families and the kindness of student buddies. We extend our sincere thanks to all host families for their generosity and support. 

Host families are: Stewart family, Wilson family, Robertson family, Mulrooney/Stead family, Porter/Brodie family, Vowles/Henning family, Keem family, Kuypers/Delaney family, Bull family, Pascoe family, King  family, Landry family, Mulcahy/Lang family, Flint family, Norman family, Grumley/Cosway family, Dundas family, Brudenall family and Holloway family.

In addition, we are pleased to welcome three exchange students from Yamawaki High School in Tokyo: Mio, Sarasa, and Yuri. They have settled in smoothly and will be with us for the entirety of Term 3. While their English proficiency is already impressive, we look forward to helping them continue to improve their speaking skills. They have been well supported by Year 10 buddies and their host families, making their transition even more comfortable.

Here is a testimony from one of the exchange students:

People in Ballarat and at Loreto are really nice and make us feel at home. It’s only been two weeks since we arrived, but we already have so many cherished memories. We can’t wait to make more!– Sarara

On behalf of the Japanese Department, I would like to say a heartfelt “Arigato” to everyone who has supported our exchange programs.