OUT AND ABOUT

YEAR 11 JAPANESE EXCURSION TO NGV INTERNATIONAL

On Tuesday 15 August, we participated in the education program called “Konnichiwa, Japan” at NGV International. Our highlight was to see the contemporary artist Takahiro Iwasaki’s reflection model. Those people visited Miyajima Island in Japan know one of the most beautiful Shinto Shrine Itsukushima. At high tide, you can see the reflection of the sacred shrine and the torii gate in the water of Japan’s Inland Sea. Therefore, it is famous for “floating” torii gate. Takahiro has created this huge scale of reflection model of Itsukushima Shrine. All of us were inspired by his delicate and sophisticated wooden work. Our educational tour guide John connected us with this art and Japanese history of 1168, when the Shrine was built by the most powerful man Taira no Kiyomori at the end of Heian Era.  

After visiting NGV, we went to Miyako Japanese restaurant for lunch. All of us had a traditional and delicious Japanese lunch. It was a lovely day out to the city of Melbourne and our language assistant Kiyohiro Watanabe and my student teacher Chika Oshida also had a great experience with my Year 11 students.

This exhibition will be open until 1 October, if you are interested in his amazing reflection model, please visit NGV International!

Mrs Yuka Mukaiyama

Japanese Language Liaison Coordinator

SLC AND INTERACT VISIT THE ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE

On Tuesday 22 August, we had the immense privilege of visiting the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in Dandenong. The purpose of our trip was to deliver the proceeds of this year’s Smile Drive, where we fundraised over $600 and accumulated over $2,000 worth of toothpaste and toothbrushes. 

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the dedicated staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to support and advocate for those seeking asylum. They shared with us some of the valuable work they do in supporting refugees in need, from legal advice to food banks and educational support. We saw firsthand the profound difference these services make in the lives of many.

It was an incredible experience, which allowed us to leave the centre with a renewed sense of gratitude for the life we lead and a deepened appreciation for the struggles faced by asylum seekers. However, most of all, we were impressed by the dedication of the people working at the ASRC, who demonstrate that, with incredible perseverance, we can derive a lot of meaning for ourselves from work that improves the lives of others.

Eliza Patston (Year 9), Ella Paganoni (Year 9), 

Charlotte Warrior (Year 8D), Archie Frew (Year 8M) and Tilly Scott (Year 8N)