Languages 

This term, students studying Japanese have had numerous opportunities to extend their language learning through engaging cultural experiences. Year 8 students enjoyed a Bento Box Incursion, where they ordered and sampled a delicious Japanese bento box, while Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to host visiting students from Cheltenham Girls High School for an excursion to Auburn Botanic Gardens, participating in a range of Japanese language and cultural activities.

Our HSC Japanese students also reached an important milestone this term, successfully completing their HSC Oral Examinations. With our Japanese Beginners and Japanese Continuers students sitting their written HSC examinations on the very first day of the HSC examinations on the very first day of the HSC examination period, we wish them all the very best as they make their final preparations. We are incredibly proud of the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated throughout their senior studies and look forward to seeing them and look forward to seeing them finish their Japanese journey at Epping Boys High School on a high.

Auburn Botanic Garden Recount 

On July 30, Epping Boys High School and Cheltenham Girls High School went together on a wonderful excursion to the Auburn Botanic Gardens. The gardens featured various traditional Japanese landscapes and eye-catching scenery throughout.

For the excursion, we were split into multiple groups, with students from each school, working together on an Easter egg hunt-style group activity. To kick things off, the teachers took us around the Auburn Botanic Gardens for a walkthrough, showing us the different features and areas of the gardens.

During the activity, we had to complete various challenges that varied in difficulty, all of which tested the Japanese skills we had developed throughout the year. Through an online application called “Goose Chase”, we were able to submit digital responses ranging from typed answers to videos and pictures that each group had to film or take.

Some of the activities that my group loved and had so much fun doing involved creating poses inspired by famous anime characters. We also raced around the gardens to film videos of viral dances, such as the Pokémon dance, and recreate certain scenes from Japanese shows.

Around the gardens, there were also activities that had to be completed with a teacher. These activities required more skill, sometimes taking groups multiple attempts to complete, and were often worth more points in the competition. They really allowed us to challenge ourselves, step outside our comfort zones, have fun and test our Japanese skills. One example was the Shiritori challenge with Miss Tran, a Japanese word game that tested our vocabulary.

During lunch, each student received a bento box, a Japanese-style lunch, along with a drink of our choice. I enjoyed a mackerel bento box paired with Ramune, a popular Japanese soft drink. We had a wonderful time during lunch and having the opportunity to connect and engage with everyone who was there made it an even more memorable experience.

This excursion featured an abundance of activities while also giving us the opportunity to strengthen our bonds with students from Cheltenham Girls High School. Working together as a group made the competition very exciting, especially towards the end of the game. Although it turned into a very tiring day, it was also an awesome experience.

Overall, everyone had a wonderful time, and we would love to go back again if we had the opportunity. I would definitely recommend this excursion to my peers and to future students who study Japanese!

Raymond J (Year 10)

Suginami Junior High School Recount

This week, we had the opportunity to welcome boys from Suginami, Tokyo, to Epping Boys' High School. It was an experience filled with cultural exchange, new friendships, and meaningful activities. On the second last day of their visit, we shared a special activity with our Suginami buddies painting boomerangs. Each student was paired with two buddies, creating a unique bond through shared creativity. While only half of our students were able to participate in the painting activity, those who took part had a wonderful time.

 We each designed our own boomerangs, drawing inspiration from Aboriginal symbols and using a vibrant array of colours. It was inspiring to see everyone's individual style and stories come to life through their artwork. The activity was more than just painting; it was a special way to communicate through our paintings. We found ourselves talking, laughing, and sharing stories, all through art. It was a special moment of connection, showing how creativity can connect cultural differences and foster understanding.

 As the activity came to an end, we faced the challenge of packing up our colourful palettes and finished artworks. Everyone had their own set of paints and brushes, giving us a hard time tidying up in a hurry! 

Despite the chaos, it was a fun and memorable experience, it brought us closer to our buddies and left us with memories of friendship and cultural exchange. Overall, it was a week to remember, full of learning, fun, and the experience of making new friends from across the world.

Hayato S(Year 9)

Weillen Sano 

Head Teacher History/ Langauges