Japanese

Konnichiwa, Monty Community!

My name is Ayako Kumakura, and students call me “Aya Sensei.” I am very excited to be teaching Japanese (Nihongo) again at MPS!

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the families who are new to our school this year. I was born in Gero City in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, and grew up in a small countryside town where everyone knew each other by name. I did not meet anyone from another country until I became a high school student, which makes teaching Japanese and sharing my culture here in Australia even more meaningful to me.

I have three beautiful children aged 4, 6, and 8. I used to play indoor soccer (futsal) and still enjoy playing outdoor soccer with my children—when I have some energy left!

Please feel free to come and say hello if you would like to know anything about Japan or our Japanese program. Our new Japanese room is located between 3D and 6D, in the building facing the tennis court.

Year 3–6 students created personal goals they would like to achieve in Japanese class in 2026. Meanwhile, Year 1 and 2 students enjoyed making Uma (horse—the animal of the year for 2026) puppets and practising saying, “I’m a horse” (Boku/Watashi wa uma desu) in Japanese.

I am looking forward to another wonderful year of learning together.

Arigato – Thank you!

Ayako Kumakura,

Japanese Language Teacher