Language News

By Yoshie Burrows - Faculty Leader: Languages

Sacred Heart Obayashi Exchange Program 2026

From 24 July to 6 August, Loreto College was delighted to welcome 18 students from Years 9 and 10 at our sister school, Sacred Heart Obayashi in Japan, as part of our long-running exchange program.

For more than 20 years, the partnership between Loreto College and Sacred Heart Obayashi has provided students from both schools with valuable opportunities to develop language skills, deepen cultural understanding, and build lasting international friendships.

During their stay in Ballarat, the Obayashi students attended ESL classes each morning and then joined their Loreto buddies in regular classes throughout the day. This provided a wonderful opportunity for them to experience Australian school life firsthand while observing and participating in a variety of learning activities.

The students also enjoyed a number of memorable excursions. A highlight was their visit to Sovereign Hill, where they learned about Ballarat's gold rush history. Dressed in traditional attire, they experienced historical classroom lessons and discovered the discipline and manners expected of students in earlier times. Candle dipping, exploring the township, and enjoying sausage rolls from one of Ballarat's renowned bakeries were among the many highlights of the day.

Another special experience was spending time at Newington Primary School, where the students interacted with Grade 5 and 6 classes. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and friendship, and was enjoyed by both the Japanese visitors and the primary students.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of the exchange program was the homestay experience. Living with local families gave the students the opportunity to use English in authentic everyday situations and gain a deeper understanding of Australian culture and life in Ballarat. Many formed strong connections with their host families and will return to Japan with treasured memories of their time together.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of our host families for opening their homes and hearts to our visitors. Your generosity, hospitality and willingness to share your family life played a vital role in making this exchange such a rewarding experience for the students.

We would also like to thank the many classroom teachers who warmly welcomed the Obayashi students into their classes each afternoon. Your flexibility, support and enthusiasm helped our visitors feel included and provided valuable insights into the rich learning experiences available at Loreto College.

This year's exchange was another tremendous success, strengthening the long-standing friendship between Loreto College and Sacred Heart Obayashi. We look forward to continuing this wonderful partnership for many years to come.