Japanese

 

Ayako Kumakura,

Japanese Language Teacher

In Week 9, some classes were lucky enough to take part in an online exchange lesson with Year 5 students from Hyogo Prefecture in Japan. The Japanese students introduced their city in English, while Monty students proudly showed off the Japanese sentences they have recently learned.

It was wonderful to see some students, who would normally hesitate to speak in front of others, confidently putting their hands up and saying their sentences in Japanese. Students thoroughly enjoyed experiencing “real-life” communication with students from another country. 

In Week 10, we sold Japanese sweet, sticky dango (rice balls) before the Christmas concert. Thanks to the help of our wonderful Japanese mums — Tomoe-san, Naho-san, Ryoko-san and Chika-san — we sold around 200 sticks! All proceeds will go towards supporting the Japanese program next year.

A big thank you as well to our Japanese leaders, Aidan and Sadie, and Lacey and Kenzie, for helping put the dango onto the skewers.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and I look forward to seeing you all in 2026!Arigato – thank you, and Yoi otoshi o – have a happy New Year!

Ayako Kumakura