Nara University High School Visit

On Thursday, November 30th McClelland College hosted a very prestigious Japanese school, the Nara University High School, as a fundraiser for our LOTE learning program. This was an important international, intercultural event, and helps to lift the profile of our school.

 Many people helped us, and without who’s help and assistance this wonderful learning experience would not have taken place. Tomoko Ikeda co-ordinated the event and liaised with the school and tour manager, as well as organising the food for the morning tea, and materials from Daiso. Kathryn Henderson for her extensive support to initiate the program for the day. Emma Tucker arranged the booking of school resources as well as sourcing all of the food for lunch. Brett Wright assisted Tomoko to arrange the morning tea, and organise our school buddies for the visitors. Keiko Nonaka was the translator for the day and helped the students with orientation around the campus. A very special arigatou must go out to Michael ‘THE EDUCATOR’ Walklate, and Peter ‘MR MIYAGI’ Byrden for running their Basketball and AFL training sessions respectively. Massive shout outs must go to Dylan Johnson-Turner who put in a massive afternoon with the tongs and fed over 70 people on a hot day, along with his loyal apprentice Vinnie Kannan. Extending her support for the Japanese program. Robyn Andrews gave a lovely speech at the welcome ceremony which was roundly applauded.

The Japanese Team also owe an immense debt of gratitude to the Food Technology Team, Renae Knight, Myra and Sue James for giving us unfettered access to their resources and advice with the food storage and handling. Thanks guys.

One of our pre-service teachers, Josh Slocombe, was staff photographer for the day, and his cadet, Thivika Srikanthan, did an amazing job of capturing the day’s festivities. Josh’s photos form the basis for this article.

Almost thirty students spent most of the day at McClelland College, taking part in different activities, including learning how to play footy, playing basketball, reciprocal teaching activities in which Japanese students taught our students how to write calligraphy, and create origami figures.

Students also enjoyed a morning tea and lunch with our students and staff.

Thanks to everyone who helped with this fabulous event.

McClelland College Japanese Team would like to acknowledge and thank Andrew Tucker from Linden’s Fresh Butcher, Mornington East, for providing us very high quality sausages for a very reasonable price, in effect a sponsor for the event. Thanks Andrew and Linden’s Fresh Butcher Shop!