2019 Kogakkan High School Visit

On Wednesday 24 July, twelve students and three teachers from from Kogakkan High School Japan, arrived at Rosehill Secondary College to partake in an 11 day exchange program. Whilst at Rosehill the Kogakkan students teamed up with their host students and attended many classes. They also enjoyed a terrific morning at Keilor Heights Primary School where they ran engaging activities with Grade 6 students.

Although their stay was short, the Japanese students and their host students also attended a number of exciting activities together. They enjoyed a day in the Dandenong Ranges, commencing with a trip on Puffing Billy, followed by a BBQ lunch at Emerald Lake cooked by Mr Soumalias. The trip to Melbourne Zoo provided the students with an opportunity to see kangaroos, wombats and koalas. A shopping trip to Queen Victoria Market saw students buy many souvenirs for their friends and family back home in Japan. Spectacular views of Melbourne from Eureka SkyDeck and lunch at Southbank finished off a good day in the city.

The most rewarding part of the program however, is to see the friendships that form between the students and their host families. Many tears were shed at both the farewell party and the airport as we bid our visitors farewell with the expression ‘ja mata’ (see you again).

The program has now been running for 18 years and it would not be a success without the support of the school community. I would like to particularly thank the host families that supported the exchange program and ensured that our guests had a wonderful time. This year’s host students were Finnegan Alunday, Gabby Gray, Chelsea Heritage, Teagin Lewis Hamilton, Lily Hirata, Nikita Leskovec, Alessia Mora, Taylor Needoo, Onelli Peiris, Teagin Segrave, Emily Turner and Declan Weston.

I wish to thank the Rosehill staff for welcoming the students into their classes, and also the library staff and office staff for their support. Thank you also to all staff that assisted with excursions and activities. A very special thank you however, goes to Mr Hayakawa for his invaluable assistance.

In 2021 it is anticipated that a group of Rosehill students will travel to Japan. Any students keen to experience the wonders of Japan, including a trip to Tokyo Disneyland, should see Mr Hayakawa for further information.

Nellie Harbourd

Kogakkan Exchange Co-ordinator