VIETNAMESE VISITORS

Sister School Exchange

In July, Kew High was privileged to welcome a group of eight students from Le Hong Phong School, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, led by their English teacher My Lan Vu. On arrival lunch was enjoyed and students met their host buddies as well as the other Vietnamese students involved in the OSS program. There was plenty of lively discussion and we gave them a brief overview of the program. For the afternoon they visited some of the classes at the school and then were sent off with their buddies for the weekend. 

                                                                                                          On Monday morning at the General Assembly the group happily recounted tales of their weekend adventures. They were introduced to the school and they were keen to tell of their new home, their exploits and discoveries. Nam Phuong recounted some entertaining details of her time with her family much to the amusement of the students and teachers. During the day students chose the subjects they wanted and visited a variety of classes. Chess champ, Huy Quang, went in search of some competition in the VCE centre, but he wasn’t too challenged by his opponents.

During the week our visitors went to Healesville Sanctuary to see Australian animals and were shown some up close, such as the Tawny Frog Mouth Owl. They also headed to the city and toured Flinders Street Station, Southbank, the Art Centre and precinct, Federation Square and viewed the graffiti in Hosier’s Lane. There was also a visit to Melbourne University for an informative briefing and tour with our School Council President, Elizabeth Capp.

At school students enjoyed a class with Lyndsey Hubber and created their own cartoons. They participated in a cooking class using fresh seasonal produce to prepare a pizza and dessert. They also took part in an Aboriginal Art activity and a didgeridoo workshop. Many managed to be in the audience for the School Production, which they thoroughly enjoyed. There were also visits to the Victoria Market, the footy and the city with host families at the weekend.

On the final Tuesday morning they were at Kew very early as they set off for the airport. There were tearful farewells and promises of future contact.

We look forward to our continued relationship after what was a very successful exchange.

Clare Entwisle