The effects of a devastating earthquake and tsunami on their country earlier in the year only strengthened the warmth of the welcome young Japanese students were given when they visited Armidale as part of an annual exchange program.
Twenty-three students aged eight to 12, and five staff from Tezukayama Gakin Elementary School, Osaka, enjoyed a five-day visit to The Armidale School (TAS) from August 22-27, gaining an insight into each other’s cultures.
During their stay, the youngsters joined in TAS Junior School classes, had fun at a social dance, paraded traditional Japanese dress, visited Saumarez Homestead and went horseriding at Harlow Park – a very popular activity as few Japanese children get to experience it.
Tezukayama is a large independent elementary (primary) school of around 700 students.
The exchange between the two schools dates from 1997. While the long relationship has cultivated a mutual familiarity, the tragic events of earlier this year were a new touchstone.
TAS Junior School teacher Tim Hadfield said it made this year’s visit all the more special. “It’s very easy to be in a world and think the way we do things is normal, but there’s nothing like hosting overseas visitors and discovering more about their school, what they learn, and how they eat, to truly experience another culture,” he said.
