1988 School Magazine

Fs@e4ffisTAYs gN SAPAN On 11th December last year a group of ten students weni to fapan for the Christmas holidays. We were hosted by Japanese families from Hirayama Cakuen and attended school during our stay. ih"r" were many opportunities to improve our language skills and learn about this fascinating culture. Despite the extreme cold, and frost-bitten toes, we did not even think once about the sun, surf and sand back home. lt was certainly an experience to remember. Year Twelve Students

,tx_r- MARGERTSOT\ In 1986, I finished Grade Twelve at Cirls, Grammar and entered Queensland University as an arts student. I decided to double major in Jipanese language and culture. Since then lhave come across various opportunities to use these skills. Within two months of leaving school I was working part- time at Myer in the city, as Japanese interpreter.-Fnom there came the opportunity to run a train!ng programme, for the staff, in basic Japanese language skills. This proved challenging as it meant assessi,ig tIe expectations of the management and the receptivdness of the staff to learning abour the ways of handling Japanese customers. The Ianguage skills were kept to i minimum with emphasis on useful phrases and words. ln November last year I visited Japan for three months. This was my first venture to Japan without the assistance and attachment of my family or school. I had to find nry own way in a very crowded, iast-moving world. The only way was to go out and find work that would enable me io participate in life there and be independent. At f irst the task was a little daunting but ultimaiely it proved to be a satisfying and rewarding experience. During that time I worked as an English Conversation Circuit J.udge and a private English tutor. Judging Englisir competitions as a Circuit Judge meant that I wis given I ,l

; z *

-)