2018 School Magazine

AFFILIATE SCHOOL VISITS

HOSTING A JAPANESE STUDENT

HOSTING A GERMAN STUDENT In August this year, I hosted Ce´line Bischoff, a German exchange student from Maria-Wächtler School in Essen, Germany. Ce´line stayed with me for three weeks. In that time, I was able to show her around Brisbane, welcome her into my family, allow her to experience Queensland’s culture and help develop her English skills.

In Term 3, Japanese student, Hiyori Yasui from Seirinkan School, stayed with my family for three weeks. Hiyori and I instantly became best friends. I tried to implement the language I had learned in Japanese in our conversations, however, Hiyori spoke near-perfect English, so communication was very easy. While she was in Australia, Hiyori experienced two birthday parties, one for my friend and the other for my older sister. It was a good opportunity to meet and interact with my family and friends and experience how we celebrate birthdays in Australia. We also took Hiyori to Mount Coot-tha and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. She was afraid of the kangaroos at first but soon enjoyed their company when we fed them together. Although she has now left, Hiyori and I still remain in contact. Since we reply in each other's languages, it is convenient to practice my Japanese skills. I hope we will continue this friendship for a very long time. Arwen Dias-Jayasinha (10G)

In addition to sharing classes, we visited Noosa and Mount Cordeaux and also attended the Ekka. Ce´line’s enthusiasm to experience and learn as much as possible while in Australia was a mindset that stuck with me even after she returned home. I embraced this mindset when arriving in Germany in September. Being able to meet with Ce´line in Cologne and again in Berlin, where I met her family for the first time, was an experience I will never forget. A highlight of the exchange program was realising there was a second home prepared to welcome me on the other side of the world, and always will be, for as long as our friendship

continues to grow. Grace Crilly (10E)

BUILDING CONNECTIONS: 30 YEARS AND BEYOND This year, Girls Grammar celebrated 30 years of the International Affiliate Schools Program between the School and Mie High School in Matsusaka City, Japan. This year, we welcomed the owner of Mie High School, Mr Umemura, for a short visit to celebrate our ongoing relationship. Reflecting on a 30-year history, we celebrated tradition and change. Technology has been a welcome change that has made the organisation of exchanges much easier and faster, providing more opportunities for connection. This year our Japanese guests experienced an Australian school setting, connected with host families and participated in a number of excursions, including whale-watching off the Gold Coast and a trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. They attended classes at Girls Grammar, shadowed their billets, lived in new households, improved their English and learned to use it in authentic contexts in our city.

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2018 | COMMUNITY | 045