Our Year 7 Japanese students last week on Wednesday, enjoyed their Nerima Gardens excursion in Ipswich which included a guided tour of Nerima Gardens to interpret key design elements that infuse both the Australian and Japanese cultures. The symbolism of plants and paths impacted our students’ knowledge of how their lives are represented in the tranquil Garden’s features. When students came to the end of a pathway, this reminded them how life can have changes. Students learnt that the streams and running water symbolise movement and emotions. After the tour, students arrived at the Tea House to view the Japanese tea ceremony: a traditional cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea). They all had the opportunity to participate in the ceremony, and most students took off their shoes to sit on the floor which is covered with tatami mats. Students were then guided to learn about the habitats, geography and lives of animals in the Ipswich Nature Centre. Finally, the Environmental Centre was a cool reprieve where students listened to a guest speaker talk about the benefits of the flying foxes in the region. The culmination of this exciting day is leading students to use their Japanese language and photos from the excursion to create a promotional brochure.

Year 8 Japanese students have practiced how to introduce themselves and talk about their school life, hobbies and activities. They have been developing their skills to teach and coach each other to be better learners of language. I am very proud of them continuing to collaborate, build rapport and support each other so effectively.

Students of Japanese will practice their language with buddies from Japan tomorrow! Gambatte! Keep an eye out for more about this international visit in Week 8’s newsletter!

Mrs Emmalene Stevens has been teaching students in ‘Japan Club’ which also starts again in Week 2 in J121 on Thursdays after school. Everyone is welcome!