Day 11 – Monday 25 September

A Day of Firsts: Our Sister School Adventure

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The leaders waited at the genkan and greeted all our students as they arrived (reminding each of them to remove shoes, place them into the katsubako and put on the fetching green house slippers…)

Spending some time to reconnect before getting ready for the welcome assembly.

We quickly stepped into the school life, encountering a whirlwind of new faces and experiences. The day began with warm smiles from teachers and curious glances from fellow students, all eager to welcome us into their world.

The highlight was undoubtedly the grand welcome ceremony.

We did our performance, accompanied by Mr C and Mr H on drums and piano! Speeches given and gifts exchanged. Our students making all of the leaders proud with their grit and courage to do their best!

Next came the school’s brass marching band; the award winning high school band filled the air with spirited melodies, setting the tone for an unforgettable day ahead. The precision and passion of the musicians left us in awe.

After the awesome and wonderful ceremony our team were able to have some downtown in our Home Room where the leaders caught up with each of their students; heard all about the weekend adventures, their host families; the food; the challenges and the opportunities given.

Well done to our students for making the most of these opportunities and giving their best!

Connecting with their class buddies for the morning session saw lots a practice of self-introductions and wave offs from the home room.

Then lunchtime in the school’s cafeteria was a warm and fresh meal prepared by the school’s kitchen staff. The communal atmosphere at the lunch tables made us feel instantly connected to our new community.

The afternoon held even more exciting prospects. The culture classes offered a deeper dive into traditional Japanese practices. Judo with its graceful yet powerful movements, imparted a sense of discipline and respect.

The Japanese tea ceremony, on the other hand, was a lesson in mindfulness and grace. As the group rotated through the four lessons one group encountered the action and noise of kendo while the other did calligraphy.

As the day drew to a close, the exhaustion from so many new experiences was tempered by the warmth of our host families arriving to collect their newest family member! Their kindness and hospitality eased any apprehension, turning unfamiliar surroundings into a welcoming haven. Some stopping to chat with Mrs S and Mrs B, often to tell us what great students we have. Very proud of them all.

Reflecting on that whirlwind of a first day, we couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of this exchange.

We also took time to thank our Heavenly Father for His many blessings. And sending off your children with the covering of prayer.

Oyasuminasai