This term we had the pleasure of welcoming students and teachers from Toyo Eiwa Primary School in Japan for a week of cultural immersion in our Junior School. It was a wonderful opportunity for our Year 5 and 6 students to connect with peers from another country and practice their English and Japanese in authentic, everyday situations.
Throughout the week, Toyo Eiwa students were fully integrated into our school life. They joined in classroom lessons, participated in activities, and enjoyed playing alongside our students during lunch breaks. The friendships that developed were genuine and warm, with some students even exchanging email addresses to continue their connection as pen pals.
The visit allowed our students to put their classroom Japanese into practice while also learning more about Japanese culture, traditions, and perspectives. It was not only a chance to develop language skills but also a valuable way to grow understanding and respect for people from different backgrounds.
The week concluded with a cultural presentation from the Toyo Eiwa students, where they impressed us with demonstrations of karate, traditional dances, and Japanese songs. In return, our students shared a taste of Lourdes life, highlighting the strong spirit of our school community.
The exchange was enriching for everyone involved, and we are grateful for the friendships and memories made. We look forward to keeping in touch with our new friends and hope to welcome Toyo Eiwa students back in the future.