It is safe to say that things didn't quite go to plan for the Japanese department this year, something which can be said by many in these interesting times.

The COVID situation basically wiped our annual events calendar clean.

Our planned trip to Japan in July was of course postponed, our Year 10 Japanese activity afternoon, and our NCEA Workshop Day at the University of Canterbury were both cancelled.

On a more positive note, we were lucky enough to hold our Year 9 Japanese Trivia night at Shirley Boys’ High School in early November, having been postponed earlier in the year. Hornby High School was well represented by a team of 4 Year 9 Japanese students, and overall the event was a great success.

We also organised two trips to Sakura restaurant in Riccarton for all of our seniors students in October, and all or our Year 10 students in November. A great time was had by all on both occasions.

Despite the obstacles 2020 has presented us this year, interest and motivation in learning languages remains high among our ākonga, and we look forward to continuing to support them and promoting international understanding and intercultural awareness as we navigate these difficult times.