It was great to welcome six students from Wakamatsu High School. Students from the school have been visiting Logan Park for several years. It is wonderful to have such a close ‘sister school’ relationship with this school in Chiba.

The students do some English classes at the University of Otago Language school for a couple of weeks then come to Logan Park for a few days for a taste of school life.

From the first, they did their best to communicate and when they couldn’t find the words, they used sign language, which caused a lot of laughter. It was also a great experience for the buddies who had the chance to learn a little about Japan and to make friendships they can continue on facebook

This year was especially nice to welcome Shiori for the second year in a row. She also hosted Pepa Belton when she visited Wakamatsu High School for a short exchange at the end of 2012.

When I visited Wakamatsu later in the year I was given such a warm and friendly welcome by the staff and teachers and all the students still at school who have visited Logan Park in the past.