On 26 July we welcomed 30 students and two teachers from Yasuda Girls' High School in Hiroshima Japan. This marked the 27th year of our sister school relationship.

The students quickly settled into their homestay, and all gained confidence in speaking English during their stay. The girls took part in a range of activities. Some of the highlights that featured when asked about their stay were opportunities to make friends with students at OGHS, taking part in a PE class, making Anzac biscuits, bead making, pottery painting and the time they spent learning how to do the school Haka with Wairua Puhou. They were also invited to take part in the Hiroshima Day commemorations at the Peace Pole in front of the Otago Museum. The farewell concert on Tuesday afternoon was a lovely showcase of Japanese culture with a mixture of quizzes, tea, games and the Yosakoi Soran dance as a finale. A huge thank you to all of our host families, the girls really enjoyed their homestay and this was most noticeable as we farewelled them onto the bus on Wednesday. 

Yukiho Saito wrote: 

First, when I went to school at first, I thought "What a cheerful atmosphere in the school building!".  Every classroom has appeal that we'd like to learn. Yasuda Girls' High School rebuilding its school building now. It will surely become a cheerful atmosphere like OGHS' school building! Also, I talked to lots of OGHS's students. They were so kind. They spoke slowly so I could understand. Some of the episodes. I was surprised at a student who is Japanese students . Her Japanese is fluently, but she said "I started Japanese 1 year ago. I thought that this school's students study everything hard, and I should study harder and harder. 

Then, when I joined welcome ceremony, I was overwhelmed by Haka. I felt that the students hearts want to protect Maori culture, and I respect them.

I thank such a wonderful school's teachers, students and host family very much!

Moe Taniguchi wrote:

On Thursday, we went to "Toitu Otago Settlers Museum". First we saw a boat which took awhile it's a canoe. Second we saw the which some people come from England and Scotland are ride. It seems very hard to ride. Third we saw a house which came from an other country and way built. The bed is very hard and too small to live in for familys. Next, we saw a train and bus. It's really cool. Then we tried to dress up and take a photo. It very nice and I tried soldier clothes. I'm very excited to visit the museum. I want to see myself in the pictures!!