Extending hands of friendship

Stawell Secondary College is continuing its relationship with a Chinese high school, welcoming 10 students from Hunan Province to the region for a cultural exchange.

Stawell Chinese teacher Ling Zhao said Yali High School, one of the most prestigious schools in China, had sent students to Stawell for short stays since 2015.

“The past students have enjoyed their time in Australia and most of them have pursued their future intention of undertaking tertiary education here in Australia,” she said.

Ms Ling said the students had been rock climbing and abseiling at Hollow Mountain and would visit Halls Gap and Sovereign Hill during their stay.

She said the Stawell students, staff and families warmly welcomed the Chinese visitors, who will be in the region for two weeks.

“They were buddied up with year-10 Chinese language students,” she said.

“Two of our host students, Ruby Bibby and Elisha Baulch, went to China last year as part of the Victorian Young Leaders to China Program. This has been a chance to reciprocate for their earlier cultural experience, hosting Chinese students and demonstrating to them the Australian culture, customs and lifestyle.”

Miss Ling said several other Stawell Secondary College students in the class had been or were intending to go to China as a part of this year’s school trip in September.

“A big thank you is extended to all of the host families within the Stawell Secondary College community, who are supporting this program and welcomed Yali High School students into their homes,” she said.