Students’ once in a lifetime experience

Not all classrooms have four walls.

Eight, Year 8 students from Morrinsville Intermediate, along with their principal Jenny Clark, discovered just what that quote meant when they travelled to Japan recently.

The year eight students on the trip were: Laura Dudley, Isaac Arnet, Annie Hutchings, Alby Johnson, Haylee Matila-Firth, Emily Phuong, Kayla Vette and Emma Wynen.

The purpose of the Japan trip was a reciprocal, cultural exchange with Makuhari Junior High School and also included a visit to Minami Elementary School.

Clark said it was experiences such as their visit to Minami Elementary School, that gave students and principals, a much greater understanding and appreciation of the Japanese language and culture.

‘‘In an increasingly globalised world where communication and technology continues to bridge the gap between countries and communities, it is becoming important for our students to understand the diverse nature of our world,’’ she said.

‘‘The opportunities we had over those two weeks during our visit to Japan, enabled our students to develop a much greater appreciation of the need to be global citizens.‘‘

Clark referred to a well-known New Zealand proverb that says: Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi. With your basket and my basket the people will live.

‘‘Here, I refer to the co- operation and the combination of Minami Elementary School along with our schools from New Zealand, to help ensure our students move toward developing a greater understanding and appreciation of each others’ language and culture.’’

Year 8 student Haylee Matila- Firth said the reason they travelled to Japan was to share their language and culture, as well as learning about Japan.

She said during their visit they really enjoyed visiting Disneyland and Disney Sea. The sumo museum was also interesting.

‘‘We found the people in Japan extremely friendly - our host families went out of their way to make sure we felt welcome, as well as giving us a unique Japanese experience. We were very spoilt and enjoyed every moment of our homestay and time in Japan, and have made many new friends.’’