Japanese students learn Kiwi way
Matamata Intermediate students have been sharing the Kiwi experience with visitors from Chiba City, Japan.
Two dozen students from Makuhari Junior High School are here on an exchange and spent three days at the intermediate last week.
They also spent a morning at Firth Primary to see what New Zealand schools are like at a junior level.
Matamata Intermediate assistant principal Debbie Currie co- ordinated the visit and said it was a cultural experience for the students.
‘‘ They are here to see what it’s like to be a Kiwi kid and to learn in a New Zealand classroom,’’ she said.
Matamata students paired up with the visitors and organised activities such as flax weaving, poi, and marbles.
They also had a shared lunch with plenty of New Zealand favourites including pineapple lumps, Marmite sandwiches, pavlova and L&P.
‘‘ The opportunity to experience a different culture is really neat for our kids,’’ said Mrs Currie.
‘‘It is also an opportunity to think what is really special about being a New Zealander and what can we share from our own culture.’’
The Japanese students stayed with local families while they were here.
Mrs Currie will be taking seven students to Japan in September to visit Makuhari School as part of the exchange.
They will also be staying with families in Chiba City.