After finishing exams last week, many year 11 and 12 students probably felt a wave of relief and are now enjoying some well earnt rest and relaxation. Year 11 student Patrick Burns was straight on the plane to Japan to spend 4 weeks on exchange at Nagasaki Nanzan College and 3 weeks at GenkiJACS language school in Fukuoka. During his time he hopes to improve his Japanese and next year will attempt the demanding Japanese Language Proficiency Exam. Undoubtedly the best way to learn a language is by spending time in the country where it is spoken. This will also be wonderful opportunity to experience another culture and make new friends. It was possible to organise this exchange for Patrick relatively easily thanks to the developing bond between Nagasaki Nanzan College and St Edmund’s College, as well as the efforts of Joji Nakamura (who has coordinated all visits from Nanzan in the past) and Patrick’s father Michael Burns. I would like to thank all the families who have generously hosted in the past for their contribution to this program.
I hope that Patrick is the first of many St Edmund’s College students to take advantage of this excellent opportunity. Any student who is studying Japanese in year 10 or above would be considered for an exchange, please see Mr Taylor or Ms Leffers. Next year Patrick’s family will host a student from Nagasaki on extended exchange in March, and as a school, we welcome Nagasaki from March 16 – 24. We are looking for host families during this time and would appreciate anyone who is able to assist by hosting a student or 2 from Nagasaki. Please contact antaylor@stedmunds.act.edu.au if you are able to host.
Andrew Taylor (Teacher in Charge of Languages)