On Wednesday a bus full of eager Japanese children arrived at Sandy Creek Primary School. On board was my home stay, Takuya. Tired but excited, our guests all came off the bus eager to meet their home stay families and got a big Aussie welcome. After they had entered the hall, the students of Sandy Creek Primary School entered and sang the school song in front of them. There was a big crowd in the hall that day. After the assembly the home stay families went home early to give the Japanese children a rest after their long journey. When we got home we gave Takuya a present. It was full of Aussie stuff.
On the Thursday the Japanese home stays came to school to have fun. First they made their friendship links with the upper primary and Harry and I did them too. Then we had a mini Olympics. After recess we saw Tal Kin Jeri an aboriginal dance group. Some people had a go at some of the dances. After school we went straight to Out of School Hours Care (OSHC). Takuya liked OSHC. I think he had a lot of fun.
On Friday the year 5/6/7’s and the Japanese homestays left for Gorge Wild Life Park. Every one got up close and personal with some cute and cuddly koalas. Some people bought packets of peanuts and most people gave them to the monkeys. After that we went straight to OSHC. Takuya had a lot of fun, especially playing the game kick the brick.
On Saturday and Sunday Takuya, my family and I went souvenir shopping at a fantastic souvenir shop. Takuya got $2 off the price of the things he bought. On the weekend we also went to The World’s Biggest Rocking Horse and its petting zoo. There was a sheep that was following people around. It also scared a couple of little children. They screamed as soon as it came near them. It put its head in the food bags and buckets and in the end I tried to distract the silly sheep. Takuya was amused by all of this.
On Monday we went and saw some sheep being shorn. They also brought out two lambs and some children got to hold them. After that we went to see the mayor and have morning tea. There was a lot to choose from. Chips, soft drink, donuts and a lot more. After the visit we went back to the hall to start the Farewell Assembly. It was a sad moment when they left for the plane. Some kids cried at the sight of seeing our Japanese friends leave.
I look forward to seeing them all again in Japan when I visit Minami Aiki in October.