From Australia – July 31st

From Australia – July 31^st , Tuesday Day 3

Japanese, Japanese and Japanese

セントアンドリュース校は日本語教育に力を入れている名門初等中等学校です。幼稚園から小学校までは日本語が必修。小さい頃から日本語を学んでいるので、日本の文化に興味津々です。日本語の授業は文化の授業でもあります。本校の生徒も貢献しています。

13℃ and clearly fine this morning! It was very chilly, but it will be 25℃ with a lot of sunshine in the daytime, according to the ABC weather forecast. Incredibly comfortable weather here in Cairns

In St. Andrews’ school curricula, Japanese language is a compulsory subject for elementary graders to learn.  Elementary little kids are saying, “Konnichiwa!” or “Hajimemashite!” to us with a little bit shyness.   They are good Japanese speakers.  We are delighted to hear "Our school has got Japenese students!!"

We joined the Japanese class for 7-8 year-old-students, which impressed us with its amazing teaching and learning.  Australian Japanese teacher spoke to her students in fluent Japanese and then asked about what she had said in Japanese.  Almost all of the students were able to answer the teacher’s questions in clear Japanese. 

At last, we took the time to question and answer to us, real Japanese.  The questions from St. Andrews’ kids went like this, “Have you ever climbed up onto Mt. Fuji?” or “Have you seen a temple covered with gold?”  Good questions, you guys!!  They seem to have much interest in Japan. 

We were really proud to answer their questions.  And we concluded that we would like all of you to visit Japan and see authentic Mt. Fuji and Kinkakuji-temple with your own eyes. We are waiting for you to come to Japan, young ladies and gentlemen!

School life today:    

Tuck Shop – 売店前

Recess Time – 休み時間

Japanese class for elementary students

I can speak Japanese – 自己紹介も日本語で

What's going on?

She's talkative!

Elementary kids love fun!

SUSHI is available in the tuck shop – it's world's favorite food

But also cupcakes are universal, of course!!  ；-)