Sliding shoji screen doors welcomed us as we walked through ‘Yumeji’, the Japanese style retreat on Mount Tamborine on Tuesday. The students in Year 10 Japanese are studying a unit called 'My World' where they learn to understand the daily life of a Japanese teen and learn to speak about their daily life in Australia. The Yonezawa family welcomed us to their Japanese accommodation and explained to us the tatami mat flooring, the futon bedding on the floor, the chabudai tea table, the tokonoma alcove for artwork, the Japanese talisman and ornaments on show as well the outdoor bath. The students were treated to Japanese snacks for morning tea while sitting on zabuton cushions. The College is exceptionally grateful to the Yonezawa family for welcoming us to their business and for sharing their knowledge of Japan and fostering an interest in aspects of daily life in Japan for our students. The inn was immaculately presented and brought memories of staying in Japan flooding back for Mrs Cheyne Sandercoe and me. We really look forward staying in Japan in the future, but this was a very similar experience until then.

Sue Walduck | Director of Teacher Development & Effectiveness