Building Global Friendships Through Exchange
Tachibana High School Exchange Program
This term, Oran Park Anglican College had the privilege of welcoming students and staff from Tachibana High School in Tokyo, Japan as part of our ongoing Studies Exchange Program. Tachibana is renowned as an elite sports high school and also offers an international academic stream, making them a natural partner for our College in exploring both cultural and educational exchange.
During their stay, the Tachibana students joined in a wide range of classes across the Senior School. They immersed themselves in Australian art, cuisine, and world history, and particularly enjoyed participating in our sports program, where their athletic talents were evident.
In return, the Tachibana students generously shared their culture with our community. Year 8 students were treated to hands-on workshops in Japanese calligraphy, origami, and traditional games, while our Japanese language classes benefitted from their assistance in conversation and cultural activities. These experiences gave our students a deeper appreciation for Japanese traditions and language, while allowing meaningful connections to form.
Cultural exchange programs such as this are about more than travel and study, they are opportunities to learn empathy, build friendships, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around us. The visit of Tachibana High School highlighted the value of curiosity, collaboration, and respect across cultures.
We are already looking forward to the next stage of this partnership when our students will travel to Tokyo next year to experience life at Tachibana firsthand. This ongoing relationship continues to enrich both schools, broadening horizons and strengthening international ties.
God bless,
Mrs Maria Mertzanakis
Deputy Head of Senior School – Teaching and Learning