KWSC students to experience spirit of Japan
May 8, 2014
Origami. Ikebana. Kendami.
While these words may conjure images of traditional Japan, students from Kawana Waters State College won’t have to travel that far to experience them, with the spirit of Japan being brought to Dicky Beach today as part of an annual cultural immersion day.
Kawana Water State College (KWSC) Principal Paul Williamson said more than 40 Year 9 and 10 language students would converge on Yume Japanese Restaurant for a day of traditional Japanese food and cultural activities, as well as conversation practice with the restaurant’s native Japanese staff.
“KWSC formed a very valuable partnership with Yume Japanese Restaurant Owner Genta Tsukimori almost four years ago, and our language students have continued to benefit year after year from this enriching cultural experience,” Mr Williamson said.
“Some of the activities students will participate in at this event include Japanese calligraphy, origami, ikebana (flower arranging) and furoshiki, a traditional style of gift wrapping.”
“They’ll also be taught to make their own traditional sushi and will have the opportunity to test their skills with a kendama, a traditional Japanese toy that has been enjoyed for generations and requires significant hand-eye coordination.”
Mr Williamson said one of the highlights of the day was set to be a lesson on mochi-pounding, which sees rice placed in a hollowed-out tree stump, pounded with wooden mallets and moulded into sticky rice cakes.
“This activity always brings out plenty of smiles, while also allowing the students to sample a traditional Japanese food and broaden their knowledge of Japanese culture.”
Mr Williamson said the cultural immersion day was just one of many activities on KWSC language students’ calendars, with the school placing a strong focus on opening students’ eyes to the world around them.
“Both primary and secondary students benefit from these programs, with students from Year 6 right through to Year 12 able to incorporate Japanese as part of their studies,” Mr Williamson said.
“A number of our students elect to join our ‘Outbound’ tours each year, which enable them to travel overseas and even study abroad.”
“We also host numerous international students for three, six, nine and 12-month periods, which allows students to build strong friendships around the globe and learn more about other cultures.”
KWSC is the only school in Queensland that has been accredited by the Council of International Schools to accept international students from Prep through to Year 12. More than 50 students from outside Australia attend the school each year.
To learn more about Kawana Waters State College and the opportunities on offer for studying abroad and learning a language, visit www.kawanawaterssc.eq.edu.au, email the.principal@kawanawaterssc.eq.edu.au or call 5493 3388.
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Media contact: Kristen Roder – Fresh PR & Marketing
Mob: 0406 546 461
Email: kristen@freshprm.com.au
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