16 Nagoya City High School Students came to Sydney for their 10 day Study Tour. Right after arriving at the Sydney International Airport on 28 July, they directly headed to Chester Hill High School to participate in a School Visit Programme which ran until 2 August. Japanese students were delighted to be asked about Japan by their Australian buddies and they were impressed about how the class was run, not only by the teachers but also by the students. In addition they realised how important it is to know about their own country, Japan, and to study English.
Unlike last year, they experienced school visits only, at Chester Hill High School and St Aloysius College. They were then hosted by David Bucher – chairman of the Sydney-Nagoya Sister City Committee – and committee member Donna, as well as Andy and Kay – friends of David – for 2 nights at their residences near Jamberoo. They kindly took the students to Kiama to do the Gerringong Coast Walk’ section 3. The weather was incredibly fine. Students got very excited and were touched by the beautiful view from the coast.
On the other hand the accompanying teachers stayed at a hotel in Jamberoo during those 2 days. They also seemed nostalgic, as if they had been in a film, about the classical hotel with a pub on the ground level, people around the village and other cyclists gathering there.
On 4 August students made a courtesy call to Town Hall, where they met Councillor Robert Kok who kindly hosted them with an afternoon tea, after Phillip Black and Kieran Tonge, current committee members, gave them a tour of the Sydney Town Hall. At the event, the students were happy that they could see their hosts, David and Donna, again.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of sister city relationship between Sydney and Nagoya. Students will not forget the very warm hospitality shown by the committee members.
At Town Hall, Robert Kok at the 3rd from the right on the middle line, David Bucher at the 4th from the left on the 3rd line
At Kiama, Donna at the 2nd from the right