There were excursions to Kamakura and the city, calligraphy lessons, a Tea Ceremony, amazing lessons in music and science and arts and crafts. There was 'strange' food and some sick children. There was laughing and also a lot of crying on the last day.
But the best thing of the week was reflecting on how each of these children have grown and changed in one week. One parent commented that she sent a 10 year old who returned a teenager (in a good way!) The attending teacher sent the families a heartfelt email once we returned. This message really says it all in terms of the capability we (parents and teachers) develop in children over the years of their primary education.
'Dear Parents and Carers,
I would like to reiterate what Gwen wrote in her email yesterday. The Japan trip was a wonderful experience for everyone involved and I feel privileged to have witnessed the maturity and growth in the students in such a short time. The positive mindset displayed at all times by all students is a credit not only to the students, but also to each of you for the years of guidance you have given them.
Whether it was by way of smiling politely through instances of language breakdowns, checking in on the wellbeing of fellow travellers (‘What number?’ Students will understand this😉), grabbing on to each other to remain intact on a busy Tokyo train, teaching an entire music class of curious Japanese kids how to sing English songs at the request of the even more curious Japanese teacher, being fed food that was very unfamiliar, not to mention being part of a different family, there are countless examples of your students having an open mind and breezing through situations that many other people (adults included) would have found challenging. They were so ready for this trip.
Your child showed wonder in the world around them, compassion, confidence and respect. I am delighted to have been part of this fantastic adventure with them.
Kind regards,
Andrew'
Roll on Japanese School Trip 2020
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