Good things come to those who wait

Monday 27th March 2017

... so we waited, and they did! 


Ichikawa students working hard in the Parents and Friends room in the ELC
Ichikawa students working hard in the Parents and Friends room in the ELC

Arriving a day late but smartly dressed in their Ichikawa High School uniform the 40 students (24 boys and 16 girls) were greeted by an awesome Haka performance from the Hostel Boarders. After a short welcome in the Chapel, the students were introduced to their homestay families with whom they would spend the next two weeks.

Every morning the students worked on their English with Katrina and Ann (ESOL teachers) in the ELC, the classes were often filled with laughter, and the teachers were impressed with the boys' progress.

The afternoons were a chance for the students to see Dunedin and included a city tour, Nature’s Wonders Wildlife tour, a Sheep shed experience, Otago University Tour as well as attending classes with their Kiwi buddy.

Otago Anniversary weekend fell in the middle of their stay which meant the boys were lucky to have a three day weekend and get to explore more of Dunedin and beyond. We heard fantastic stories of Doubtful Sound, Oamaru, Queenstown and sand sledding in Dunedin to name but a few!

The Farewell on Friday was a fun night with miming, songs, dances, and cheerleading, the boys received their ESOL certificates and exchanged school badges with their buddies. This was also a time to reflect on the memories the Japanese students will take home with them.

A big thank you to all of the wonderful homestay families that opened their homes to these students and made this experience possible and we look forward to welcoming another group next year! 

Originality was high on the learning list this year
I wonder what they were talking about?
Girls demonstrating their origami skills at the farewell ceremony.
The boys and girls from Ichikawa out at Taiaroa Head
A lot of fun was being had
Future University of Otago students?
Ichikawa students working hard in the Parents and Friends room in the ELC
Congratulating the girls on two successful weeks of ESOL learning
Even some strong statements!
Describing an object and its uses. 
The group with the city shot!
Ichikawa boys and McGlashan boys exchanging school badges. 
Surely there was a great description for this item...
Pantomime performance from the Ichikawa boys at the farewell ceremony.
More pantomime. 
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!
Ichikawa visit 2017. Enjoying a spot of 'drama'!