On Friday 26 June, at the end of Term 2, all Year 8 students participated in a Japanese Language Day. The day gave students the opportunity to be immersed in Japanese language and culture. There were a variety of activities including Taiko Drumming, Japanese Food, Calligraphy and making Koinobori (flying carp kites) and Hachimaki (Japanese headbands).
The Taiko Drumming session was a big success. Run by the performance group YuNiOn each student had the opportunity to play Taiko drums and participate in the group percussion activities.
The Japanese food was prepared by students in a competition to make the best Obento Lunchbox. Students made an assortment of sushi rolls with ingredients including sweet vinegared white rice, chicken katsu, carrots, cucumber and dried nori seaweed.
The other activities utilised students’ art and creative skills to paint a Koinobori kite and design their own headband using Japanese Hiragana and Kanji characters. Students have learnt about the Children’s Day festival where Koinobori kites are flown and how Japanese spirit is often embraced in headbands. In designing the headbands students learnt the importance of correct stroke order and pose when it comes to this art form.
The day was a great learning experience for the all students and was a great success. A special thank you goes to the Year 9 Elective Japanese classes who assisted on the day.
Julian Nash - LOTE Coordinator