MJ (Mary Jane Sanchez Osawa)from PhilippinesChess / Documentaries
I’m MJ, and I’m so happy to be your teacher. I’m Filipino, and I love learning new things and sharing them with others. When I’m not teaching, I’m often playing chess or watching documentaries – both help me think in new and interesting ways!
For me, being a teacher isn’t just about lessons and quizzes. It’s about helping you discover what you love, encouraging you when things get tough, and celebrating every little success. I want our class to be a place where you feel safe, respected, and excited to learn.
To all my current and future students, I can’t wait to get to know you better, hear your ideas, and see you grow. Let’s make this learning journey fun and meaningful together!
— MJ
Lily (Odoemenam Lilian)from NigeriaTennis
Hello everyone, my name is Odoemenam Lilian. I am from Nigeria and I like to play tennis because it is fun, keeps me fit, and helps me stay coordinated.
To our dear current students, thank you very much for your continuous hard work. I am proud of you. Keep pushing yourselves in your studies and daily activities, and never give up until success is achieved. Most importantly, keep using your voice positively.
To you, dear junior high school students, entering Iwatsuki High School will mark the beginning of a new and exciting chapter. English helps you think, speak, and even become a global ambassador. It may feel hard at first, but that’s okay. Believe in yourself and do your best. Don’t worry about making mistakes and don’t be afraid to ask for help – we will always be here to support you as much as possible. I can’t wait to meet you.
岩槻高校のオーストラリア海外授業体験学習で、生徒たちが実際に訪れたクイーンズランド大学(The University of Queensland / UQ)とブリスベン(Brisbane)。世界の大学で学ぶとはどのようなことなのか。そして、生徒たちが歩いたブリスベンとはどのような街なのか。岩高生が見た景色とともに、その歴史や環境、気候、街の魅力を紹介します。
オーストラリア海外授業体験学習で訪れたブリスベン・South Bank
PLACE 01 / UNIVERSITY
クイーンズランド大学
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND / UQ
クイーンズランド大学(The University of Queensland / UQ)は、オーストラリア・クイーンズランド州を代表する大学の一つです。1909年に設立され、1911年に授業が始まりました。
In two groups, the students toured the campus with Japanese students studying at the university. The quiet Saturday atmosphere gave them time to explore the campus at a relaxed pace.
Hearing directly from students studying overseas gave our students a glimpse of the possibilities beyond learning English and inspired them to continue developing their language skills.
In the afternoon, the students explored Brisbane and enjoyed more than two hours of free time for shopping. Even when time was up, they still wanted to see more!
Tomorrow, each student will spend the day with their host family, with plans ranging from trips to the beach and meals out to excursions further afield.
Students completed thank-you letters for their host families and buddies, then gave individual presentations in English about their memories of Australia and places they would recommend in Japan.
Through lessons and daily interaction, the students became more willing to express their ideas in English. Their confidence and communication skills grew noticeably over just a few days.
After demonstrations by our students, Wynnum students tried each activity themselves. The experience became a lively opportunity to share Japanese culture through English.
As the time to leave approached, students found it difficult to say goodbye. The connections they built across language and culture had become something truly special.
The students are gradually getting used to school life at Wynnum and were able to join today’s lessons in a more relaxed way.
ENGLISH CLASS
感謝の気持ちを英語で伝える
午前の授業では、睡眠や感情に関する表現を新たに学び、前日に学習した表現も取り入れながら、実践的な会話練習に取り組みました。また、Thank you letterの書き方を教わり、ホストファミリーやバディへの感謝の気持ちを英語で手紙にしました。
In the morning, students learned new expressions about sleep and emotions and practised using them in conversation. They also wrote thank-you letters to their host families and buddies.
ASKING QUESTIONS
「質問すること」も英語の練習
授業を担当してくださった先生は18年間日本で暮らした経験があり、ご自身の経験を踏まえて、生徒たちに"Asking questions is good practice. "(質問をすることは英語の良い練習になります。)と英語力向上のアドバイスをしてくださいました。生徒たちも、分からないことをそのままにせず、積極的に質問することの大切さを学びました。
The teacher encouraged students with the advice, “Asking questions is good practice.” They learned that asking actively is an important part of improving their English.
In Japanese class, students introduced Japanese school life, club activities and free-time activities to Wynnum students. Even when words were difficult to explain, they used gestures and expressions to communicate.
In the afternoon, students experienced Australian Football. Compared with the previous day, they communicated more naturally while working together as a team.
After arriving at the school, our students met their buddies for the first time. Although they looked a little nervous at first, smiles gradually appeared as each student was introduced to their buddy.
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
学校を知り、バディとの距離を縮める
校内を案内してもらった後は、バディたちと一緒にフルーツバスケットを行いました。
ゲームを通して会話と和やかな雰囲気が自然と生まれました。
After a tour of the school, the students played Fruit Basket together with their buddies. Through the game, conversation began naturally and the atmosphere quickly became more relaxed.
Next, the students joined an English class. In addition to learning new expressions, they took part in activities designed to develop their communication skills. As the lesson progressed, more students began actively trying to express their ideas in English.
In the afternoon, the students joined a Year 11 physical education class. After warming up, they took part in a ball game. With Wynnum students explaining the rules, everyone communicated, cooperated and enjoyed playing together.
We also stopped at a local supermarket, where the students chose drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and other items for themselves.
MEETING OUR HOST FAMILIES
いよいよホストファミリーと対面
そして、いよいよ学校へ。ホストファミリーが生徒たちを迎えに来てくださり、各家庭へ向かいました。
Then, at last, we arrived at the school. Our host families came to welcome the students, and each student left with their host family for their new home in Australia.
ホストファミリーとの対面に安心した表情を見せる16名の生徒たちの姿がとても印象的でした。
It was wonderful to see the relieved smiles on the faces of all 16 students as they finally met their host families.
We hope that through their school life and time with their host families, the students will learn a great deal, discover new perspectives, and enjoy many meaningful experiences.
From August 17 to 24, our students will spend eight days in Australia, taking part in classes, meeting local students, and experiencing daily life through homestays.
Students and their families reviewed the program schedule, travel arrangements, daily life in Australia, and other important information before departure.
結団式では教頭から参加生徒への激励があり、引率教員からも出発に向けた挨拶が行われました。
Our vice principal and accompanying teachers also shared words of encouragement with the students as they prepare for their journey.
参加生徒と保護者の皆様に向けて挨拶する教頭 Our vice principal addresses the participating students and their families.
出発を前に挨拶する引率教員 The accompanying teacher speaks to the students and their families before departure.
International exchange is not only about learning another language and culture. It is also an opportunity to think about our own culture and share it with others.
Our students are also preparing for a Japanese cultural festival at Wynnum State High School, checking items such as yukata and practising their cultural presentations.
日本文化祭で使用する浴衣を確認する生徒たち Students check the yukata they will use for the Japanese cultural festival. 日本文化祭に向けた文化紹介の練習 Students practise for their cultural presentation at Wynnum State High School.
Learning about others. Sharing who we are. Experiencing both sides of communication is one of the most valuable parts of the Iwatsuki High School Australia Study Experience.
海外授業体験学習では、こんな経験が待っています What Students Can Experience in Australia
What is the Australia Study Experience really like? Here are some scenes from previous programs showing the kinds of experiences our students can look forward to.
The program is about much more than studying English. Students join school life at Wynnum State High School, interact with local students, share Japanese culture, and experience Australian culture and daily life first-hand.
現地の学校生活を体験 広い芝生でランチを楽しむことも。日本とは異なる学校の雰囲気や生活そのものが、新しい発見につながります。 Experiencing everyday school life in Australia, including time spent together during lunch and breaks. 日本文化を自分たちの手で紹介 現地では日本文化祭も行われます。英語を使って日本のことを「伝える」ことも、大切な学びです。 Students introduce Japanese culture to their Australian friends through cultural activities. 「伝える」ことで、自分たちの文化を知る 日本では当たり前に感じている文化も、海外で説明してみることで、新たな見方が生まれます。 Sharing Japanese culture also helps students rediscover their own traditions from a new perspective. 見るだけではなく、一緒に体験 日本文化を実際に一緒に体験することで、自然に会話や笑顔が生まれ、交流が広がっていきます。 Sharing cultural activities together creates natural opportunities for conversation, smiles, and friendship. 英語は「勉強」から「人とつながる言葉」へ 実際に同年代の高校生と話し、一緒に過ごすことで、教室で学んできた英語がコミュニケーションの道具に変わります。 English becomes more than a school subject — it becomes a way to connect with new friends. 同年代だからこそ生まれる交流 最初は緊張していても、ともに授業を受け、話し、笑う中で少しずつ距離が縮まっていきます。 Sharing classes, conversations, and smiles helps students build genuine friendships. 学校の外も学びの場 現地を実際に歩き、見て、聞くことで、オーストラリアの歴史や文化、暮らしへの理解を深めていきます。 Exploring the local area gives students another opportunity to learn about Australian culture and daily life. 交流はオーストラリアだけではありません ウィナム高校の生徒が岩槻高校を訪れる機会もあり、日本の学校生活を一緒に体験します。 The exchange also continues in Japan when students from Wynnum State High School visit Iwatsuki High School. 行って終わりではない、続いていく国際交流 海外に出かけるだけではなく、互いの学校を訪問することで、継続した交流へとつながっています。 The relationship continues beyond a single trip, creating opportunities for ongoing international exchange.
Use English. Discover another culture. Share Japan. Make friends across borders. The Australia Study Experience gives students opportunities to learn far beyond the classroom.
For students considering Iwatsuki High School, we hope these photos give you a glimpse of the international experiences that may become part of your high school life.
There may be moments when communication is difficult or when cultural differences feel unfamiliar. Those experiences are also an important part of learning abroad.
We hope our students will meet many new people, communicate actively in English, take on new challenges, and return to Japan with greater confidence and a wider view of the world.
TO OUR FRIENDS IN AUSTRALIA
We are very excited to meet you! We hope to learn together, share our cultures, and make many wonderful memories during our stay. Thank you for welcoming the students of Iwatsuki High School. See you soon, Australia!
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