On returning from Melbourne with our students on the first leg of our 2009 exchange programme with our sister school, Caulfield Junior College (CJC) I was thrilled at how well they represented our school and how well they were hosted by our friends at CJC.

From the opening welcome ceremony through to the farewell breakfast, Caulfield Junior College ensured our students felt welcome and valued. As well as being involved with activities within the school and around Melbourne on the official programme, host families ensured our children did some interesting things in the evening and in the weekend.

Highlights for many of our children were haggling for a bargain at Queen Victoria Market and visiting Old Melbourne Gaol, where they learned a lot more about Victorian Bushranger, Ned Kelly to supplement their pre-trip study. A walking tour of historic city sites was fascinating, as was a visit to the very impressive Melbourne Synagogue and the Shrine of Remembrance. For some of our students the experience of flying was a ‘first’ as was international travel.

The major learning outcome for our exchange programme is:

People from different countries, cultures, homes and communities have the same basic needs, which may be met in the same, or in different ways.

Being hosted by families from a range of different cultures gave our children the learning opportunities needed to achieve this outcome, which is the focus of the follow-up work they are doing on their return.

Bruce McDonald

PRINCIPAL