Fourteen of our students returned from Melbourne on Monday afternoon to complete the first leg of our 2010 exchange programme with our sister school, Caulfield Junior College (CJC). I received feedback from CJC Principal Tim Douglas on how well they represented our school. They were also very well hosted by our friends at CJC.

From the opening welcome ceremony through to the farewell lunch last Friday, 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.

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.

Our exchange buddies arrive in New Zealand for the second leg of the exchange on Friday, November 5.

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