WELCOMING JINGSHAN SCHOOL

For the past eight days, Scotch Oakburn College has proudly welcomed a group of nine students and two teachers from our sister school in China, Beijing Jingshan School. The partnership between the two schools began in 2015, and over the years both schools have enjoyed several reciprocal visits, helping students build lasting friendships and intercultural understanding.

During their stay in Tasmania, the visiting students were immersed in many aspects of College and community life. Hosted by generous families, the students experienced Australian culture firsthand while also sharing their own language and traditions with our community.

The program included participation in classes alongside their host buddies, including Music, HPE, Art and mentor group activities, as well as collaborative learning sessions with Year 6, Year 10 and TCE students. Students also took part in a Welcome Assembly, where performances and presentations celebrated the friendship between the two schools.

Beyond the classroom, the group explored some of Tasmania’s unique natural and cultural experiences. Excursions included visits to Hollybank, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, the University of Tasmania and QVMAG. Students also enjoyed traditional Australian activities such as fire and damper making, creating wooden keyring souvenirs and botanical art activities.

The visit has been a wonderful opportunity for students from both schools to strengthen connections, develop global perspectives and create meaningful memories together. We sincerely thank all host families, staff and students who helped make the exchange such a warm and successful experience.

We now look forward to continuing this partnership when our students visit Beijing later this year.

Ruby Lan
Teacher