Exchange of cultures

BRENDAN CRABB

KIAMA High School students said sayonara after a visit from some new friends last week.

Kiama students and their families hosted six pupils from Kawagoe High School, Japan as part of their sister school arrangement.

Teacher and translator Yukiyo Kimura said her students, aged between 13 and 15 enjoyed four days studying with Kiama's Year 8 students.

They also had a day trip to Nowra Wildlife Park and a attended dance party.

Ms Kimura and Principal Morita Shigeo said their students especially enjoyed the dance party because it was something they didn't experience at home.

Kawagoe student Mari Kakamura enjoyed tasting Vegemite and watching kangaroos, emus and koalas at the wildlife park.

"Their English is pretty good, but we have to talk slowly and clearly," said Kiama student Dylan Wallner.

"It's good showing them Australian food and teaching them slang words like "?grotty'."

Kiama high principal Graham Sutherland said Kiama had been involved with the arrangement since 2000.

The program would continue next year when Kiama would send eight students and two teachers to Japan.