Mount Waverley Secondary College – Sister School Program
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Two male students greeting each other: in English then Japanese:
My name is ___ nice to meet you.
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Male teacher of Japanese (Les Mullins) sitting at desk:
The Japanese Language Program at Mount Waverley Secondary College was one of
the first in the state. By 1988 this school had the foresight to establish a sister school
with Osaka Minami in Japan. That is one of the longest ongoing sister school
relationships existing in Victoria. Since then we have added on another sister school
in Japan called Natori and we have a German sister school as well.
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Male teacher of German (Tim Hocking) sitting at desk:
For me particularly, teaching VCE this year, we had a number of students who went
to our sister school in Darmstadt last year, to see the language skills they came back
with is astounding. I think that the opportunity to engage with the culture, to really
live the culture even for a short time, has really helped them to develop their language
production and comprehension skills. I think the level of enthusiasm that we are
seeing from the students now is directly related to the Sister School Program we have
at Mount Waverley.
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Female teacher of German (Mary Jane Boughen):
It increased incredibly the immediacy for the students of the language. Germany is so
far away for them, on the other side of the world, and it immediately shows them that
there are real life people speaking the language. When the students are here, we get
them into our classes, get them working with our students to help them with their
language, and get them to interview the students from our Sister School. So I think
that link is established as soon as students start at Mount Waverley and it continues
through very strongly.
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Dr Mullins sitting at desk, then group gathering for photo:
The essence of these relationships are the biannual study tours – if it is them coming
to spend time with us or us going over there, study tours provide that critical essence
to our language program – authentic, intrapersonal, communication and a little
cultural shock.
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Parent in kitchen (Kay Jones-Ellis)
As parents probably one of the greatest rewards is seeing our children share these
times with the students who have come to visit from our sister schools. They are
building friendships and building memories, which is a great reward.
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Female MWSC student:
I have shown her the sea from the Eureka Sky Deck
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Male MWSC student:
Federation Square
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Female MWSC student:
We have seen the penguins at St Kilda.
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Male MWSC student:
City Circle on the tram
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Female MWSC student:
Maybe I’d like to go to Japan if I get the chance, as an exchange student.
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Female teacher of German (Mary Jane Boughen)
For me it is just the excitement of kids, about their subject, and about the people and
the links and their relationships between people and cultures.
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Male teacher of Japanese (Les Mullins)
Yes, sister schools are hard work, teachers have to be responsible for the exchange
programs, and meet all the standards required by the Department of Education and
other departments. But, as with all programs, things that are hard work usually end up
being highly valued by the teachers and students, and add value to their learning
programs.
As powerpoint presentations appear:
1. Strong leadership support…
2. Linked with the schools program…
3. The program is included in the school budget…
4. A focus on planning of activities and collaboration…
The success of our Sister School Program is maintained through commitment shown
to the program by the College leadership team. The Sister School Program is a
designated part of the Languages Teaching and Learning Leader’s role. Further,
College Council annually allocates a significant budget to the program. In sharing our
thoughts and plans for our annual visits and study tours to Germany and Japan with
our sister schools, we ensure that all students participate in valuable cultural learning
experiences.