Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Information for the Japan Study Tour 2015
Dear parent or caregiver,
Interested students from the Year 10 Japanese classes in 2015 are invited to participate in the Smith’s
Hill Japan Study Tour 2015. Unlike previous years when the Tour has run in September, it is proposed
that the Tour will run from November 13 (Fri night) – November 26 (Thurs morning).
This excursion has been planned to supplement Japanese language acquisition and socio-cultural
aspects of the course work being done in the classroom. Embedded into the itinerary are daily
challenges that promote team building, resilience, actively speaking Japanese and cultural awareness
and sensitivity.
Educational benefits
Besides the obvious benefits of an immersion experience in a Japanese speaking community, the
following benefits will also accrue to students:
 Team work through daily challenges
 Researching each destination as each group takes turns to be the daily leader
 Navigating using maps and signs
 Budgeting through having to manage a daily food allowance and spending money
 Leadership through negotiation with group members to solve problems.
 Responsibility through having to keep track of luggage, personal effects, passport and money
 Developing cultural sensitivity and appreciating cultural differences through authentic
interactions with Japanese native speakers.
Comments from parents and students from previous tours have been included at the end of this
package to give some thoughts from participants in the past.
Itinerary
The itinerary is a ‘best of package’ of the highlights of Japan. It includes traditional attractions such as
castles, shrines and temples, but also modern day attractions such as the Peace Park in Hiroshima and of
course, Disneyland. Travel around Japan will be by public transport, largely by train.
A proposed itinerary follows, although it is subject to change.
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 1
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Day 1
10:00 QF22
Friday
November 13
Day 8
Friday
November 20
am
in school visit to Takarazuka HS
free time with host families
late – transfer to Tokyo
Day 2
Saturday
November 14
Arrive Tokyo transfer to Kyoto
2pm Kiyomizudera, walking tour to and around
Gion, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Day 9
Saturday
Tsukiji fish markets
Akihabara
Baseball at Tokyo Dome
November 21
Stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 3
Sunday
November 15
Day 10
Sunday
November 22
Amazing Race around Kyoto with Takarazuka Full day free in Tokyo with Kitazono buddy
students
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Day 4
Monday
November 16
Day tour of Kyoto
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo castle,
Arashiyama, Sagano Romantic Train
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan, Kyoto
Day 5
Tuesday
November 17
Hiroshima, Peace Park, A-Bomb dome and
museum
Miyajima Island
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan
Day 6
Wednesday
Fushimi Inari
Nara
All stay at Tomiya Ryokan
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
November 18
Stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 11
Monday
November 23
Disneyland
Stay at Metropolitan Hotel, Ikebukuro
Day 12
Tuesday
November 24
Ghibli Studio
Asakusa
Skytree
Day 13
Shinjuku
Shibuya
Sushi train
Leave Japan
Wednesday
November 25
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 2
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Day 7
Thursday
November 19
am
in school visit to Takarazuka HS
free time with host families
Day 14 Thursday
07:15 arrive Sydney
November 26
Flight Bookings
We have found that booking flights a year in advance is the cheapest way, however, these flights often
have restrictions on them. If you know a reason why your child will not be travelling to and from Japan
with the group, let us know early so you do not incur a surcharge.
Eligibility
There are limited places on the tour. The following criteria will apply to student seeking a place on the
tour.
1. To ensure the personal safety of all students, only students who have impeccable behaviour
records at school will be eligible to attend. Students who have not demonstrated the highest
commitment to school, their studies and their various responsibilities will be exempt from
applying to join the tour.
Students who are in danger of failing to meet the above mentioned behavior requirements will
be given ample notice of this.
2. The tour is open to students who will be completing Japanese 4 and 5 in Year 10.
3. Students who cannot meet deadlines for deposits, installments and documentation will be
withdrawn from the tour.
4. Students will need to have offered to host two Japanese students by the time of departure. This
will enable them to familiarize themselves with the idea of homestay, ensure they have a friend
in Japan, and will reduce any anxiety they have about the idea of doing homestay.
Overwhelmingly homestay is the thing that students are most anxious about, but it is also what students
report as being the most outstanding of the tour. We have provided the following opportunities for you
to offer homestay.
2014
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 3
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Kitazono High School (Tokyo)
Wed 6 August – Sat 16 August
40 Students ( Years 10, 11)
2015
Furukawa Reimei Junior HS
Takarazuka High School (Osaka)
Kitazono High School (Tokyo)
Wed 11 March – Tues 17 March
Sun 19 July – Sunday 26 July
Wed 5 Aug – Sat 15 Aug
40 Students ( Year 9)
40 Students ( Years 10, 11)
15 Students ( Years 10, 11)
Logistics
Students will be allocated room groups and day groups. The rooms will be triples but day groups can be
any number. At all times during the day students are to be with, and look out for, all those in their day
group and report any matters of concern to the teachers.
Each day group will be allocated a particular day on the itinerary and will act as tour guides for that day,
responsible for providing the other students details about the places they will be visiting, giving
directions and purchasing any tickets.
Water activities
There is no water activities organized for this excursion. However, the journey from Hiroshima to
Miyajima will be undertaken on a large car ferry. The journey is ten minutes and the destination is
clearly visible from the origin. It is like catching a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. The car ferry
is a large vessel which carries sufficient life jackets for all passengers. JR Miyajima Ferries are operated
by JR West Miyajima Ferry Co Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of West Japan Railway Company
(JR West). There are three ferries that operated the route. We will not know which ferry is scheduled
on our route until we arrive.
Ship
Built
Weight (in tonnes)
Maximum power
Sailing speed
Max Passengers
Miyajima – maru
May 2006
254
800
8
800
 Ship of the year 2006
Nanaura – maru
February 1987
196
441
8
675
Misen – maru
April 1996
218
735
8
800
It is anticipated that the number of people on the ferry will be fewer than usual due to the fact that:
- We are travelling outside of Australian and Japanese school holidays
- Locals tend to go in the morning and spend the entire day there, leaving mid afternoon
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 4
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
At Disneyland students will be permitted to choose which rides they go on. One of these rides, Splash
Mountain, involves students being secured into rafts that are attached to and move along a track just
below the water line. Once in, students are locked for safety and cannot get out. At one point in the
ride, the rafts go down an incline about 20 metres, creating a small splash at the bottom of it. There is
no chance for students to be immersed in water as they are secured into the rafts until the end of the
ride by a locked bar.
Bikes and Helmets
There is the opportunity for students to hire bikes on Miyajima Island. There are no cars and the terrain
is flat. Please indicate on the permission form if you would like your child to have the option of
participating in this activity. Legally, helmets are not required for cyclists, and as such are unavailable to
hire. If you wish your child to have a helmet whilst riding the bike, you will need to supply it and send it
with them.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Kyoto will be a Tomiya Ryokan (a Japanese Inn). In Takarazuka, students will be
hosted for one night by members of our sister school, Takarazuka High School. All hosting families will
have signed a Child Protection Declaration. The details of each student’s host family will be known
about 4 weeks before departure. In Tokyo accommodation will be in a three star international hotel,
the Metropolitan in Ikebukuro.
Staff
The accompanying staff members have not been confirmed, but are currently Ms Caroline David, Mr
Tim Griffiths and Mr Dean Jones. All teachers have extensive travel experience individually. Ms David
organized and accompanied the Smith’s Hill High School Japan Study Tours regularly since 2003. Mr
Griffiths has lived in Japan for many years and has accompanied the Smith’s Hill Japan Study Tours
annually since 2012. Mr Jones has travelled extensively, including to Japan. All teachers are emergency
care, senior first aid and CPR trained. The students will be supervised at all times when not in homestay.
Fundraising/Student Contribution
It is our experience that students who make the greatest financial contribution to the tour gain the most
rewarding experiences. Whether they get a part time job (students over 14 are legally permitted to
have a part time job), host students or sell chocolates, it will be an important lesson in delayed
gratification. The school offers two avenues of fundraising. Any student who has hosted a Japanese
student from one of our sister schools has $10 per night per student already in trust. This will continue
until departure. In addition, we can supply students with Cadbury Fundraising chocolates on the strict
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 5
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
condition that they are not seen or sold at school. Each box sold will attract $20 to your child’s
fundraising account. Parents are encouraged to come to an agreement with their child about how they
can contribute to the cost of the tour through chores at home also. Parents have reported some
dissatisfaction at the range of fundraising opportunities, but over the last 12 years, we have tried
absolutely everything, and, sadly selling chocolates is by far the most time and profit effective way we
have found.
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 6
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is included in the price of the tour. If you already have an international
travel insurance policy that you wish to use, please let one of us know and we will not include you in the
group policy.
Cost
The cost of the excursion cannot be confirmed until 60 days before departure, however, at this stage, it
is anticipated that the cost will be $3800, based on historical figures, the number of students going and
the current exchange rate. Changes in any of these factors will, however, change the final figure.
Included in the price of the Tour:
 Return air fares on QANTAS (Frequent Flyer points will accrue)
 all accommodation
 daily allowance for food when meals are not otherwise provided by host families
 entry to all attractions including Disneyland and shrines, temples and castles
 transport, including a 7-day Japan Rail Pass
 comprehensive travel insurance
 transfers to and from Sydney airport
 one night homestay at Takarazuka High School
All payments should be made to the school by cash or cheque using the accompanying payment record.
You may choose to pay in instalments, or as payments are due.
NOT included in the price is spending money for souvenirs, nor a gift for the student’s host family or
passport expenses.
Spending Money
The school purchases an amount of yen to take with us to cover local payments such as entry to
museums etc. We get a good rate and do not pay commissions. If you would like us to purchase some
spending money on your behalf, you will be able to include that in your final payment. Spending money
should absolutely be the student’s own money. They will spend every yen they take, whether it is in the
tens, hundreds or thousands of dollars. Around $500-$100 is a mark to work towards, but it will depend
on many factors such as how many people they are intending to purchase gifts for, whether they are
planning to make a significant purchase themselves and what opportunities they have had to earn
money. This year I was most amused and heartened to see jars of baby sitting and soccer referring
money being brought in to change into spending money.
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 7
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
All their food money, entry to castles and temples will be catered for. Spending money is purely
discretionary. All students will have at least one birthday between now and then, so the promise of
some spending money may go some way to their total. Rough prices for popular souvenirs are:
Replica sword - $30- - $100
Second hand silk kimono - $40 – $300
Cotton kimono, new - $50 - $100
Payment Method
You may pay the school one of two ways:
1. by cheque or cash brought to the school office
2. by direct debit
Account details for parents for direct deposit payments –
Account Name – Smith’s Hill High School Administration Account
BSB No. – 032-001 - Account No. 140781
Please email the office with details of your payment including the excursion number 090-462 to
Elaine.mcdermott@det.nsw.edu.au. Please also cc caroline.david@det.nsw.edu.au into these emails so
we can check that the money has made its way into the correct account.
Communication
All communication to do with the tour will be my email. At least one email provided needs to be that of
a parent. You may provide as many email addresses as you like to be kept up to date with the latest
information. Send an email to caroline.david@det.nsw.edu.au with all the email addresses you wish to
add to the list.
A Facebook page has been created where you will be updated with news and photos while we are in
Japan. It is a closed group so any photos that are uploaded will only be seen by members. Any family
and friends of students going can join, but if they have a different name to yours let me know.
It is DEC policy that teachers are not to be friends with students on Facebook, but it has been set up in
such a fashion that even if students join, they will not be able to see the personal information of any
teachers, satisfying DEC requirements. Search for 2015 Smith’s Hill High School Japan Study Tour or go
to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/733372166695189/
The group will be registered with DFAT just prior to departure with the name ‘Smiths’ Hill High School
Japan Study Tour 2015’. You will have an opportunity to change any of your contact details at the last
meeting. In the event of an emergency, you will be able to liaise with them if you cannot get hold of a
teacher.
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 8
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Mobile phones
Students will not be permitted to take mobile phones or devices that connect to the internet with a sim
card. They may take a WiFi capable device to listen to music, but it may only be used on the plane
journey to and from Japan and going to sleep at night.
In the past, parents have reported a high level of satisfaction with this arrangement. Each day they
were updated with news and photos from the day through the Facebook page and felt connected to
their children in this way.
Parents also commented on the personal growth that occurred in their children as a result of not being
attached to an electronic device, being encouraged to converse with other students, and engage in the
art of conversation rather than electronic media.
Both teachers have mobile phones and can relay any important messages, as well as checking the
Facebook page daily.
Girls
It has been our experience that some girl’s natural rhythms and cycles are disrupted by plan travel, so
they should come prepared for all eventualities.
Converse Shoes
Japan has a wide range of converse shoes that students in the past have enjoyed purchasing. If you
think this is something you would be interested in purchasing, please find your shoe size in centimetres.
If you already have converse shoes, the size will be on the tongue. A womens size 7.5 is a Japanese
24.5cm.
ABC Mart is a chain with many stores near Ikebukuro. Whilst the exact range of shoes will vary from
store to store, the website will give you a general idea of the sorts of styles available.
http://www.abc-mart.com/inex/html
The basic pairs are often as cheap as 3900 yen, going up to 10,000 yen for high top leather shoes.
Weather
It will be the end of autumn and will be cool to cold.
Kyoto weather forecast can be found here
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/kyoto+japan+JAXX0047
Tokyo weather forecast can be found here
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/tokyo+japan+JAXX--85
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 9
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Bus to the airport
A seatbelt fitted bus will be organized to take the students to the airport to save parents time and
expense. It is anticipated that we will leave school between 5-6pm on Friday night, November 13, 2015.
Luggage
QANTAS have become very strict about their luggage regulations. Each passenger must only have one
piece of luggage under 30kgs. They cannot take 2 pieces even if the combined total is below 30kgs. This
is particularly relevant for students planning to purchase souvenir swords. Last year those students
were charged $120 per piece for anything that did not fit into their luggage. Students should have a
suitcase on wheels, and should take it half full on the way over.
Paperwork
If you wish for your child to participate in this tour, please complete the attached permission slip and
information sheet. Please forward a copy of your passport at your earliest convenience. If you do not
have a passport now, you do not need to apply for it immediately, but a copy of the new one will need
to be at school by June 13 for the final DEC submission.
All paperwork should be submitted by Friday November 14, 2014. Follow the accompanying schedule
for important dates.
Expectations of students
In order for this excursion to be a success students are reminded that they are ambassadors for their
school and country, and as such their behaviour should be beyond reproach at all times. They should act
in a courteous and considerate fashion, respecting the property of others, and following instructions
given by teachers or leaders. They should refrain from dangerous activities, and seek clarification with
regard to what constitutes a dangerous activity when unsure.
The purchase of and / or consumption of alcohol, cigarettes or illicit drugs is strictly forbidden and
students breaking this rule will be required to be collected from Japan.
Risk assessment
A comprehensive risk assessment of the Tour has been conducted, a management plan has been put
into place and the utmost care will be taken to ensure the safety all students. Please find attached a
copy of this.
Privacy advice
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 10
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
The information provided by you is being obtained for the purpose of ascertaining relevant medical
information, requirements and other health care related needs about your son / daughter in relation to
their proposed involvement in the Japan Study Tour.
It will be used by officers of the NSW Department of Education and Training to assist planning, to
support students, and to minimise risks when conducting this excursion.
Other persons or agencies that may be provided with this information include, but are not limited to,
volunteers and members of external organisations who join with the school or are otherwise involved in
the planning or delivery of the excursion, sporting or other school activity; and persons that may be
called upon to provide health care treatment or other assistance during or as a consequence of this
excursion.
Our group will be registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), under the name ‘Smith’s Hill
High School Japan Tour 2015’, and each student’s emergency contact details will be included in that
registration. DFAT officers are covered by a stringent Privacy Policy, and no student’s details will be used
except to contact family in the event of an emergency. The teachers will attempt to contact family in the
first instance.
Provision of this information is not required by law, however, a failure to provide the information may
mean that your child can not participate in the Japan Study Tour.
Provision of this information however, will significantly assist the school in planning a safer educational
activity. It will be stored securely. If you have any concerns about provision of this information, please
contact the Principal.
You may correct any personal information provided at any time by contacting the school office. Please
do not hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions.
Kind regards
Ms Caroline David
Head Teacher, Teaching and Learning
Head of Langauge
Excursion Co-ordinator
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Mrs Rae Mitchell
Principal
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 11
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
April 11, 2014
Thoughts from previous participants
Dear Ms Mitchell
I just wanted to take the time to thank you for the wonderful opportunity that Smith’s Hill High School
has given <student> through the Japanese study Tour.
Since his return I have seen an already mature young individual become even more independent and
self-assured, clear of the direction he wishes to take in life. As a parent I have always been proud of my
son and the challenges life has thrown him. Yet this experience has helped him grow on another level.
I am envious of the trust, challenges, culture and independence offered to a lovely mature group of 1617 years olds. It is full credit to Sensei David and Griffiths that they have the teaching skills and
educational acumen to know when to guide and when to give opportunity in a safe environment.
As parents far away, we felt secure in the care given and well informed by Sensei David, confident
<student> was having a fantastic time, educationally, culturally and developing socially.
Since his return <student> has been sharing so many wonderful experiences that could not be replicated
from anything we as parents could do for him. I love his stories of working with friends, discovering new
relationships and developing existing ones. Ours is, as you know, a small family that has experienced
constraints that have limited <student’s> opportunities and this trip was a great “make-up” for that.
The intangibles are the things he will remember the most, alongside of a wonderful cultural experience
and all those sites – we are still working through digesting the photos.
Year 10 Parent
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 12
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Re: Smith’s Hill High School Japan Trip 2013
Dear Mrs Mitchell
“Arigatou gozaimasu”. How can we thank yourself, the school, the unstoppable Japanese teachers
(Caroline David, Tim Griffiths and respective families), school support staff and anyone else who was
involved in providing the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan for our son and his
classmates. An experience which was made even more rewarding and well-rounded because of the
opportunity to host two Japanese exchange students in our home prior to the trip.
In the 18 months lead up to the trip we were given ample information and options which prepared us as
parents for what we could expect. So much preparation, I’m sure, had been put in by the staff already
at that point. A steady stream of information through meetings, emails, newsletters etc. kept us well
informed.
One of the things that we loved about the lead up to the trip is that the children were involved
financially. The school kept us up to date with costs, itinerary, involved us in the decisions in regards to
booking tickets, purchasing appropriate spending money at appropriate times etc. Most importantly,
students were encouraged to save up some pocket money or casual job money as their contribution
towards the trip. This way we believe, they got more out to the whole experience. Speaking of money,
budgeting was a skill that <student> benefited from greatly during the trip. He learnt about a different
currency, fluctuating exchange rates, prioritising purchases and making his money last.
<student> is a social person. Through the opportunity to host two exchange students in our home in
Australia and then visit them in their home cities of Takarazuka and Tokyo as part of the tour, he
developed his skills in accepting responsibility, relationship building, maintaining and improving
friendships and socialising across cultures. He thoroughly hopes to study in Japan one day in the future
and I’m sure he will catch up with his “buddies” then.
<student> said the opportunity to explore another country’s culture was fantastic, especially the food!
Since his return to Australia I have seen him more willing in general to try new things and foods as well
(not just Japanese food). I’m sure the experiences he had in speaking, pronouncing, listening and
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 13
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
interpreting Japanese on an everyday basis with locals has improved <student’s> ability for him to
continue Japanese study through to Years 11 &12.
The activities included in the tour were varied. We were very pleased to hear how much <student>
enjoyed making his way from one meeting point to another with his group. This type of opportunity
encouraged team work within the group and a willingness to engage with the locals.
So, in closing, a sincere thank you from our family to the Smith’s Hill High school family for making this
wonderful trip possible. We do hope that the exchange program with the Japanese High Schools
continues and that more Smith’s Hill Japanese Students get to experience this amazing and
educationally rewarding opportunity.
Re: Smith’s Hill High School Japan Tour 2013
I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity given to my daughter to participate in the
recent Smith’s Hill High School Japan tour.
Ordinarily I should have been anxious sending my daughter overseas by herself for the first time.
However, I was surprisingly relaxed and confident she would be in the best possible hands. The
teachers’ extensive preparation and thorough organisation covered every possible scenario and kept
parents well-informed throughout the whole process.
The education benefits of a trip like this are numerous and include such things as:
 Learning to navigate around a busy city and negotiating its complex transport system
 Expanding language skills through everyday conversations with locals whilst shopping, easting out,
asking for directions and travelling
 Calculating prices using a foreign currency
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 14
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
 Appreciating the Japanese culture, the people and their differences
 Learning about the landscape and its architecture
 Gaining an insight into Japanese history and the real meaning and devastation of war
My daughter returned with a new found love of (in her own words) “this amazing country that is Japan”.
She has fallen in love with its people, its culture, its language, its country and its vending machines.
She has matured from the experience and the responsibility of looking after her own belongings. Her
eyes have been forever widened to worldwide travel and the exhilarating freedom it brings. She has a
new appreciation for fresh, healthy food and is more open to the prospect of trying other different
foods now. The fear of the unknown and trying new things is not so daunting anymore.
One of the most priceless aspects of the trip would have to be the invaluable new friendships formed
with many of the Japanese students and especially her host family in Japan, which will hopefully last a
lifetime. It has also been wonderful to see the common bond between her fellow class travellers evolve
into new found friendships whilst strengthening existing ones.
My sincere thanks goes to the school for making this trip possible and especially to her two amazing
teachers who went well out of their way to ensure these children had the safest and most unforgettable
trip of a lifetime.
Dear Mrs Mitchell
I recently attended the school trip with Caroline David. During this time I was able to observe first hand,
and in detail, the heroic efforts of your staff in organising and executing a complicated and extremely
ambitious tour.
I feel compelled to write to you in praise of the efforts of these caring professionals, who I feel have
gone above and beyond the effort reasonably expected of even the most dedicated teachers.
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 15
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Right from the outset it was clear from Caroline’s detailed and excitement building preparation and
weekly emails this trip was going to be something special. No detail was left unplanned, no small
eventuality overlooked. The documentation and preparation I witnessed was far in excess of what I
have witnessed in my professional life as a major industrial shutdown planner!
During the trip itself, the level of care, excitement and dedication I saw displayed has single handily
restored my faith in the public education system. The care and protection offered the students was
always of the highest level, the experience and professionalism of Caroline’s previous life as a Tour
Guide coming to the fore.
What a joy it was to travel in the company of someone who obviously has a passion for the country,
who fluently speaks the language and interprets the culture. Her love for the language and quirkiness of
the Japanese people is infectious and the children learned, experienced and grew visibly to an extent
that I had not even thought possible during the two weeks.
The teachers were a study of perpetual motion, tirelessly tending to their demanding and exuberant
flock with good nature and limitless patience. Problems were overcome, hurdles were cleared, issues
resolved and plans changed on the fly to squeeze the maximum learning and cultural richness possible
from the journey.
At times I was simply amazed at the capability displayed as they navigated 22 excited, forgetful and
inattentive teenagers through the peak hour Tokyo subway system. I know who to call next time I hear
the expression herding cats is impossible.
I am deeply grateful for the fantastic experience these ladies provided to my son, humbled by their level
of expertise and knowledge, and reassured by their passion and commitment to their profession.
It is only a small gesture, but with my hand on my heart, I would like to take this opportunity to express
my gratitude at the superhuman efforts generously provided to enable my son to have a life-changing
experience in Japan, a trip which he will remember for the rest of his life.
You are no doubt very proud of your staff and justifiably grateful to have them on your team at Smith’s
Hill High School.
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 16
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Use this page to record the payments that you make for the trip. Cut out and use the orange slips to
accompany your payment when taking money into school.
Date
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Amount
Cash/cheque/EFT
Notes
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 17
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Dates for the diary
2014
May 14 (We)
 Preliminary meeting at school
 send your email address to caroline.david@det.nsw.edu.au to be added
to the mailing list.
Nov 13 (Th)
Documentation:
 Permission form
 Information form
 Deposit of $1500 to school
asap
 copy of passport
2015
Feb 24 (M)
 interim meeting before Study Skills session 5-6pm –Lecture Theatre
May 13 (Wed)
 Installment due ($1000)
 message to your host family to school. In Japanese where possible.
June 13 (Th)
 copy of passport to school (if not already done)
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 18
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Sept 14 (M)
 Final balance due (about $1300, but TBC)
Oct 27 (Tu)
 Final meeting at school 5:30-7:00 – school library
 Spending money payment due (optional)
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 19
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 20
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104
Smith’s Hill
School
High
Promoting excellence in a spirit of trust and co-operation
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
090-462
090-462
Name:
Name:
Amount:
Amount:
Date:
Date:
Smith’s Hill High School
PO Box 110, Keiraville NSW 2500
Principal : Mrs Rae Mitchell
Japan Study Tour 2015 Information Package
35-37 Gipps Street, Wollongong 2500
Page | 21
Phone : (02) 4229 4266
Facsimile : (02) 4226 5104