Japanese Language

  Yoko, our Japanese Intern, visiting Melbourne Zoo.

Japanese is taught as our Language Other Than English (LOTE). 

Students in grades 3 - 6 have a lesson once per week with a Specialist Japanese teacher.  They learn Japanese language, speaking, reading and writing.  They also learn about Japanese culture, particularly through our partnership with Higashi Primary School in Kofu.  A group of Level 4 students and teachers visited Higashi  a few years ago and the experience was outstanding.  We hope to visit the school again in the next couple of years.

Students in grades Prep - 4 experience Japanese culture through the International Internship Program.   Begun 15 years ago, the program involves a Japanese university graduate visiting Kalinda for 6-12 months and staying with our families for 6 weeks at a time.  The Interns pay their own way to Australia and work free of charge to the school. 

Interns love to stay with our families and experience Australian lifestyle first hand and build onto their knowledge of English.  Families enjoy taking the Interns on outings and family events and learning Japanese language.  Of course, the school benefits by having a wonderful young person eagerly teaching our children about a different culture.