Dominic Teacher Exchange to Shizuoka Salesio School - Week 5 & 6

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the annual Shizuoka Salesio School Festival. Despite multiple typhoon warnings (and the weather that came with it), the event went ahead and the atmosphere was incredible. In the lead-up, I watched students rehearse music, dance and drama performances, and I was genuinely blown away by their talent. The festival itself was a wonderful celebration of community, creativity and student voice and you could feel the undercurrent of Salesian spirit underpinning everything. My personal favourite pickup was a manga about Don Bosco!

I also spent some time with the kindergarten students (they have over 100 from around 2 years old up to 5 years old), reading them some classic Australian picture books and sharing stories about life back home. Later in the week, I worked alongside the Year 11 students, providing another fascinating perspective on Japanese secondary education and what life is like for students in Japan.

I also had the opportunity to teach Year 6 students about Tasmania’s geography, climate and food production as part of their social studies unit, while Year 4 students explored similarities and differences between Australia and Japan through their inquiry learning and building on from their excursions. Seeing students make thoughtful connections between our two countries was incredibly rewarding and it has been a pleasure to be part of the process. Another memorable experience was joining students in making hand fans as an act of service for members of the local community. This simple activity really showcases the school's emphasis on kindness and thinking of others; something I am constantly noticing in my time here. 

Week 6

As my exchange hits its final weeks, I continue to be amazed by the determination and dedication of both students and teachers at Shizuoka Salesio and in Japan generally.

I continued my time teaching, and it has been wonderful to watch students grow in confidence as they ask questions in English and enthusiastically compare life in Japan with life in Tasmania. They have been fascinated with learning about Dominic, what life is like in Tasmania, foods, sports, and our way of life. The joy with which they look forward to zoom calls with Dominic has really demonstrated for me how much they value our relationship, and has been very humbling to be privy too.
During this week, one particularly memorable experience was attending a student ‘Human Rights’ performance. The presentation encouraged children to think about empathy, kindness and respect for others. I also was lucky enough to observe one of Salesio's regular Open Days, where parents are invited into classrooms to observe learning before meeting with teachers to discuss the year and the learning that has occurred so far. It was an excellent example of the close partnership between home and school, and the openness with which learning is shared.
In my time on the weekend this week I also experienced one of Japan’s greatest icons up close by hiking Mt. Fuji – an unforgettable way to spend my 40th day away from home.

Michael Voss - ​​Acting Lead Teacher: Year 3/Year 4