North Kalgoorlie Primary School students set to visit Japanese landmarks during eight-day camp

Takashimaya Times Square, Yoyogi Park and Mt Fuji are just some of the iconic Japanese locations local primary school students will experience during their overseas adventure. North Kalgoorlie Primary School students are preparing for the highly anticipated return of their Japan camp next month. Twenty-three Year 5 and 6 students will visit Japan’s capital, Tokyo, and historic centre, Kyoto, from October 4 to 12. Students will have the opportunity to delve into the language and culture of Japan after spending the past three to four years studying the country in their Japanese classes. North Kalgoorlie Primary School Japanese teacher Christine Roberts said the camp was two years in the making for the school and combined real-life experiences with the WA Curriculum. “During the camp students will be able to immerse themselves in the Japanese experience, communicating with native Japanese speakers and experiencing authentic Japanese cultural interactions,” she said. “North Kalgoorlie Primary School has a long history of Japanese exchange programs dating back to the late 80s and 90s. “Students would visit Japan and be billeted out and it was reciprocal with students from Japan billeted out to North Kalgoorlie Primary School families.” For Mrs Roberts, the camp will be a full circle moment, having attended a similar camp in Japan with North Kalgoorlie Primary School students in 1990. Among their packed eight-day itinerary, students will visit Mt Fuji, experience Japan’s Universal Studios, take on the historic Yoyogi Park Harajuku Walk, and have lunch in Takashimaya Times Square. Joining the students will be Ms Roberts, fellow North Kalgoorlie Primary School teacher Mitchell Feleppa and 10 volunteer parent participants.