St Kilda Primary School No. 1479

As our tour to Japan is now upon us, I would like to draw your attention to some of the features of the St Kilda P.S. and Elwood College home-stay tour program.

This is the second visit by students to Ishigase Primary School in Obu City. I accompanied 3 children with Ms Cathy Davis on our first home stay tour in 2004. Past Principal Louise Pearce and Eric McCann visited Obu City and Ishigase Primary School after the signing of the Agreement of Cooperation between Ishigase and St Kilda schools in September 1996.

St Kilda Primary School’s sister school relationship and now our newly established home-stay tour program is a source of great pride to the school and its community. We sincerely hope next year students from Ishigase Primary School will come to visit us. We have also played an important part in the Sister City relationship the City of Port Phillip has with Obu city . We also highly value our relationship with Elwood College who conducts extensive exchange visits each year with Higashi High School. This year is their 20th. Anniversary tour.

Participants in this short-term home-stay/tour program have the opportunity to learn about life, education, work and culture in another country.

Central to the success of the visit is the homestay program in which students and teachers have the opportunity to live with a family and to participate in school activities and classes.

In addition to the in-school aspects of the program, St Kilda Primary school students will undertake a short tour of some of the Historical, Cultural and Social highlights of Japan with the tour group from Elwood College. The intention is to give students an insight into the country and its people as well as providing a unique opportunity to travel internationally as a group.

Participants in the program should be aware that there will be a number of important expectations of them from the school. The purpose of this document is to acquaint participating students with these expectations as well as providing some tips on what you can expect while in Japan.

The most important point to raise with participants is that the on-going success of the Sister school agreement is everybody’s responsibility. We must all be aware that we are representing more than ourselves and are “on show” for the entire time of the tour but most particularly during the homestay and the school programs.

All students must behave in such a way as to bring credit to St Kilda Primary School and to the program as a whole. Co-operation with this aim is the basis for student participation while in Japan.

The Tour Leader will personally brief all participants but may, while in Japan, need to seek extra co-operation or help from students in order to guarantee the success of the tour. All students are expected to offer their co-operation to the Tour Leader and to abide by all instructions while on tour from any staff member.

At all times, students are expected to follow the Senior school rules and the “Student Code Of Conduct”. While no disciplinary problems are expected, if they do arise, problems will be dealt with individually by the Tour Leader.

Presentation, dress and demeanour are as important as behaviour while involved in the Obu Ishigase part of the tour. Students can expect to be involved in some formal events as well as the more casual activities planned by the host families. On these occasions, attention to politeness, as well as to dress is very, important.

This information is for your reference while we are away and has been shared with us in the previous three meetings with Mr. Pritchard from Elwood College.

Students will be expected to take with them to Japan, sufficient clothes to ensure that they present appropriately dressed on these occasions.

Appropriate dress for formal occasions is school uniform which should be clean and neatly pressed.

At all times while staying with host families, students must dress in neat casual attire.

The climate will most probably be cool to warm and in addition to clothing,
all students must wear a watch and carry a money belt or similar to hold cash and documents.

Students should not carry jewellery or other valuables as reasonable arrangements cannot be made for security and the Tour Leader cannot accept responsibility.

The Tour Leader or delegate will hold all student Passports for the duration of the tour. These will be available to students upon request.
Passports are to be handed to the School Office on the first day of Term 2.

Students will need approximately $20 for incidentals during our overnight stay in Cairns. Before leaving Australia, students should purchase $100 in Japanese Yen (¥) which will easily meet their needs while on the homestay part of the tour. As Japan is a very safe country, carrying larger than usual amounts of money is rarely a problem. The usual precautions with wallets, money belts etc, should be observed. As children cannot cash travellers cheques children can either take spending money in Yen and ask the tour leader to look after it until needed or alternatively on the first day of Term 2 provide spending money in Australian dollars and the tour leader will purchase travellers cheques on behalf of your child and cash them when your child requires spending money. (This will most likely be in the last 2 days of the tour.)

At any time, students should carefully observe the same safety and security procedures with money they would at home. It is the responsibility of all students to plan for their spending money before leaving Australia. It is unfair on other travellers to expect loans while on tour. Make sure that you have discussed with parents the money you intend taking and especially any larger purchases you may be considering.

Where a student is intending to purchase a large or expensive item, this should be done as late in the tour as possible so as to avoid handling and transportation. Purchase of any item of greater than A$200 value should be discussed with the Tour Leader in advance.

It is the responsibility of individual students and their parents to ensure that any intended purchases meet Australian Customs Laws.

The Tour Leader can accept no responsibility for the security of items purchased by students.

Included in the tour cost is an insurance policy which will cover medical and hospital expenses as specified in the brochure provided to parents. It is compulsory for all participants to have this travel insurance.

All students must have completed a Medical Details Advice form as issued by the school. This should be handed into the school office on the first day of term 2.

Any student who is taking prescription medication must advise the Tour Leader prior to departure and carry a signed letter from their doctor authorising the medication. Similarly, any student who has a prior condition as specified in the insurance document, must inform the insurer in writing before departing on the tour.

Minor illnesses such as upset stomachs and headaches as well as minor cuts and bruises will be attended to using basic first aid procedures.

It is worth noting that it is unwise for students to share drinks and food while on tour to avoid gastric upset. Students who experience easily upset stomachs should ensure that the only water they drink while in Japan is bottled.

The Tour Leader will attend to accidents requiring medical assistance, by Ishigase Primary School or by host families.

As a back-up, the Travel Insurance has a medical emergency number which allows for calls to Australia for assistance.

Where appropriate, the Tour Leader will advise St Kilda Primary School of action taken and parents will be notified by the school.

Gift-giving is a time honoured tradition in Japan which continues today. St Kilda Primary School will make a presentation to Obu City and Ishigase Primary School on behalf of the exchange students and in keeping with the intended nature of the visit, this will usually be something of an educational nature such as a presentation of teaching materials or library books.

Students will need to purchase gifts for their host families before leaving Australia and be prepared to present these after settling in to their host home. Gifts should comprise either something for each host parent or something for the home, in addition, small gifts should be offered to each host ‘brother and sister’. Some host families my include Grandparents and small gifts for them are very appropriate. Caramello Koala’s and packets of Tim Tams make welcome small gifts.

It is usual to carry a number of small items suitable for gift exchanges during the visit. As a rule, gifts should be small in size for ease of transport, and made in Australia.

It is a useful idea to carry in your luggage a lightweight bag to enable the transport home of any gifts received or purchased.

At Melbourne Airport, students will be expected to follow some simple requirements which will be the same for all travel departure points in Japan.

These requirements apply to all travel departures - airports; train stations; bus depots; etc.
In addition, hand luggage to be taken on board the aircraft should be kept to a minimum. It should include only those items you will need during the flights and immediately upon arrival in Japan.

Students will have completed the forms required by Japanese Customs and Immigration while on board the plane to Nagoya.

Upon arrival at Nagoya International Airport, students will collect hand luggage and await the instructions of the Tour Leader before leaving the plane. The Tour Leader will be the first person off the plane and will lead students to the immigration control area. Clearing immigration will be quite swift and once through, students must remain together as a group and wait to be directed towards the Baggage Collection area. When all the baggage
has been collected, (identifiable by the attached coloured tape) the group will move towards the Customs clearance area.

After clearing Customs, all students will wait for the group to reassemble before proceeding to the passenger arrival area. Once in this area, students are expected to wait for adults accompanying the tour to be introduced to the Japanese hosts.
St Kilda Primary School students will be met by the Principal of Ishigase School and the President of the Parent’s Association.
The tour leader will collect all passports on arrival in Cairns and again on arrival in Nagoya.

From Nagoya Airport, students will travel by bus to the Station Inn Hotel in Obu for the night.

Participants will meet host families on Friday morning and be with them until Wednesday morning.

Elwood College students will meet their homestay families at the airport and be with them from Thursday until Wednesday morning.

Though bearing many similarities to our own way of life, Japanese home life can be quite different to what students have previously experienced. Japanese parents are, on the whole, much stricter than Australians are and students may expect that they may seem quite formal. It is wise therefore, to regard politeness as the first and most important obligation of the houseguest and to ensure that you are aware of paying appropriate respect to your hosts at all times.

When entering a Japanese home, it is traditional to remove shoes. Please expect this and do so without delay upon arrival in a home. You may be given slippers to wear inside the house, if not socks are quite appropriate. You should perhaps include a pair of thick socks in your hand luggage. It is not appropriate to have bare feet inside the house.

Japanese homes can be smaller than those you may be used to in Australia. Rooms frequently serve more than one purpose and students will therefore need to be aware that they cannot spread their belongings about as they might do at home. Be tidy; keep bags neatly packed and stacked and do not leave belongings lying about the home.

On your first evening, ensure that your school uniform which you will need for the formal assembly at Ishigase Primary School is hung up so it is uncreased.

Having settled in, the time may be appropriate to present the gifts you have brought from Australia.

Seating in Japanese rooms is usually on cushions arranged around a low table. Bedding is usually futons laid out on the floor. It ordinarily consists of a mattress, sheets, thick coverlet, and extra blankets where appropriate.

Many Japanese families eat foods similar to those you know from home. Just as many however, eat traditional menus which rely frequently upon fish and rice as staples.

Remember: the sign of a truly polite guest is the way they can consume food which they would not ordinarily select. Most host families will make an enormous effort to offer you the very best in hospitality - it is your responsibility to eat, enjoy and remember to thank them for the meal.

(A useful suggestion which has been made by previous travellers is to pack a box or two of muesli bars or similar before leaving home. That way, if you do not enjoy one particular meal, then you can politely eat some items and later - discreetly - fill up on one of the snacks from your supply. Portions of food too can be somewhat smaller than those you are used to. Again, a supply from home can be a real help.

Don’t rely on these supplies however, you are going to Japan to learn about many aspects of the lifestyle and culture and food is a most important experience.)

It needs to be pointed out that alcohol, whether offered by an adult or not is absolutely out of the question.

Any student found to have been drinking alcohol or using any prohibited substance while on the tour will find themselves in severe disciplinary trouble. This may include being sent home on the first available flight.

It is common to be asked whether you prefer a bath or a shower in Japanese homes. Baths can frequently take a long time to fill and prove to be an inconvenience to others in the house. It is wise, if offered, to request a shower which will be very similar to what you are used to at home.

Japanese toilets can be another matter entirely. While it is unlikely that homes will have anything other than fairly common western style toilets they do frequently have a number of buttons to push to enable use as a bidet. Please ensure that you check how the toilet functions and if uncertain, ask your host “brother or sister”.

When outside the home or on tour, toilets are more likely to be of the traditional Japanese variety. These are not sat upon, but squatted over. They may take some getting used to, but one thing is for certain: you can’t avoid them indefinitely, so get used to them as quickly as you can.

Communal bathing is another tradition in Japan. You may encounter this in the Youth Hostel accommodation, so it’s useful to know what to do so as not to draw attention to yourself.

In nearly every Japanese bath, you undress before entering the actual bathroom, leaving your towel with your clothes. In the bathroom, you will usually find a small plastic seat, a plastic basin, a shower hose and/or hot and cold taps. You thoroughly wash by pouring water over yourself, soaping then rinsing. When finished, and the soap is rinsed off, you may choose to soak in a tub of hot water. It is, , a delightful way to end a day.
Some guide books point out that in communal bath houses, you will draw much greater attention to yourself if you bathe in swimming trunks. It is probably best therefore to rapidly adjust to the Japanese way and to overcome any embarrassment quickly.
There are, of course separate bathing facilities for males and females.

The first day at school is, in many ways, the most important as it will make a strong impression upon our hosts. It is therefore essential that all St Kilda Primary school students are very conscious of their responsibility to present well and to participate in all aspects of the program devised by our host school.

While at the school, students must present in school uniform as there will be a number of formal functions including the Welcoming Assembly.

The Welcoming Assembly will take place with the Official Party comprising all visitors on stage, where they will of course, be highly visible. Paying attention to all speeches is of utmost importance during this assembly. One student will be delegated to make a welcome speech which will be translated as they speak.

There may be another formal occasion to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Elwood and Higashi Colleges’ relationship. This will require similar self-discipline.

Each day at the school will commence with a briefing which will cover the full program for the day and provide students with the opportunity to talk to teachers and other tour participants.

Outside the normal school hours, students will spend their time with the various host families. As some may live quite some way distant from the school, this may necessitate travel by public transport which will be guided by your hosts. Some students may find that they are loaned a bike to travel to school with host children. They should seek advice about road conditions. Some children will walk in a group, as part of a walking school bus.

All host families will have a contact telephone number for the Obu Ishigase organising teacher who will be able to put them in touch with the Tour Leader outside school hours should the need arise.

Especially on the weekend, host families will have made a number of arrangements to show their guests their local areas and to entertain them.

As in the case of meals, it is the responsibility of the guest to show appreciation of the efforts made by the host families. Please remember to thank families for outings or special occasions and comment on how interesting and informative the homestay is for you. Do not leave your thanks until the last day as is often our habit. It can be very stressful for a family to have a guest for a number of days and a small word of thanks or comment on how enjoyable it is to learn about another country can go a long way towards easing that stress. It is very difficult to host guests who remain silent about whether or not they are taking-in everything that is being done for them.

It’s a bit of a balancing act between not wanting to “swamp” people with thanks \and offering some feedback as a way of showing your appreciation. This need not be serious dilemma, just make sure that you take the trouble to notice the things that your hosts are taking you to see.

Perhaps the most difficult thing to remember when speaking with people is to avoid the use of slang expressions. Although it is not expected that there will be any difficulties or misunderstandings between students and host families, it is vital to your enjoyment of the homestay program that problems be brought to the attention of the Tour Leader before they become major.

Occasionally, students can misinterpret a comment from their hosts. Remember that it is difficult to communicate in a foreign language and sometimes English expressions can be used which seem blunt or unwelcoming but in fact are used quite innocently. If you become concerned about an aspect of your homestay, talk to someone else on the tour. Often a simple conversation with someone else is enough to remind you that you are not alone and that will resolve the problem.

SHOPPING

Please be aware that some shops in Japan sell items of imitation weaponry such as guns, swords etc. These items are prohibited imports into Australia and if a person attempts to bring one of these items on board an aircraft or through Australian Customs, they risk severe penalty under Australian law. NO student is to purchase any weapon, imitation or otherwise.

The first weekend is a good time to send your first postcards back to Australia. When writing post cards in Australia, it is the habit of most people to use all the available space. In Japan, the left side of the card is for the message and the right side if exclusively used for the address. Should any part of the message go over to the address side, postage will be charged at the letter rate.

The final day at Ishigase Primary School will see the party depart quite early from Nagoya Railway Station. Please ensure that bags are packed the night before and that the group is not held up by the lateness of one person.

At this time, school uniform may be packed at the ‘bottom of the case’ as it will not be needed again. Casual attire is appropriate from this time on where comfort of travel becomes the major concern.

(The best way to guarantee that belongings are not left behind upon departure is by getting used to not leaving them lying about in the first place.)

Remember too, to make certain that you have written down the address of your host family to write to them expressing your appreciation when you arrive home.

At Ishigase Primary School, ensure that all your bags are packed on board whatever means of transport is being used to convey the party to Nagoya Station. We will be leaving early, 7.00 a.m.

Remember to thank all members of the Ishigase School staff before leaving.

At 8.30 a.m. at Nagoya Station, we will meet up with the Elwood College students and teachers so please remain with the group and be ready to move yourself and your baggage quickly.

Travel on the Shinkansen (Bullet trains) is certainly a very different experience to travel in Australia. As the trains only stop for a short time the suitcases need to be lined up ready to be moved quickly. The position of the doors are clearly marked on the station platform.

The Japanese use the trains to commute to work so there is no allowance made for luggage storage. Seats can be revolved to enable some storage but most cases will have to be lined up at the end of the carriage in the area near the doors.

The difficulty of moving luggage about on the Shinkansen is another reason to be certain to follow the packing tips given out in the last Newsletter:

“If there is one city in Japan that every foreign visitor should experience, it is Kyoto. As it was the imperial capital for nearly 1000 years it has the finest temples, palaces, villas and gardens in Japan.”
Lonely Planet Guide to Japan

After arrival at Kyoto station, it may be necessary to store luggage for the day. Weather and time permitting we may travel by train to Nara for the day.
If this is not possible we will transfer to the Higashiyama Youth Hostel by taxi. Again luggage may be a little difficult to manoeuvre so it is most important that the group keep together and help one another. Luggage will be left at the hostel and our day activities around Kyoto will begin. The hostel will be closed so we will not have access to rooms or facilities at this tie.

The Higashiyama Youth Hostel is a pleasant, recently renovated hostel on the outskirts of the Central Business District. It is quite small with shared rooms and amenities and is located on a busy street. There are shops close by and students will be able to visit these with supervision.

Road Safety should be uppermost in everybody’s mind - it’s so easy to forget the basics when everything around you is new and interesting.

As a former capital of Japan, Kyoto has many important castles, palaces and shrines. Nijo Castle was constructed in 1603 as the luxurious residential palace of a former Shogun. It is famed for its “singing” floors which alerted the occupants to any intruder. The castle garden is famed as one of the finest in Japan and is well worth a stroll to appreciate something of the art of the landscape artist/gardener.

This temple is very popular with visitors and included on most tours of Japan. The main hall (honden) is built on pillars out of a hillside. The grounds are especially lovely in autumn. The present buildings date from 1633 and include a picturesque gate, the famed pillar-supported verandah and a three-storey pagoda.

The street leading up to this temple is lined with stores selling a variety of tourist trinkets. Advice has it that these are very overpriced and students should be encouraged to browse but not buy.

The streets surrounding the Temple are worth exploring for their enjoyable atmosphere which is regarded by some as the most pleasant part of Kyoto. Here you can find traditional teahouses and shops. Guide books suggest that if you find something in one of these shops that you really have to have, then you should buy it as many of the goods are not available anywhere else in Japan.

This is in fact a seven storey department store which features displays and sales of every imaginable type of handicraft made in Japan. It sells everything from kimonos to calculators; paintings to stereos; and jewellery to toys. On several floors, traditional crafts people are to be seen at work at their various crafts. It is as cheap as duty free and is an excellent place to shop for any mementos or gifts.

On the Friday morning we say good-bye to Elwood College participants and make our way back by Shinkansen to Nagoya station where we have a day to see the sights of Nagoya and do some shopping.

Bags will be deposited in lockers and a day pack will be required for the day’s activities.

There will be time to browse the shops once through customs and immigration but students should stay together as a group and not leave the immediate vicinity of the Tour Leader unless given permission to do so.

Ms Davis will take responsibility for boarding arrangements and will hold all passports until Japanese Immigration has been cleared.

Ms Davis and Ms Higgins will be returning with the students to Melbourne and I will be saying a sad good-bye and returning to Kyoto to rejoin the Elwood tour.

In packing, students should ensure that they have stored safely any precious mementos to avoid breakage in airport handling. Where possible, all items should be packed in the main luggage, taking as little as possible into the cabin of the aircraft.

Shortly after boarding the aircraft, cabin crew will distribute the Australian Customs and Immigration forms. Students should complete these straight away and put them with their passports.

When clearing Australian Customs and Immigration at Melbourne Airport, students should wait for the entire party to be re-formed before proceeding to the passenger arrivals area.

Students who wish to purchase perfumes/after shave etc are able to do so at the first port of call on return to Australia or before leaving Nagoya.

A short time only will be allowed for this shopping and therefore, students who believe that they will wish to make purchases, should investigate availability prior to departing Australia in order to hasten the process on our return.

Students and parents should check that any purchases they intend making will meet Australian Customs Regulations or Taxes may have to be paid.

Regardless of the age of students, no alcohol may be purchased on the return journey to Australia.

Under no circumstances should students carry with them items of great value, excessively large sums of money, jewellery, etc. Students should wear a basic wrist watch only; students who have pierced ears should wear sleepers or studs only.

No responsibility can be accepted for students failing to take note of this advice.

Suitcases should be locked with appropriately sized padlocks. Please locate spare keys in your wallet or sew them into your day pack.

You are strongly advised to carry as little baggage as you can. You will surprise yourself at how little you actually need for a 10 day trip. A small case or better, a travel pack are the best containers for your clothes. Japan is very difficult and sometimes unpleasant for those who carry large amounts of luggage.

The packing list below has everything that you should need with the exception of medication.

Anyone who is intending to take a hair drier should note that adapters which convert Australian appliances to the Japanese electricity system can only be purchased in Australia.

Please do not be inclined to take vast amounts of clothing as you will be the one who has the miserable time having to carry it all.

All luggage should be clearly labelled inside and out with the student’s name, address and school. Also include on the address label, the name and telephone number of Ishigase Primary School

In addition to naming luggage, students should also label cameras, wallets etc with both their own name and the name and telephone number of Ishigasi Primary School:
0562 478111

It is very useful to carry some small name cards with you to give to people with whom you may wish to keep in contact.
These will be made quite simply on a computer and carried in your wallet.

Casual outfits/other
(Home stay families will wash for you before you leave.)

PLEASE NOTE:
A casual outfit should be worn on the plane. Please ensure that you dress up rather than down as the Japanese are far less casual in their dress than we tend to be.

Toothbrush
Tooth Paste
Hair brush/Comb
Soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Perfume/After Shave
Cosmetics
Tampons
15+ suncream
Small packet of Bandaids
Small tube antiseptic cream
(Pack all liquids in plastic bags)
Towel

Name cards
Address book
Pen
Camera/Film
2 large plastic garbage bags (for wet towels/clothes)
Small bag of washing powder
Small sewing kit
Wallet
Day Pack
Money belt
Small flash light
Gifts
Book to read on the plane
Nylon folding carry bag

learning for life

SHOPPING