In April 2004 three Year 6 students myself and a teacher Ms Cathy Davis were warmly welcomed by the Principal, teachers, students and community of Ishigase Primary School in Obu which is our sister school. This was the first student visit since the establishment of the sister school relationship in 1996.

Our visit involved, one night in the Obu hotel at the station, a 4 night home stay and then 2 nights in the Koyoto Youth Hotel with the Elwood Secondary College group.

A strong relationship exists between ourselves and Ishigase School but also between Obu City, the City of Port Phillip and Elwood Secondary College and Obu Higashi Secondary School. These relationships make it possible for a small Primary school like St Kilda Primary with 330 students to be able to visit Japan.

It would give me great pleasure to be able to host a group of Ishigase students, teachers and parents to visit our school in the future so we could repay the warm hospitality provided to us.

The picture of the food is one of the things that was a great surprise to our students and was also very helpful in knowing what to eat especially for the children. You do not see this in shops or restaurants in Australia.

One of my most vivid memories is the cherry blossom. Because it was the end of the season it was like walking on a soft pink carpet of petals and it looked magnificent.

Our first impression of Obu was how clean and safe it was to walk around. We loved the plants in pots in front of the houses and everyone was most helpful when we couldn’t work things out.

I met the most wonderful people and continue to write and email. As well I look forward to our next visit to Obu and Ishighase Primary School in April next year where I will be able to see everyone again. We have 7 students who wish to go to Japan next year.

Warm Regards from Australia