09/08/2026
🌸 Blakehurst High School has just finished hosting a group of students and teachers from Japan 🇯🇵 in a special exchange program. It was an incredible experience for all involved. A huge thanks to our Languages Faculty for their coordination of this wonderful initiative. You can read Ms Mangravati's reflections below ⬇️
Our recent Japanese exchange program was a truly unforgettable experience, filled with laughter, learning and lifelong memories. From the moment our Japanese students arrived, they were welcomed with open arms by their host families, buddies and the Blakehurst High School community. It was heartwarming to watch friendships blossom as students shared their cultures, learnt from one another and enjoyed everyday experiences together.
The English language lessons provided a supportive and enjoyable environment where students grew in confidence and developed their English language skills.
Perhaps the greatest success of the program was the genuine friendships that were formed. Language and cultural differences quickly disappeared as students discovered how much they had in common. By the end of the visit, the Japanese students felt like part of our school family.
The farewell was an emotional reminder of the impact the program had on everyone involved. There were smiles, hugs and many tears as students, host families and staff said goodbye. While it was difficult to see our visitors leave, the friendships made and memories shared will remain long after the suitcases have been unpacked.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible host families, student buddies and staff, whose kindness, generosity and dedication made this exchange such a meaningful and successful experience. We look forward to welcoming our Japanese friends back in the future and continuing the special connections that have been created.
- Mrs Anne Mangraviti
