A group of lucky students from the Haining No.1 High School in Zhejiang Province, China visited Margaret River last week as part of an annual exchange program between the two towns.
Margaret River Senior High School Language Teacher Angela McCoy said the programme had allowed a group of Margaret River SHS students to travel to China last year and that the school was pleased to host their Chinese counterparts this year.
“It is great that we have this connection established between the schools because the students get to experience a part of the world they may never have seen otherwise,” Mrs McCoy said.
After arriving in Perth and enjoying a scenic drive to the South West, the students were greeted by Mrs McCoy, MRSHS acting principal Rob Nail and principal Andrew Host.
Mr Host is currently on leave from the role but said he was pleased to return to school to meet with the students and welcome them to the campus.
The excited group was given a guided tour of the high school before a day of fun at tourist hot spots like the Margaret River Chocolate Co and Sunflowers Animal Farm provided plenty of fodder for the students’ cameras.
Visiting English teacher Celia Yaobin told the Mail that her charges relied on their parents to fund their trip, as students in China do not have the opportunity to take up part time work around school work.
“Yes, it’s all about school for them so this is really exciting to be able to travel to Australia and see how their Australian friends live, and go to school.”
Ms Yaobin explained that the students worked exceptionally hard on their schoolwork throughout the year and the holiday was a wonderful way to reward them for their efforts.
“We are very grateful as teachers to join the trip and experience this as well, meeting other teachers from Australia and seeing their classrooms.”
As a part of their tour of the region, the Chinese students were invited to meet with executives and shire councillors at the AMR Shire offices, an opportunity Mrs McCoy said was of great importance to the trip.
“We are always very grateful for the support we receive from the AMR Shire in continuing to build these relationships with schools and cities in Asia.”
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
