This cultural exchange used the Cooling Conflicts program to address bullying. The two schools used their connected classrooms to communicate and participate in enhanced forum theatre activities which culminated in a school visit.
This partnership links a large, urban, multicultural school (Lindfield East) with a small, remote, predominantly indigenous school (Menindee). It involves a large number of community and government partners who communicate and collaborate with the two schools on research, program development, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of outcomes.
We have established a relationship with the South Korean Consulate and have many interactions through them. The most recent was a visit by 53 Korean Student Teachers who wanted to see how primary science was taught in Australia.
In 2011 students and teachers at Cabramatta High began an international exchange program with Jeju Seo Middle School, Korea. Students and teachers speak for themselves about the benefits of the program.
Students from Woronora River Public School initially attended a Multicultural Day at Chullora Public School. This was followed by Years 5 and 6 students from both schools participating in a joint Canberra excursion. Aims of this cultural exchange program included enhancing students’ appreciation of cultural diversity and encouraging friendships between children from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
In this exchange, two schools join forces to develop understanding, tolerance and harmony and to increase parent participation. The aim of this cultural exchange program was to develop cross-cultural awareness, particularly in relation to Arabic-speaking communities, and to increase the participation of Arabic-speaking parents in the activities of both schools.
This program began with students from Bringelly Public School making initial contact with Tempe Public School students via email. The aim of the activity was for students to establish buddy relationships. The entire Bringelly school population of some 100 students travelled by bus to the inner city, not really sure what to expect when they arrived at Tempe.
The exchange began as a response to the unrest experienced in Cronulla during December 2005. Students from both schools felt they were being misrepresented in the media and wanted to change perceptions and break down the stereotypes. As a result of this program, the very negative events at Cronulla have led to a number of very positive outcomes for students.
In May 2007, 15 students from Beverly Hills Intensive English Centre (IEC) travelled to Coonabarabran to meet local students and the local Gamilaraay elders. This is one of many exchanges involving the schools. The exchange began with Coonabrabran High School’s Aboriginal dance group welcoming Beverly Hills visitors with a traditional dance. Beverly Hills IEC students reciprocated with a tribal drum performance.
Sisters, Lena Stefanovska and Dana Kokalevski have combined their passion to promote tolerance and respect through a successful cultural exchange program between students at Cabramatta Public School and Kemblawarra Public School. Lena and Dana, both teachers, set out to build strong links with each other’s school communities. With the support and enthusiasm from the schools’ principals, other teachers and parents this successful exchange continues with increasing rewards for all involved.
Wollumbin High School is not new to cultural exchange. Recently, it extended its exchange program overseas to Korea. In this exchange, Wollumbin High School forms a sister school relationship with Jijok Middle School in Korea. The aim of the program is to strengthen the language skills and cultural understanding of students.
On Tuesday 16th May 2006, 15 students, three staff members, a parent and a community information officer made their way from Beverly Hills in south western Sydney to the airport to begin a four day visit to the Tweed Region of northern New South Wales.
The search for an effective Values Education focus for Stage 3 students led teachers from Sylvania Heights and Merrylands Public schools to investigate the benefits of a cultural exchange program. Having found each other on the cultural exchange website, the two Sydney based schools began the process of organising an exchange. This exchange highlighted both the similarities and differences of two very different school populations.
Students at a single teacher school on the NSW North Coast exchange with students at a large urban Sydney school. The cultural exchange program involving Byabarra and Parklea Public Schools has been in operation for several years. The aim of the program is to assist students to explore the many lifestyles that make up contemporary Australia and to come to appreciate Australian cultural diversity.
West Wyalong High School continues to exchange with Campbelltown Performing Arts High School in a program that has been continuing since 2006. As a part of this exchange, students from the schools hold demonstrations, seminars and discussions on various topics including culture and tolerance and come together at one another’s schools to participate in joint activities.