From the moment I gave the first talk at the assembly about the exchange, there has been a buzz around the school that has been almost palpable.  And while I don’t mind, I feel as though nearly every student and staff member has asked me about it at one point or another. 

Can you believe that it has been about seven years since the exchange program last ran?  The last time our Sister School was at St Clare's was 2018.  We travelled to Japan in 2019.  Then there was the COVID pandemic, the 2021 floods and a bunch of other challenges, but I don’t think anything was going to stop the 2025 exchange program.  Even during the worst moments of this year’s floods, the idea of calling it off never seemed to be on the cards.  If anything, it only seemed to make us stronger in our resolve.

I am writing this article with a few days of the exchange still to go because I wanted to write while the feelings were still fresh.  Tomorrow we are heading out on a day trip to Cape Hawk and Bennett’s Head, and I’m a little nervous about giving a speech on Friday.  But we’ve had wonderful experiences both inside and outside of the school the past week.  From visiting a local farm and zoo, to cooking and woodwork classes.  A personal highlight was watching the sunset at Rainbow Beach in Bonny Hills, then waking up the next morning and catching the sunrise.  I’ve been involved in a few of these exchanges since 2015 and I’ve never seen so many students standing on the beach at 6 am in the freezing cold, if that means anything.  And while I’m a little anxious about the rain spoiling our day out tomorrow, I doubt anything will put a dampener on the moods of the students. 

It has been incredible to walk around the school once again and see the dark blue uniforms of our visitors.  They are a constant reminder that something very special is happening.  Our students have been quick to adopt them and make them feel at home.  In fact, a student asked me today if the exchange students could come back later in the year for another visit.  I think that is a beautiful sentiment, and in this moment, I would happily make it happen if I could. 

I would like to thank all the teachers at St Clare’s High School for their unwavering support of this program.  I could try to list every contribution, but my words would fall short, and I would inevitably miss someone.  There have been countless emails, conversations, favours, deals, pacts and overwhelming gestures of kindness.  They say that no one can whistle a symphony, and that has certainly been the case here.  Every level of the school has contributed for months, and I know everyone in the Japanese Exchange Committee is so grateful. 

A big thank you also goes to the host families who keep things running behind the scenes each day.  Having hosted exchange students in my youth, I understand the strain, both seen and unseen, that this can place on a family.  Your generosity and patience are deeply appreciated.  And to the students, I thank you for all your efforts.  The departure of our guests may leave a void, but I hope that feeling serves as a reminder of why we do this in the first place. 

Richard Petrucci
Japanese Exchange Coordinator