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Last week our sister school Yumegaoka Junior High School (YJHS) came from
Shin-Onsen to Methven to visit us. There were six exchange students, one teacher -
Kaori Kimura, and their Principal, Takeshi Shiode. The group arrived on Tuesday
evening and traveled out to Methven to meet their host families. The students were
hosted by the same student who stayed with them in Japan in June. Mount Hutt
College is now in the 18th year of this sister school relationship.
Year 9 student, Joseph McHugh, hosted Nao, saying his favourite experience was
teaching Nao how to make a chocolate mug cake. Although, lots of flour ended up
on the floor making Nao laugh. Joseph said Nao bought their family lots of lollies and
stationery as thank you gifts.

On Wednesday we welcomed the YJHS group with a Mihi Whakatau from our kapa
haka group. Then the students joined their buddy’s class. Luckily, it was Wednesday
Snowsports and the students came up to Mount Hutt for skiing. We had a beautiful
blue bird day. In the evening we had a big whānau dinner with all of the families and
students who went to Japan. The next day the group went to Christchurch to visit
Willowbank, the tram and Riverside Market. On Friday, we went to Ashburton to
meet Mayor Liz McMillan and visit the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. On
Saturday we showed them the best of Mid-Canterbury, by taking them to the
Staveley Icerink, followed by the Ōpuke Hot Pools. All of the kids said, the highlight
of that day was eating kiwi sausages in bread and marshmallows roasted over the
fire.

Sadly, Sunday was the last day of the visit before they continued their New Zealand
trip with some time in Christchurch and Auckland. Just like when we left our
homestay families in Japan, there were lots of tears because we were so sad to be
parting again. The trip finished their MHC adventure with a quick photo stop at the
Rakaia salmon, and a visit to the Cookie Time factory.
By Joseph McHugh and Oscar Gorrie, Year 9