2018 Term 1 Events

Study tour of Korean primary students

From 29 January to 23 February, we welcomed 11 students from Korea on a 26-day study tour. While at the College, the visiting students attended fun and engaging lessons about Australia’s history, geography, and wildlife. They took intensive English classes, which were complemented by immersive day-to-day timetabled sessions with their Calamvale buddy. Students enjoyed full-day excursions to two of the Gold Coast’s world-renowned theme parks – Movie World and Wet n Wild. This study tour concluded with a day of sightseeing at the Southbank Precinct – Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination that boasts extensive parklands, a man-made beach, multicultural eateries, and architectural landmarks.

Sports Day with Tama Meguro JHS

On 1 March, we hosted a Sports Day with visiting students from Tama Meguro Junior High School in Tokyo, Japan. The College welcomed these 96 Japanese students with an electric performance of “Shibuya Crossing” by the school’s Taiko Drummers. Throughout the day, students rotated through several activities such as the Fitness Obstacle Course, a challenging maze of stations that tested physical fitness. The Tama Meguro students also participated in an informative and enjoyable Aboriginal Program, filled with interactive elements including didgeridoo lessons and boomerang throwing. The visiting school was farewelled with a ceremony and an exchange of gifts.

Study tour from Okayama Sozan

From 13 to 21 March, the College welcomed a second study tour from Japan, this time from the Okayama Sozan Junior High School. At the College, the 30 visiting students participating in food tasting sessions, English lessons and cultural activities. Their itinerary also included a full-day excursion to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in West Brisbane, a visit to the University of Queensland campus, and sight-seeing across Brisbane city.

Term 2 Events

Thai Study Tour

From 23 April to 4 May, the College hosted 25 students from Thailand Government schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. These students engaged in an immersive stay at Calamvale, attending English conversations lessons and timetabled classes with their buddies. This tour coincided with ANZAC Day, which allowed these international students to witness the commemorations firsthand. The trip also included an introduction to some of our famous fauna during a wildlife presentation.

Osaka Dance Project

On 17 May, collaborated with the Jikei Gakuen Group of Japan and the University of Queensland for the Australian Dance Project, held at the Calamvale Performing Arts Centre. 58 students from Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo and Fukuoka performed five dances, with the highlight being the last performance – a collaborative performance of Japanese and Calamvale students to the sounds of ‘Zippity Do Dah”. This was the second year of the joint project.

Indian Principals’ Delegation

On 30 May, the College hosted a delegation of principals from India on a one-day tour of the College, followed by productive presentations regarding offshore work and shadowing programs.

Term 3 Events

New Taipei City and Nan Tou County Professional Visit

On 10 August, 25 school leaders from New Taipei City visited the College for a one-day professional visit. This delegation included an esteemed Professor who sits in an advisory committee in charge of international education policy for the Taiwanese Ministry of Education, as well as high profile Academic and School Operations Supervisors, Principals, Academic Directors, and teachers.
The topics of discussion involved our International Baccalaureate journey towards accreditation, our anticipated 2019-2020 IB course structure and strategic plan to educate global citizens, as well as the various facets of our robust International Programs. The delegation also observed classrooms and toured the College, with particular emphasis placed on IB and Senior Secondary classes.

Kinmen County study tour from Taiwan

From 20 – 26 July, students from Kinmen County, Taiwan visited Calamvale for a six-day tour. These students enjoyed an excursions to a local park, Brisbane City for sightseeing, and the Southbank precinct for shopping and relaxing. At the College the touring students participated in an insightful unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) lesson with Mr Paterson, as well as a wildlife show and classes alongside their assigned buddies.

Mingzhu and Jiangsu Study Tours

This term commenced with two simultaneous – but very different – Study Tours from China.
On 30 July, we welcomed five students from our Sister School in China – Jiangsu Nantong High School. The students took part in English language lessons, class integration sessions, and were treated to an Australian wildlife show at the College. Our warm and hospitable host families allowed these visiting students to appreciate the Australian lifestyle and take part in leisure activities. The students also travelled to the Gold Coast and Sydney as a part of this tour.
This annual visit from our Jiangsu Sister School was complemented by the inaugural visit of Mingzhu School students to the College. On 30 July, we also welcomed 11 students from Mingzhu School in Changchun, China for the first time on a one-week study tour. The students completed English lessons at the College, and attended class integration sessions alongside a buddy student.

Visit from Kaohsiung Boys

Kaohsiung Boys School arrived for a 12-day tour, spanning 21 August to 1 September. This visit had a strong science focus – our Kaohsiung guests visited the University of Queensland to enjoy an Australian Wildlife show and conduct a laboratory experiment on campus. These students also sampled the broad tertiary education offerings Griffith University and the Australian Catholic University. Science took precedence at the College, with engaging STEM lessons offered. This tour also enjoyed several excursions across Brisbane, including a visit to the Lone Pine sanctuary, shopping at the Airport DFO, and sightseeing at Mount Coo-tha and Southbank precinct.