Small sumos: Year 4 students Sydney Almond and Sofia Napier battle it out in sumo wrestling.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Usually, nearly 7000km separates Australia and Japan. Last Friday, St Mel’s Primary School brought the two together.
The school held a Japanese day, transporting the country steeped in reverence and beauty to its eager students, who arrived donned in kimonos and with an appetite for sushi.
As part of the school’s curriculum, the students learn Japanese as a second language, and their knowledge was put to the test through a series of culture-based activities.
News photographer Rechelle Zammit was present to photograph the culture collision.
Made in Japan: Year 5 students Cooper Paine and Alessio Natalizio, school principal Chris Summers, Year 6 student Cienna Bok, Year 5 student Nathaniel Alexander and Year 6 student Ethan Jones crafting paper spinning tops.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
On a roll: Year 2 student Ollie Napier eats some sushi.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Friday feast: A special Japanese lunchtime for Year 5 students Hayley Austen and Lily McNamara, Year 1 student Mischa Bradley and Year 2 students Meha Gill and Parteet Kaur.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Kimono couture: Prep student Evie Austen dressed to impress for Japanese Day.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Pick up (chop)sticks: Year 2 student Lorene Bulambo serving herself a snack using chopsticks.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Sushi social: Year 2 students Digby Barnes, Patrick Austen and Ollie Napier enjoying their traditional Japanese lunch.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Keeping with tradition: Kebab skewers were on the menu for Year 1 student Mischa Bradley and Year 5 student Hayley Austen.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Konnichiwa: Prep students Evie Austen, Stella Collier, Grace Ghiggioli, Colin Banning, Finlay Brown and Audrey Matthews gather to play the chopstick relay.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Zen and in the zone: Year 2 student Sasaa Alramahi playing a Japanese water-bobbing game.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
