The Taiko Drumming session was a big success. Run by the performance group YuNiOn each student had the opportunity to play Taiko drums and participate in the group percussion activities.

The second activity was Sumo Wrestling using large padded suits. Sumo is one of Japan’s oldest and traditional Japanese sports. Students learnt about the culture and language of Sumo and were able to safely wrestle each other following the rules of Sumo.

The Japanese food, Yakitori and Makizushi, was prepared by students in another of the activities. Yakitori is grilled chicken that has been marinated in sweet soy sauce. The chicken was Halal and cooked on the College BBQ. Makizushi are sushi rolls and the students made them with ingredients including sweet vinegared white rice, carrots, cucumber and dried nori seaweed.

The last activity was origami and calligraphy. Students have learnt about the story of Sadako and a Thousand Paper Cranes. Led by two past St Patrick’s College students who are currently studying Japanese at university, the students made origami cranes for a display to be used at the end of the year. Students also did calligraphy, writing the Kanji (Chinese characters) and learnt the importance of correct stroke order and pose when it comes to this art form.

The day was an important learning experience for the students and a great success.

Julian Nash - LOTE Coordinator