Written by Chisato Yoshioka, National Japanese Language Adviser
The NCEA Japanese Workshop, which began in 2013, celebrated its 11th edition this year. Once again hosted by University of Canterbury, the workshop was held on June 5th, bringing together approximately 550 students and teachers from UC and 18 high schools in Christchurch. It is a collaborative event between the UC Japanese Program and the Canterbury Network of Japanese Language Teachers.
The primary goal of this workshop is to revitalize Japanese language education in New Zealand. It aims to improve the communication skills of students preparing for the NCEA and to foster a deeper learning community through the interaction and mutual learning of Japanese learners at different levels.
The plenary session was a speech from senpai who serve as a role model. Given that this is the 11th workshop, a former student sometimes returns as a keynote speaker. During the morning tea, students were served Nihon pan (bun with custard or chocolate filling). This oishii break was not only an important time to deepen connections among participants but also one of the highlights for many students.
The main Japanese sessions were divided into Level 1 to Level 3. Students from various schools came together in one class, taught by different teachers, providing a fresh learning experience. Also, Year 13 students had the opportunity to interact with students from UC's Japanese programme. At the end, everyone danced together to the music chosen for the "踊ってみた (Odotte mita)" dance project. Here is the playlist of videos from the past projects. Please take a look; these videos are sure to lift your spirits and make you smile!
This workshop is a place where students, teachers and Japanese users all connect through Japanese language, delicious food, fun dance, and smiles. The invaluable experience of uniting and learning together is truly irreplaceable.
Why not consider hosting this fantastic workshop in your region too? If you are interested in bringing this workshop to your region, I'm happy to connect you with the organisers at UC! Get in touch via the contact form or email me at chisato.yoshioka@auckland.ac.nz.
NZAJLT Trivia Night 2024
Written by Yukiko Kojima(Trivia Team Leader) and Cheryl Brownlee (Teacher at Karamū High School)
At the Venue, Epsom Girls Grammar School in Auckland
Champion Team from James Hargest College in Southland
We had a very successful Trivia Quiz Night again this year. 46 schools and 117 teams attended the event throughout the country.
It was a great opportunity to build strong connections between different schools throughout 8 regions hosting the event.
This is a great way to increase engagement between the different communities in a fun environment.
The 2024 National Champion is James Hargest College Team 1. They received 36 points. Macleans College Team 1, Otago Girls’ High School Team 1 and Takapuna Grammar School Team 1 received 34 points; they are in second place.
The winning team from each region received a trophy, prizes and certificates.
We look forward to seeing even more schools and teams participating next year, sharing wonderful connections and having a great time together! We eagerly await your challenge!
July 21st saw a buzz of energy and eagerness in the Karamū High School Hall as 11 teams were all entered in their Japanese themed costumes ready for the 2024 Japan Trivia Champs. Seven Year 13 students had set up the hall ready for this exciting night, the 6th time we have had this event in Hawke’s Bay. Three students had also prepared the gyōza cooking ready for the interval food break. If the excitement heard as I dressed 6 girls into yukata with their appropriate accoutrements to represent their team’s name was anything to go by, it was going to be an enjoyable night. As the students ate the rice crackers, Toppo sticks, and hi-chew, the quiz began. Each team engaged into lots of insightful whispering trying to work out the correct answers. Two extra Year 10’s were the answer collectors, and anticipation was high while they waited for the answers to be revealed. Lots of hushed joy and huge grins when they were correct. At the end of the evening, we had delighted groups as they collected their prizes. It was great to see all 3 schools being placed. Havelock North High 1st, Karamū second and NGHS 3rd. Best costume was very difficult to judge but eventually went to Karamū team. Another great night was had by all, with thanks to Stephen Lowry, Strahan Winchester and Paula Kasper for sharing the mc-ing and judging. Our students enjoy it so much that we Hawke’s Bay teachers have had to initiate a senior Trivia Champs and 2024 will be the second such event. Roll-on 2025 for another fun filled evening of Japanese language and culture alongside other language learners nationally.
Announcement: 2024 JF Survey on Japanese-Language Education Abroad
2024 年度海外日本語教育機関調査のお知らせ
Written by New Zealand Association of Japanese Language Teachers (NZAJLT)
The Japan Foundation (JF) conducts the "Survey on Japanese Language Education Abroad" every three years to accurately grasp the current state of Japanese language education worldwide. The results of the survey are compiled into a report and made available to the public (https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/japanese/survey/result/index.html).
We believe that many of you have already cooperated in the past, and 2024 is the year for the next survey. This time, the New Zealand Association of Japanese Language Teachers (NZAJLT) will assist with the survey in New Zealand.
Starting in September, the Japan Foundation will send out the survey forms via email. We understand that this may be a busy time for you, but we kindly ask for your participation in completing the survey.
Additionally, information on institutions obtained from previous surveys (such as location, contact details, and links to websites) can be searched and viewed in the database " Survey 2021: Search engine for institutions offering Japanese-language education" (https://www.japanese.jpf.go.jp/do).
Thank you for your cooperation. ご協力、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
