Cross-Cultural
Learnings
Travellers from Thailand and Townsville came to the College in Term 2 as part of two long-standing cultural exchange programs. The College welcomed groups from Shalom Christian College and Bangkok’s Triam Udom Suksa School, with the visitors staying with students and staff in Geelong.
College textiles teacher Kristen Pelletier guided students from Shalom Christian College through an artistic activity.
For the past two years, Shalom has joined College students in the Local Connections Fulfilling Lives activities. A College group will travel to Shalom at the end of Term 3, enhancing the relationship between our schools.
The College’s relationship with Triam Udom Suksa School stretches back to 2003, involving regular exchanges between the schools. Students in the College’s Year 10 Fulfilling Lives Thailand program spent three days and nights with Triam Udom families during the school holidays, before their Thai counterparts flew to Australia in April. The 15 students and four staff attended classes with their College hosts and spent time exploring Sovereign Hill and Lorne. Shalom Christian College has been visiting The Geelong College for the past 16 years, and for the first time, its Principal Chris England was able to join the touring party. The Shalom group was involved in classes such as Religious Education and Early Learning, and took part in various activities in Footscray, Geelong and Queenscliff. They also played AFL with their hosts, surfed at Torquay, visited Melbourne and met locals at church at Narana.
Students from Queensland’s Shalom Christian College were treated to a surfing lesson at Torquay.
College Principal Dr Peter Miller, Thailand liaison David Hibbard and College students with visitors from Bangkok’s Triam Udom Suksa School.
22 Ad Astra Issue No 130