Oct 27th, 2010

Dear SOBSCA

Recently our daughter, Jordan Milicich, travelled to Sugito on a student exchange program organised by SOBSCA. I write to congratulate you on the success of this exchange.It was wonderful to host our Japanese student, Masayuki Orihara. He gave us a glimpse of the Japanese lifestyle, and the experience gave our whole family the opportunity to exercise hospitality and to consider the feelings and thoughts of another person in our daily lives.  We were all involved in the cooking gf meals and the planning of outings.

However the benefits of hosting Masayuki cannot really compare with the value of Jordan's student exchange experience. She has come home with a renewed vigor for life and a confidence that can not be bought. She learned so much about Japan in her short stay there, but also, has suddenly realised there is so much more to learn about the world. She has started a saving schedule so she can return.

I would also like to comment on the inter-school nature of the exchange, It was wonderful to see a variety of Busselton students interacting and this exchange gave Jordan the chance to extend her network of friends outside school.Positive inter-school relationships can be of great benefit to our wider community.

I would like to thank the organising committee for volunteering their time and considerable effort, also the 2 leaders Erin Parry and Adam Smith who gave up their school holidays to accompany the students.

I encourage you to keep the program running. I know this year and last yer there were some obstacles to overcome in planing the exchange. I am very grateful the organising committee showed resilience in the face of adversity. this is a positive model for our students and our community. I have had contact with several of the families who participated in the exchange and all of them had extremely positive experiences.

Janine Milicich