Ever wonder how Japanese culture thrives in Melbourne? Here stands the Japanese School of Melbourne. It’s more than just a school. It’s a cultural bridge.
The Japanese School of Melbourne opened its doors in 1986. But its roots go deeper. They extend to the 1960s. The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Japanese Society of Melbourne wanted a school. They envisioned a place for Japanese children to learn.
Before 1986, there was only a supplementary school. It offered Japanese lessons after regular school. Many people wanted a full-time school. Finally, the Victorian government granted permission. The Japanese School of Melbourne was born. It started with 96 students. Most came from the old supplementary school.
The school is located in Caulfield South. You’ll find it at 6 Ellington Street. The Japanese School of Melbourne follows a Japanese curriculum. It caters to temporary residents. Most students stay for two to five years. Then they return to Japan for high school. Not all Japanese families choose this school. Some prefer Australian schools for their children.
In 2007, Tetsuo Mizukami noted something interesting. He said the Japanese School of Melbourne was somewhat remote. It didn’t interact much with the local community. Unlike schools in Sydney and Perth, it didn’t offer international classes. These classes would allow non-Japanese students to learn Japanese. Despite this, many Japanese families settled near Caulfield. They chose the area because of the school.
The school faced challenges in the 1990s. Japan’s recession forced families to return home. Student numbers decreased. In 2012, there were 53 students. This included preparatory, primary, and secondary students.
The Japanese School of Melbourne receives funding from both Australia and Japan. This helps keep tuition costs down. It is around 33% of other private schools in the area. Over 90% of the coursework is in Japanese. The school prepares students for life in Japan. It also helps them maintain their culture while in Australia.
The Japanese School of Melbourne once held interchange classes. These were with local Australian schools. In 1992, they created a civics textbook. It taught students about Australian society.
Most students are temporary residents. Some are from families who moved to Australia permanently. The Japanese School of Melbourne provides a unique education. It supports students as they transition between cultures.
Every October, the school holds the Japanese School Festival. Visitors can try on kimonos. There’s Japanese food and karate demonstrations. It’s a great way to experience Japanese culture. The Japanese School of Melbourne is more than a school. It is a vibrant part of Melbourne’s multicultural landscape. It helps shape the lives of its students. It also enriches the community around it.