Recently, a delegation from Glenunga International High School in Australia visited Jinan Foreign Language School, during which the two institutions signed a sister-school cooperation agreement. The agreement lays the foundation for deep collaboration in areas such as online cooperation, study tours, and mutual exchange mechanisms. This partnership will further enhance the international development of Jinan Foreign Language School by providing students with a broader stage for cross-cultural exchange, creating immersive foreign-language environments, and fostering global understanding.

Glenunga International High School, located in South Australia, is the largest public high school in the state, with more than 2,200 students. Renowned for its academic excellence and global vision, it is hailed as a “benchmark” of public education in South Australia.

At 9 a.m., the Glenunga delegation arrived at the south gate of the school. Vice Principal Wang Hongmei, along with teachers and student representatives, welcomed them. Student guides delivered a campus tour in fluent English, impressing the guests with their sunny confidence and earning rounds of applause.

At 10 a.m., the signing ceremony took place as scheduled. Student representatives of Jinan Foreign Language School extended a warm welcome with the traditional musical piece Jiuzhou Together, followed by a choral performance of See the Mountains, See the Rivers, See China, which offered the visiting Australian students a musical journey through Chinese culture.

Ma Xindong, Chief Inspector of the Jinan Municipal Education Bureau, warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed hopes that the signing would mark the beginning of deepened exchanges and lasting friendship, setting a new benchmark for the internationalization of education in Jinan.

In his speech, Principal Lin Baolei of Jinan Foreign Language School expressed hope that through this exchange, students from both schools would spark innovation through the meeting of minds, deepen their global understanding, and grow into culturally confident and globally competent young citizens of the new era.

Though unable to attend in person, Principal Wendy Johnson of Glenunga International High School sent her greetings to students and faculty at Jinan Foreign Language School via video message.

Rebecca Foulkes, Deputy Principal of Glenunga International High School, noted that this meaningful exchange would have a profound impact on students’ development, helping them grow into curious, confident, and empathetic individuals, guided by open minds and steadfast goals.

Witnessed by school leaders, guests, and student representatives, the two schools formally signed the partnership agreement.

Student representatives from Jinan Foreign Language School then performed a traditional Chinese folk dance and invited their Australian peers to join in making handkerchief flowers. Students also led their Australian counterparts in dancing the traditional Yangge, using graceful movements and fluent English to guide the experience.

Following the ceremony, students from both schools participated in a series of cultural exchange activities.

In the library, students engaged in an English salon themed My Hometown, My School.

In the art classrooms, teacher Sun Jinjin guided the Australian students through an introduction to Chinese calligraphy, while teacher Guo Xinyuan introduced them to traditional Chinese ink painting through creative experimentation.

Out on the soccer field, students and teachers from both schools enjoyed sports and physical exchange together.

Looking ahead, the two schools will sail forward on a new journey of educational cooperation across mountains and seas, with education as the vessel and culture as the oar. As Principal Lin Baolei eloquently put it: “Though far apart by mountains and oceans, we gaze upon the same stars.” This friendship across the equator is sure to blossom into a vibrant chapter in Sino-Australian cultural exchange.

(Source: Jinan Foreign Language School, Zhao Pengfei)