When St George’s Anglican Grammar School (St George’s) and Cathedral College Wangaratta (Cathedral College) teamed up for a student exchange, it was an eye-opening experience between two different worlds. The idea for this initiative was sparked during a Principal’s conference, where St George’s Principal, Mrs Tina Campbell, and Cathedral College Principal, Mr Nick Jones, envisioned a program that would bring students from diverse learning environments to connect and grow together.
Urban Meets Rural: A New Perspective
St George’s students, who are educated in a multi-level city campus and explore the CBD regularly as part of their learning, had the opportunity to learn to be welcoming hosts and share their local knowledge. The Year 10 student hosts eagerly embraced their roles, forming new friendships during classes, mealtimes, and city adventures.
For the Cathedral College students, whose school sits at the foothills of Victoria’s mountains on a sprawling 15-hectare campus more than two hours away from Melbourne, the exchange was a chance to immerse themselves in a different setting.
‘As the initial hosts, our students were proud to introduce the Cathedral College students to our vertical school in the heart of the City of Perth. It was wonderful for the exchange students to experience the hustle and bustle of city life while at school,’ said St George’s Principal, Mrs Tina Campbell.
A New Learning Adventure
An exchange student, Charlotte, was struck by the longer school days, the abundance of stairs, and the bustling atmosphere of St George’s Terrace, Perth’s central business street. Amelie noted the different class structures, while Sophia had to adjust to taking the train daily—a contrast to her usual commute.
‘The exchange program provided our students with the unique opportunity to experience living and learning in another state. This allowed them to recognise themselves as part of a community of learners much broader than just Cathedral College Wangaratta,’ said Cathedral College Principal, Mr Nick Jones.
Outside the classroom, the students made the most of their time in Perth. From snorkelling at Yanchep Lagoon to enjoying sprawling beaches and visiting local theme parks and large shopping centres, the exchange offered lots of new experiences. For many, the highlight was the chance to meet the quokkas on Rottnest Island, a unique experience only possible in Western Australia.
‘The thing I enjoyed the most about WA was that the beach was so close, as is everything – shops, trains, and it’s not a long drive to get anything you want,’ said Charlotte.
‘What I loved the most about my time in WA was meeting my host family, who were so lovely and welcoming. Plus, I got to experience what life was like living in the city, it was a great experience for me,’ said Amelie.
‘Overall, the memories I have made here are so amazing. I can’t wait for the exchange girls to come to Cathedral and for us to show them our school,’ said Sophia.
Eager Anticipation
St George’s Year 10 exchange students are preparing for their visit to Cathedral College in the last three weeks of Term Three. They look forward to exploring life in a rural setting, complete with the possibility of snow—a stark contrast to the sunny beaches of Perth.
