St Mary’s College was delighted to welcome a group of students and staff from our sister city, Taiji, Japan, as part of our long-standing international friendship and cultural exchange program.
Throughout the week of their visit, our visitors experienced life in Broome, immersing themselves in our school community. They built lasting friendships with St Mary’s students and the Broome community. The visit is a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, language learning, and creating meaningful connections that extend well beyond the classroom.
The week began with our guests settling into Broome before exploring some of our town’s iconic attractions, including the Broome Markets, Cable Beach and a Broome Whale Watching cruise. These experiences introduced our visitors to the unique beauty and lifestyle of the Kimberley.
During their time at St Mary’s, Taiji students joined classes across both our Primary and Secondary campuses, giving them the opportunity to learn alongside our students and experience Australian school life firsthand. Our younger students showcased their talents with special performances, while classrooms became places of shared learning, conversation and cultural discovery.
A highlight of the visit was the Civic Reception, hosted by the Shire of Broome, where our students performed and celebrated the special relationship that has existed between Broome and Taiji for many years. Students also visited the Broome Historical Museum and visited the Japanese Cemetery, acknowledging their ancestors and recognising the shared history between our two communities.
The cultural experiences continued with a community dinner at Town Beach, fishing at Crab Creek, Japanese English immersion activities, and a visit to the Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park. These experiences allowed both our students and our guests to learn from one another while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
The Taiji Exchange Program is far more than a school visit—it is a celebration of the enduring Sister City relationship between Broome and Taiji. For many years, this partnership has fostered friendship, mutual respect and cultural understanding between our two communities. Through opportunities like this exchange, students experience the richness of another culture while strengthening the connections that have united Broome and Taiji across generations. As they learn from one another, share experiences and create lasting friendships, our students become ambassadors for St Mary’s College and the Broome community, proudly demonstrating the warmth, hospitality and spirit that make our region so unique.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the many staff members, students, families, the Shire of Broome and everyone who has contributed to making this visit possible. Your generosity and support continue to strengthen the enduring friendship between Broome and Taiji.
