Asian Engagement

The School has been engaging with Asia since the 1970s, and since 2012 this has been a strategic priority. The recent drive towards CGS Global Initiative highlights the importance of continuing our activities in Asia, defining our focus and developing as the leading School in Asian Engagement internationally. Over the past three years, the geo-political and COVID-19 environment has impacted engagement with Asia resulting in less exchange activity but requiring greater remote liaison. Draft Memorandum of Understanding documents have been developed with schools in Indonesia, South Korea, and Bhutan. It is anticipated that in 2023 these relationships will continue to grow and provide further opportunities for students and staff.

2022 activities include:

• Embassy Engagement Programme maintained with visits to and from the Indonesian, South Korean, Bhutanese and Chinese Embassies focussing on cultural understanding and maintaining relationships providing opportunities for staff and students

• Ambassador Visits from the Indonesian and Bhutanese Embassy to progress above

• Indonesian Cultural Day organised at the School that was trans-disciplinary across Design, Drama, Music, and Language Departments

• Attendance at the Indonesian Ambassador’s Residence for Betawi Day celebrations in June

• Hosting Asia Education Foundation Council Meeting on Thursday 8 September, showcasing Primary School’s success with BRIDGE partnership with Cor Jesu School in Malang, Indonesia

• ACBC ACT Annual General Meeting, Chinese New Year Dinner and End of Year function

• Meet and greet with the Chinese Ambassador and attendance at Chinese Ambassador’s Press Conference at the Press Club

• Indonesian Language popularity maintained for Years 11 and 12, and Year 8 Indonesian to be offered in 2023

• Staff secondment to South Korea

• Chinese Language Learners Dinner and Lion Dance; and

• Working with Asia Link to develop a local partnership with National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.