Speeches
Tuesday, 16 June 2026
Tokyo Metropolitan Koishikawa Secondary Education School Year 9 Cohort
I am delighted to be visiting you today at Koishikawa Secondary School.
As Governor of South Australia, I often have the pleasure of meeting students, and am always encouraged by your enthusiasm, curiosity and desire to learn – fantastic traits for young leaders today.
I understand that you will be arriving in Adelaide in a few months on a study tour and that you will be attending some classes in our government schools and staying with families in homestay.
What an excellent opportunity you have ahead of you.
This visit to South Australia will be one of growth, discovery and friendship, and we couldn’t be more delighted to share this experience with you.
As part of your preparation, I want to share with you that the staff and students at your host schools are very much looking forward to your arrival.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with both teachers and students from your host schools. I can tell you without a doubt that they are eager to welcome you, to get to know you, and to learn from you as much as we hope you will learn from them.
Your host schools have put a great deal of energy into designing a study tour program for you. You are in for a truly memorable experience.
Let me share a little of what awaits you:
You will be attending classes alongside local South Australian students—your ‘buddies’, as we like to call them.
Your buddies will support you in your new environment.
I can imagine that over the two weeks you might share stories together – talk about your favourite subjects, share stories about your family and friends, and what might be your hopes for the future.
You will attend classes with your buddy, such as science, cooking, or physical education, and you will experience school the South Australian way, seeing how everyday learning might be similar to or different from what you are used to here at home.
But it’s not all about the classroom.
Your host schools have also organised some exciting excursions.
For many of you, this may be your first time seeing some of Australia’s unique wildlife: perhaps a close encounter with a koala, or watching kangaroos in their natural habitat at one of our wildlife parks. These moments will give you a true sense of Australia.
Food is also one of the best ways to experience a new culture. You may visit our vibrant food markets, with their colourful displays of fresh produce and local favourites.
I encourage you to be brave, to try something new and ask about the different foods you find.
One of the most important aspects of your time here will be living with a South Australian homestay family. This is a very special arrangement that allows you to become a true part of the family.
By sharing everyday life—meals, conversations, family activities—you’ll gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to grow up and live in South Australia.
This is the perfect chance for you to practice your English in real-life situations and to share your own customs and stories with your hosts. They want to know about you and learn from you.
Through this entire experience, you’re not just learning about Australia—you are also learning about yourself.
You are discovering new ways to communicate, new ways of thinking and living, and developing independence. You’ll have the opportunity to form lifelong friendships, to make memories that will last forever, and to become more confident.
I encourage each and every one of you to be open and curious, ask questions, and don’t worry if everything isn’t perfect at first—new experiences always bring both excitement and challenge.
Remember, you are not alone. The teachers, buddies, host families and students are here to support you every step of the way.
This is a significant opportunity for you as young people: a chance to be ambassadors for your families and home countries, and a chance to grow in ways you may not even imagine yet.
Make the most of every day, and remember, it’s often the unexpected moments that become your most treasured memories.
I wish you a safe, adventurous and rewarding time in South Australia.