At Kalinda, students learn Japanese from Foundation to Grade 6. With two experienced and knowledgeable Japanese teachers and a dedicated language classroom, students are immersed in both the language and culture, supported by a rich variety of resources that enhance their learning and engagement. 

We place a strong emphasis on language learning, cultural understanding, and global citizenship, and are committed to offering our students meaningful opportunities to connect with the wider world beyond their local community. Our Japanese language program is extended through our Branch Out Exchange Program, Internship Program and our Japanese Garden.

Branch Out Exchange Program

At Kalinda, we are proud to bring language and culture to life through real-world connections. A key part of this is our Branch Out Exchange Program with Lilyvale Primary School in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan. This partnership gives our students meaningful opportunities to communicate and build friendships across cultures. 

Every second year, our Senior School students have the exciting opportunity to travel to Japan alongside Warranwood Primary School. In 2025, we were thrilled to again host Lilyvale students here in Melbourne, an experience that was warmly embraced by our school community and strengthened our shared commitment to global citizenship and intercultural understanding.

Another exchange initiative, the Tomodachi Project, began during the COVID-19 pandemic and enabled students from Kalinda and Lilyvale to meet and interact through online meetings – proving that connection and cultural exchange can thrive, even in challenging times. Our students continue to participate in this initiative each week, engaging in shared activities, language practice, and cultural exchanges that deepen their understanding and build lasting international friendships.

We are also fortunate to have an ongoing artwork exchange with Kofu Higashi Primary School in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan. Each year, their beautiful calligraphy and drawings are proudly displayed in our dedicated Kofu Higashi Corner, showcasing the creativity and cultural richness of their students. In previous years, Kalinda students and staff have had the privilege of visiting the school, located near the stunning Mt Fuji, further strengthening our cultural ties and shared learning experiences.

Japanese Internship Program

For over 20 years, the Kalinda community has proudly hosted Japanese university graduates and teachers as part of our internship program. These interns join us for periods of 6 to 12 months, staying with one or more Kalinda families during their time in Australia. Working alongside our Japanese teachers, they enrich students' linguistic and cultural learning through authentic, hands-on experiences.

Our host families thoroughly enjoy welcoming the interns into their homes, sharing Australian life, and often picking up some Japanese language along the way. Once the interns return to Japan, they frequently create further opportunities for Kalinda students to connect and communicate with their own students—strengthening intercultural friendships that continue well beyond their time here.

Moe, our current wonderful Japanese intern, joined the Kalinda community in April 2025 and will be calling Melbourne home until April 2026. During her time here, she’s enjoyed staying with several Kalinda families and exploring different parts of Australia. You can catch up on all her stories and adventures in our newsletters.

Japanese Garden

At Kalinda, the learning of Japanese language and culture extends well beyond the classroom and into the very heart of our school environment. A key example is our beautiful Japanese garden, located in the courtyard and forming a tranquil extension of our library. Created in 2016, the garden features traditional elements such as bamboo, maple and cherry trees, a serene pond, and a small tea house—offering students a peaceful space to read, reflect, and engage with Japanese culture.

Students are actively involved in caring for the garden, including raking the gravel in the traditional style, deepening their appreciation for Japanese aesthetics and customs. The garden opening including a traditional cultural celebration, the Tanabata (Star Festival), where students hung their wishes on bamboo branches, bringing language learning to life through meaningful, immersive experiences.