Host Families Needed

Hello,

I wanted to reach out and include you in a wonderful opportunity for our school community.  Diane Wiens, Brandon Van Hooydonk and Kelly Dvorak went to Japan last year, and this year we are hosting students from Natori, Japan.  Please find below an invitation to host students on this exchange.  Please note that families who host will be given priority to register for the exchange to Japan during spring break, 2026.

We are excited to announce that, as part of the longstanding exchange program between Journey and Natori, Japan, we will be welcoming 22 students from Natori to our community from March 25 to March 30, 2025. This exchange offers a wonderful opportunity to foster cross-cultural understanding and build lifelong connections.

To make this program possible, we are seeking 22 host families to welcome these visiting students into their homes during their stay. Hosting a student is an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing families to share Canadian culture while learning about Japanese traditions and values.

Host Family Requirements:

• Provide a separate bedroom for the student.
• Ensure a warm, welcoming, and inclusive home environment.
• Participate in some cultural activities organized throughout the week.

The week will include various community events and cultural activities, including visiting the Sooke Region Museum, French Beach, and activities in Langford that host families will be invited to join. These activities are a great way to connect with the visiting students and share in this memorable experience.

If you are interested in hosting a student or have any questions, please contact Kelly Dvorak at kdvorak@sd62.bc.ca. We will be holding an informational meeting on February 20th @ 6:00 pm in the library.  Please RSVP your interest to Kelly as well.

Thank you for considering this meaningful opportunity to support our exchange program and strengthen the bond between Journey and Natori.

Sincerely,

Kelly Dvorak, Diane Wiens and Brandon Van Hooydonk.