The students of Yachiyo Shoin Gakuen, from Yachiyo City, Chiba Prefecture, will stay in Bathurst until August 24. 

Fudeko Reekie, a former Japanese teacher at All Saints’ College, said the school has been a sister school to All Saints’ for 23 years.

During this time, more than 1000 students have come to Bathurst and enjoyed home/farm stays and English study programs. 

Twenty-three students and two teachers, Mr Numanami and Ms Shimazaki, have come to Bathurst for the exchange this year.

Ms Reekie said the students and teachers met Bathurst mayor Gary Rush on Monday and enjoyed an afternoon tea of Anzac biscuits and lamingtons.

They visited the National Motor Racing Museum, Bathurst Goldfields and the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum. 

This week they will visit Jenolan Caves, Yarrabin Holiday Ranch and Bathurst Sheep and Cattle Drome and experience a game of golf at Bathurst Golf Course. 

“I hope this is an experience the students will never forget,” Mrs Reekie said. 

Mrs Reekie established the sister school relationship and has been arranging and looking after the student exchanges and group visits for more than two decades. 

The students, aged between 15 and 17, are hosted by parents and friends of All Saints’ College.