Connection to Japanese culture leads student on tour

India Baker, from Woodvale Secondary College, is excited to embark on a journey that will deepen her growing knowledge about Japan, as part of the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour.

India, is one of 10 students that will depart for a 10-day tour of Japan on 17 April, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

For India, the tour will be a fantastic opportunity to explore the Japanese culture and visit some historic locations.   

“I have studied Japanese since I was about six years old. We have a great Japanese program at school, so I have grown up learning about the culture throughout my schooling,” India said. 

“My aunt is also from Japan, so this tour will be a good opportunity to explore her culture and learn more of the language to share with the family.” 

India is looking forward to visiting the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima, that is dedicated to the legacy of it being the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack, on 6 August 1945, marking the start of the end of World War II.  

While India was initially nervous for the tour, she has become more at ease when she learnt that her mentor and teacher, Jessica McAlpine, accompanying her.  

Mrs McAlpine, Humanities and Social Sciences teacher at Woodvale Secondary College, is one of three teachers who will accompany the students on the tour.

“I’m excited and happy that Mrs McAlpine was chosen to go. I was nervous, but I’m glad I get to know someone on the tour,” India said.  

Mrs McAlpine said it’s an honour to be selected for such a prestigious tour. 

“In terms of my teaching career, this is definitely up there as one of my highlights,” she added. 

“I’m really looking forward to being able to represent our school community and India, our student participant.”  

India and Mrs McAlpine, along with other members of the touring party, were recently presented with certificates of acknowledgement by the Department’s Director General, Jay Peckitt.  

During the ceremony at Anzac House, students mingled with their peers demonstrating their interest and understanding of the Anzac legacy. 

While on tour, students will reflect on the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and recognise the significant acts of reconciliation that have occurred between Japan and Australia since 1945, the end of World War II.

Since 2004, 256 students have participated in the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour, visiting important countries and landmarks across the world, to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Anzac service men and women.  

Find out more about the 2025 Premier’s Anzac Student Tour on our website¹.