2025

Hosting of Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) Islam Al Azhar

Canberra Secondary School hosted students from SMP Islam Al Azhar as part of an international cultural exchange. Students built cross-cultural friendships through shared activities, deepening their growth as global citizens.

Earlier this year, Canberra Secondary School welcomed a delegation of students from Indonesia as part of our international cultural exchange programme. This meaningful initiative strengthened ties between our institutions while providing Canberrans with valuable exposure to Indonesian culture and educational practices.

The programme featured structured activities designed to foster mutual understanding and friendship between students from both countries. Our Canberrans participated in collaborative learning sessions, cross-cultural discussions, and shared experiences that broadened their global perspectives and enhanced their appreciation for diversity.

The exchange concluded successfully with both student groups expressing enthusiasm for continued cooperation and friendship. Such programmes reinforce our school's commitment to developing Canberrans as informed global citizens who can contribute positively to our interconnected world.

I had the privilege of taking on two important roles during the visit—serving as the emcee for the welcome ceremony and being appointed as one of their student buddies. Being able to communicate with them in Bahasa Indonesia added a warm, personal touch to our conversations and helped us connect more genuinely. During their stay, I guided them around our school campus, proudly showcasing key features that reflect Canberra Secondary's identity and vibrancy. One of the most touching moments came at the end of the programme when our Indonesian friends presented us with a beautifully handcrafted souvenir. This experience was truly unforgettable. It not only deepened my appreciation for intercultural exchange but also reminded me of the power of communication, empathy, and shared learning. I walked away with new friendships, broader horizons, and a deeper sense of what it means to be a global citizen.

— Nur Nadhira Binte Abdullah, 4 Integrity

A man in a pink shirt hands documents to a smiling woman in a hijab, with a group of students nearby indoors.

Two smiling men stand in a large indoor hall with benches, wall bars, and fans mounted on the walls.

Students in green patterned and yellow uniforms stand in an indoor hall, some holding cards or small items.

Students in yellow Canberra shirts sit at tables in a school hall while a speaker presents at a projected screen.

A teacher in a blue shirt and red tie speaks to students eating lunch in a school library with bookshelves.

Several students in yellow shirts eating meals at a table in a library while an adult in maroon speaks to them.

Four students huddle around a tablet at a table in a library, with adults standing in the background.

Students in green patterned uniforms hug and gather under a covered walkway outdoors near trees and buildings.