A tree planting took place to commemorate the partnership between Eden High School in St. Catharines, Hokkai-Gakuen Sapporo High School (HGSHS) in Hokkaido, Japan, and Brock University. Students in the international program at HGSHS come to Brock every fall for their first taste of international education. They study at Brock’s ESL program to improve their English skills, stay with local families arranged through Brock’s Homestay program and spend a few days shadowing Ontario high school students. The Principal of HGSHS, Naoko Ishikawa, reports that every year she sees a real difference in the students once they return to Japan. “They are more mature, better able to handle themselves," said Ishikawa. "They really grow up in three weeks.” This year marks the beginning of Brock's collaboration with Eden High School.