Vlady’s soccer skills have been a winner at the Little Yarra Steiner School.By Helena Adeloju
FAR from home in Russia, 12-year-old Vladislav Plathnotik is on a five-week exchange at Little Yarra Steiner School in Yarra Junction.
Valdislav is visiting Australia as part of the Victims of Chernobyl National Relief Fund program, which arranges Australia visits for children from irradiated regions in Russia.
Nicknamed Vlady by his new classmates, he is enjoying his experience in Australia.
“I like Australia, it’s very different here, there is much more countryside,” Vladislav said.
Vladislav’s home is a 46-hour aeroplane flight away, in the mining city of Ekaterinburg, Siberia.
Severely affected by years of environmental mismanagement, Ekaterinburg city’s suburbs are contaminated by heavy metals which make the snow black during winter.
Vladislav’s exchange at Little Yarra Steiner School has given him the chance to experience a new culture, display his soccer skills and practice his English.
“It’s good to be able to talk to people here,” Vladislav said.
Little Yarra Steiner School Registrar Joe Butler said the school international exchange program enriches the school community.
“Vlady and his classmates had gained a lot from his visit,” Ms Butler said.
