The start of 2021 was like no other.

We are accustomed to welcoming between 30 and 50 new International students each January. Our Accommodation Coordinator spends most of January at the airport welcoming new students and introducing them to their new homestay families. (The parking bill is horrific!)

This year the new student head count was down to ten! This group of ten had obviously come to us from other schools around New Zealand. Some of them came in search of a bigger international programme as their schools of origin were shrinking in numbers as the border closure continued. One of the benefits of this new cohort was that none of them were new to New Zealand. They had already become familiar with the New Zealand way so bringing them into the Burnside High School community was not difficult.

Let us not forget those who stayed over the summer break. There were still 80 existing students that stayed over. This was obviously not the norm as most of our International students would typically go back to their home countries to reunite with family. Sadly, this year was different. For many it was the first time that they would not see family members. Our students opted to stay in New Zealand where it was comparatively safe. Despite our school and the region offering activities and travel opportunities, most students had a low-key summer break. The International Department staff were kept busy monitoring our 80 students, ensuring that they were all in a good space. We were deeply concerned that this feeling of being stuck here could boil over and create some major anxieties. Thankfully our students feared rather well and came back to school with smiling faces. Naturally, students were happy to be back with friends in an environment where they felt at ease.

The flow of the year was similar to normal in some respects. We operated within Ministry of Health Guidelines and students still experienced a good on-campus life. Of course there was the lockdown in mid-August but we still held International student focused events here at school like Cultural Day and the University of Canterbury Pizza, Games and Information Evening. Not to forget the countless school-wide weekly events that stimulated our students. Two of our students, Adam Shen and Jenny Son had the unique opportunity to be film stars for the day when they accepted the roles as talent for a promotional video for christchurchnz. Please see attached video.

A special thanks must go out to our wonderful International Student Leaders who supported all of our students throughout the year.  The department greatly appreciated their enthusiasm, energy and care. 

Clearly our International students worked hard this year as a pleasing number have been offered first year scholarships at universities around New Zealand. Many will stay on in New Zealand, due to the spread of COVID overseas, and will continue studying at tertiary level. Our Y9-12 students will stay on with us here at Burnside, missing the chance to reunite with whanau again this summer period so our thoughts are with those who are battling with this additional challenge.

Finally, the International team would like to thank our many caregivers who have looked after our International students in 2021. It has not been an easy time but you have all done a sterling job. We hope you are all able to recharge this summer and we look forward to 2022, with the hope that the world is in a better place for all to enjoy.