On Monday this week we said goodbye to our French exchange school group.

The group spent last week on a road trip around the top of the South Island, visiting Punakaiki, Motueka, Abel Tasman, Nelson, Pelorus Bridge, Kaikoura and finally Waikuku beach.

They had fabulous weather and made the most of the their trip, tramping, kayaking and swimming with the dolphins.

Our CGHS families welcomed our guests very warmly and during their stay the girls organised many group activities,which enhanced the visitors' experience in New Zealand.  Their last weekend in Christchurch included a group camp, a barbecue and attending the Crusaders' game.

On Monday this week, the Jean Sturm group shared presentations with students in French classes, along with popular French songs, quizzes and language activities. The opportunity to interact with the young French people was really appreciated by our girls and they enjoyed learning about a teenager's daily life in France. 

The Jean Sturm students fell in love with our country, our city and our relaxed way of life.  The CGHS girls who hosted them established friendships which they will treasure for many years to come.

After such a wonderful experience, it was hard to say goodbye and there were very tearful farewells at the airport on Monday afternoon.

In 2020 another group of CGHS French students will visit Strasbourg - the first stage of the next exchange, and we look forward to welcoming Jean Sturm again in 2021.