International Department
ordinatKia ora,
I was asked to be part of a panel discussion in Auckland where I got to promote Ellesmere College and talk to some new agents as well as catching up with some of our existing agents.
On the same trip I attended a ISANA conference, this was especially important as I was able to upskill myself. I was proud to be part of the Education Christchurch team that took away all 3 of the awards on offer for the region. I am hopeful next year this could be ours personally.
As we neared the end of Term 1 we said farewell to some of our International students, there were students from a range of countries including Japan, Thailand and Germany. It was a pleasure getting to know them personally and I know that they all had the best time while studying with us.
I was reminded all over again on a recent trip to Christchurch with a group of International Students what an amazing city we live in. I have been on the Tram numerous times since living in New Zealand but seeing it again through eyes that have never experienced it was special.
We have a very busy few months ahead, I am fortunate enough to be travelling with a group of other Directors to Vietnam and Thailand, we have a very full itinerary and have a very special MOU to sign with some new schools in Thailand.
On my arrival home we have our first group of Japanese students arriving from Omiya International school. These will be followed by a number of other groups from Japan and Thailand. We also have a number of individual students coming and studying with us for much longer.
Again I would like to thank all of our homestay families, we could not host International students without them! Thank you for opening your home and your hearts, we have the best homestay feedback from our International students. This makes me very proud.
If you would like more information on becoming a homestay family please reach out to our homestay Coordinator.
Zodie Bonnett - International Director
email: homestaycoordinator@ellesmere.school.nz