The Director of our International Students Programme, Ms Tonia Heeps, reports on the year that was.

International education, New Zealand’s 4th largest export earner, contributes billions of dollars to our economy, but, for secondary schools, the value of our International programmes cannot be measured in only financial terms. HBHS is committed to raising young men to become global citizens in a dynamic and rapidly changing world and this begins through connections and friendships with different nationalities in the classroom, the boarding house and in sport, music, and the arts. It is here that our shared interests unite us, and our differences inform us.

In July of this year our borders finally reopened, and it was a joy to welcome into our school community International students from Chile, Japan, India, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and the UK. Each young man has enriched our school community, and in turn, these International students will share their cultural knowledge about life in Aotearoa New Zealand with their communities at home.

Our International rugby programme is a special niche market. It offers International students, with a passion for rugby, the chance to study at our school while improving their skills and understanding of the game. Led by Deputy Principal and 1st XV coach, Mr Hotham, our unique programme provides a timetabled rugby class and mentoring, and it continues to garner a great deal of interest overseas. For the first time since the inception of the programme in 2014, we welcomed a rugby player from the Netherlands, Yanai Janssen. Yanai entered Argyle boarding house in July along with fellow rugby player and boarder, Seb Finlan, from the UK. Joining them in the International rugby programme are, Louie Sinclair, also from the UK and José Irarrázabal from Chile. In 2023, students from Japan, Sweden, Germany and Ireland have enrolled in our International rugby programme. Our International rugby boys find their place within our community through their shared love of rugby and this special programme continues to change the lives of many young men.

After several postponements due to the on-going disruption of COVID, our International students were finally able to enjoy an action packed day excursion to Rotorua, zip lining and jet boating in Term 3.

As we farewell our leavers, two students deserve special mention: Kevin Zheng and Gordon Shum. Both students have been with us since Year 9 as boarders at Argyle House. While this is significant in itself, Covid prevented these boys from returning home during the school holiday breaks. After a 30-month separation, Gordon finally reunited with his family in Hong Kong during the July term break. Kevin is yet to return home to China because of the strict quarantine and lock down restrictions that remain in place. Gordon and Kevin have displayed extraordinary resilience during these prolonged and difficult times and, whatever challenges they may face in the future, they will be well equipped to deal with them.

I would also like to acknowledge the special achievement of three of our International students. Qingran (Jackie) Zhao from China, Rithy Phoeun from Cambodia and Chanwoo Kim from South Korea who were awarded Academic Honours for 2022. For our students studying in a second language, to gain 40 or more Excellence credits is a remarkable achievement and testament to their sheer hard work and determination.

As we approach 2023, the future of our HBHS International programme is vibrant. To date, 23 short and long term International students from 7 different countries have enrolled, a record number for our school.

Our International students place such trust and hope in the decisions they and their families have made to study at our school and it is the responsibility of us all to make them feel welcome, included, and valued.

Tonia Heeps

Director of International Students