GOODBYE - AUF WIEDERSEHEN - AU REVOIR - ADDIO - SAYONARA - LA KXN - ANNYEONG - ZAIJIAN - MIHI - TCHAU

It has come to the time of the year where we bid farewell to many of our Internationals who have completed their study abroad programme with us. It is a sad time, but also a time to reflect and acknowledge their achievements with how they have contributed to our school, community and their families.

Heading home to Japan are:

Yuta Kamada, who has completed two and a half years and played for our badminton team and went on sports exchanges.

Kaigi Numa, who completes two years and has gained NCEA Levels 1, 2 & 3, an outstanding achievement! He aims to be involved with the Rugby World Cup in Japan next year.

Shuto Yabuki, who completes a year and intends to take on some business study.

Ruka Tamba, who completed three terms and is currently studying in Singapore.

Mao Nishikawa, who has excelled in dance, drama and arts, expressing her creative talents and taking part in school sport and all activities she could.

Nanami Higuchi, who has taken on languages and showed her passion with food. She has played sport for school and spent her holidays volunteering at our local preschools.

Hikari Nakashima, who has excelled in all subjects, striving for perfection in Hospitality and Geography. She has involved herself in sport, volunteering at the local rest home and taken part in all school and family activities.  Hikari was awarded 'Outstanding International student 2018'.  Hikari gained this award after consistent work throughout the year, achieving Excellence in Geography and ESOL, and was given a Kahu award for consistent and meritorious academic effort. She has been a dedicated and committed student at school and with her work in the community.

Returning next year will be Frederik Busch from Germany and Lucrezia Angelucci from Italy for the first term. Both have taken on sports and activities and are contributing to their chosen classes and home life.

Other new students from Japan and Germany will also join us in the programme.

Activities Galore!!

Our students enjoyed a range of activities and outings, as they were not involved with exams. This has seen them at the A & P Show, on the ropes at Adrenalin Forest, an educational trip to Quail Island, trips to the Antarctic Centre, Air Force Museum, Orana Wildlife Park, Gondola and fun with surfing, ice skating, jet boating, 10-pin bowling, golf, canoeing, biking, movies, Mega Air, Laser Strike and karting.

This was an outstanding way to wrap up their stay and take home some great memories and experiences.

Group Visit

Universal Cultural Exchange from Thailand brought 15 students for a two week stay and enjoyed all the culture, sport and life differences through immersing themselves in Kiwi life. Highlights are always the Sports, Hospitality, Arts, Dance and Maori Culture.

Outside the classroom they were able to take part in tailing lambs on a sheep farm, eating bbq sausages, cuddling huskie dogs and going through a snow storm. New adventures and experiences for them all.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

We thank all our host families for their input and support for all our long term and short term students. Our programme relies on your help and ability to welcome students into your families. Our community is tremendous, giving and engaging.

We can’t thank you enough for all you do!! Keep up the great work!

Personally, I would like to thank all that have contributed to making our programme what it has been and what it will continue to be.

To Jill, Avey, Linda, all our teachers, students, buddies, agents and families, thank you for all you do. I have made some great friends, loved the time with you all and wish you well for next year.

Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS a safe and enjoyable holiday period.

Nicky Ewins, International Director