This has been a strange start to the year in the International Department. Covid-19 has caused a little disruption, but we are back on track for a fun-filled year.

Looking to the future, New Zealand will certainly be a great destination for new International students, given how well our country has handled this crisis.

Sadly, near the end of Term 1, due to Covid-19, we had to say an early goodbye to some amazing students: Mattes Bogumil, Yuina Adachi, Toko Yamada, Kakeru Yoshida, Hiroaki Mizutani, Towa Tsuruoka and Eileen Krause. Many of their flights were last minute, but they all arrived home safe and sound, with fond memories of Kaiapoi and their fantastic host families.

During lockdown, the remaining students continued to do schoolwork from home, and they did a fantastic job. It was a very new experience for everyone involved, but they made the best of it.

The best part for me was when I was told of the amazing food they were cooking and trying, the interesting walks they went on, the video games they played, the anime cartoons they watched, and my absolute favourite, Flash Friday!!! This involved dressing up to the nines, fine dining and mocktails with their host family, like it was a fancy restaurant. Even the cat wore a bow tie!

I think all our International students really deserve a pat on the back, being so far away from home but still making the best of a strange time.

Welcome to New Students

A big welcome to Taraivini and Tokasa Drulidruli who have come to us from Fiji. We are very excited to have them here at Kaiapoi High School. Welcome Girls!!

A Big Thank You to Our Host Families

All our host families have gone above and beyond, supporting our International students through lockdown, taking students to airports when they had to go home early and helping those that stayed with schoolwork. You have all been there for the students when they needed support. What an amazing group of people you are!

Jill and I truly appreciate all your efforts and the extra time you have given to your students.

Kristie Dutton, International Manager