For two years Logan Park High School has been involved with ELLINZ online which is a programme designed for students with limited or no English language skills from year 7 onwards. Here at Logan Park High School we have a small class of students who are new residents to New Zealand and are ELLP Stage 1 or below on the English Language Learning Progressions. We are based in the ESOL classroom where lessons are delivered via live lessons on skype four times a week plus four sessions on computers in our E-Classroom doing follow up work.

Our students are all very keen to learn English in order to live, work and study in New Zealand. Sometimes students have never used a computer until they come to Logan Park, but we soon assist them to become as computer literate as any other Kiwi student. I feel very privileged to be part of this class because as I help them learn English, I learn about the different parts of the world they come from. It is truly a journey of discovery for everyone!

The Japanese students joined the 11 new international students for a mihi whakatau led by Mr Winiata and his Year 9 Maori students.

The students were paired up with Logan Park students and spent two afternoons in classes with their buddies. On the Friday they had a party and award ceremony before leaving New Zealand on the Saturday. The experience was enjoyed by Wakamatsu students and their Logan Park buddies.

Wakamatsu cultural exchange

Along with a number of new international students, 19 students, from Logan Park's sister school Wakamatsu in Chiba about 40 kilometres from Tokyo, were welcomed into Logan Park. 

The students spent mornings at the Language centre and also touring around Dunedin. Two afternoons were spent in classes with their Logan Park buddies with a leaving do on the Friday. The students' buddies who were from Years 9-12, clearly valued the cultural exchange and in just a short time many friendships blossomed. The impact of the work done by our buddies was clear to all and it was a teary farewell for many of our visitors. The visiting students were welcomed into classrooms and experienced a real range of subjects:  Art, Drama, Maths, the Sciences, Social Studies, Graphic Design, French, Digital Technology, Physical Education, Accounting, Fabrics, Food Technology, English and Music.

Here is what our Logan Park students had to say

"I always wanted to meet new International students from different countries, and one day, that chance came to me when Mr Trickey, asked for volunteers to be buddies for the Wakamatasu High School students from Chiba, Japan. I was so excited that before we met, I practised basic Japanese ways of saying 'Hi', 'Good morning', 'Thank you' and one of my favourites, 'Let's eat!'  I learned these words with my mother, who used to live in Tokyo in her youth for about 3 months. 

On Tuesday, I came to the whanau room where both the Japanese students and us were excited yet shy and nervous. It was more than I imagined.  My chosen buddy was 'Takedo', He was a great guy who was sweet, respectful and a great friend. It was a sad moment  when we had our last lunch together. Even though it was just 3 school days we were together, it was one of the best moments of my life in Logan Park. Not just because I learned about the people, but also the beauty of their culture, how they speak, how they greet, and especially their friendship!" 
— Jesse Bawi Year 11