The International Department has been busy with the students participating in a number of activities and excursions

Congratulations to Sam Lee and Tomo Nema who were part of the RHS Football team competing at the South Island Secondary Schools' Winter Tournament in Nelson earlier this month. Sam also received the MVP award.

The department hosted a delegation of Chinese students from Wuhan Jianghan High School for a week. The students were able to immerse themselves into RHS school life and NZ culture starting with a Mihi Whakatau with Mayor David Ayers in special attendance. Special thanks to the Kapa Haka group and to RHS students who volunteered to “buddy” with the students for the week.

Our students also enjoyed trips to Rubicon Valley, skiing at Porters, Laser Tag and a farm visit. This week a number of students will be on the West Coast for a week as part of our Term 3 Adventure Camp. Equine school is continuing to be a major draw for students with the European girls having a blast with jumping.

Mattia Gobbo, our student from Italy tells us why he came to RHS: 

“When I was in Italy, last March, I had to choose where to go at school in New Zealand. My first idea was a school in Queenstown, but, when my teacher advised me about Rangiora High School, I searched the internet and I became enthusiast. I remember thinking "Wow! What a beautiful place! It is surrounded by the countryside, but it isn't too far from the mountains and the ocean." Definitely, I chose the right school for the best opportunity for studying agricultural subjects.
Here in Rangiora I feel very good now. During the week I usually go to school, but the weekend is the time where I can do what I like: sometimes I help my host dad to work in the farm, but I usually go to climb in Christchurch in the biggest indoor gym I have ever seen - the YMCA Adventure Centre. Once I went with my host dad to the West Coast with a big truck loaded with cows to sell. Next weekend will be amazing, I think, because we will go on a trip. I don't know where yet, but it will be fantastic!”

JC Wang joined a stage show of multicultural representation at Burnside High School. He tells us why: 

“I am very proud to represent the traditional Chinese Hanfu on stage. I have always been interested in my own culture. Hanfu has influenced many Asian countries traditional dress. Hanfu has variety of beautiful design and a very strong Han culture background. When I wear Hanfu on the stage, I have not only represented the dress, but also the courteous refined behaviour. That is how my ancestors behaved themselves. That is the culture many look up to and appreciate about. I am so glad I could be a part of it.”