It has been an incredibly busy start to term three in the international office, with several different activities on the go.

The international cohort at Riccarton is growing at an increasing rate and we are starting to see a big increase in new inquiries and enrolments. We welcomed eighteen new international students this term, some of whom will be with us for as little as four weeks and others who intend to finish their schooling at Riccarton High.

At the end of July, the International Student Director attended an agent-run New Zealand education road show across four cities in Sarawak, East Malaysia. Riccarton High School was the only high school represented there and as a consequence received many high quality enquiries. We look forward to seeing two to four new, long term Malaysian students with us in term one, 2017. For a school our size, this is a great result.

With prelims happening and many of our new students not sitting NCEA this year, the International Office has almost morphed into a travel and tourism agency recently. Our students have visited Hanmer Springs, Castle Hill and been on a ropes course activity day. A group of girls has just returned from a three day Queenstown trip and the International Ski Club is still going strong after the heavy snow dump a fortnight ago.

Finally, we are always on the look-out for new homestay families to place our students with. Short term, or long term we appreciate any inquiries and offers. If you would like to find our more you can contact our Homestay Manager, Janet Bisley on BY@riccarton.school.nz.