Hero photograph
Kevin Guo (11NM), Honoka Shimoda (12BD),Tiger Wang (11GN), Sherita Xie (11NM), Black Han (11ME), Rosa Verkasalo (13TS). Monika Kim (11SC) also received an excellence award but is not in the photo. 
 
Photo by Frances Couling

Riccarton International

Frances Couling —

We are proud to announce that eight of our international students received awards at Senior Prizegiving this year.

Rosa Verkasalo from Finland also received the International Award for her service to the school and excellent academic record.

It’s almost time to say goodbye to several of our international students. Some of whom will return home to continue their studies and others are graduating on to university in New Zealand or further abroad. We wish the best of luck to our school leavers and to those sitting NCEA exams in the coming weeks.

Given the recent achievements of our international students, I feel that it’s time for a little reflection and appreciation. For most of us Kiwis it’s hard to comprehend the incredible challenges that international students face when they arrive in New Zealand. Being away from their home, family, support system, school, friends and not least their language can be a big shock to the system. Despite this, international students manage to adapt, learn in a new language, make friends, and thrive at Riccarton High School. I’d like to acknowledge what a brave and significant achievement this is.

Finally, (I will keep on about this one), HOMESTAY, HOMESTAY, HOMESTAY! Hosting an international student not only helps pay the bills, but it expands your children’s minds and helps to prepare them for an increasingly globalised world – it’s a win/win! If you are interested in long-term or short-term hosting, please contact me - isd@riccarton.school.nz, or Janet Bisley, our Homestay Co-ordinator - BY@riccarton.school.nz