An update from the College Spanish and Social Science Department

Languages:

Many of you who have students in our Spanish classes will have heard that we are planning an overseas trip, combining Spanish and Social Justice. The trip proposed was a community service project to Mexico, with a side trip to Cuba on the way home. This trip was initially planned for late 2022.

However, due to the current uncertainty around Covid-19, the decision has been made to postpone for at least a year. While travel may well be possible next year, we would prefer to provide certainty to our students and parents before an effort is made to fundraise for this venture.

We are disappointed for those students who may miss out due to a later date, but could not in our best conscience move forward with the plan as it stood. We very much look forward to running this as soon as it becomes a viable option, and will instead seek valuable cultural and social justice experiences nationally in the interim. Some ideas are already in the mix and being explored...more to come…

Cultures:

Those of you who follow Roncalli Facebook and Instagram will have noticed some pictures of flags last year. We have introduced a new initiative to recognise all nationalities within our student body and faculty, by flying their nation’s flags, posting messages to introduce some of the language, or highlighting facts about the country. This year, a small group of students will take charge of this initiative, and update you during the year through the newsletter.

Flags to look out for in February:

Today - Tino Rangatiratanga.: to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

February 11th - Japan: to celebrate the anniversary of Japan’s Foundation Day in 660BC.

We wish you a healthy 2021, and a very warm welcome back to Roncalli College!