The International department has had a busy term time since the last newsletter.

We have farewelled Makoto Niino, from Ikunbunkan High School in Tokyo. Makoto was with us for nine months. During his time here he excelled in the music department. He not only plays the base guitar but also the traditional Japanese flute. He gave performances to his House assembly, Japanese classes and took part in an International student cultural exchange in which he performed. Makoto undertook volunteer work and planted trees in Halswell quarry. Makoto impressed us with his hard work and even though he was studying in a second language gained an impressive amount of NCEA credits. We will miss Makoto. He is welcome back anytime and is now a true Shirley Man.

We have also welcomed two new international students. Daniel Berie from Germany, arrived in September and is with us until the end of the school year. He has fitted in very well and is participating in a variety of classes. Wok Thepphawan has come for a four week stay in term four with the view to possibly returning for the long term from next year. Wok has settled well in the short time he has been here thanks in large to our students welcoming him and looking out for him. We would like to thank them for this. Wok is enjoying music and PE very much and despite limited language is making a great effort to communicate.

We hope their experience in New Zealand is positive and enjoyable. We are looking forward to our growing international student body next year.

Sue Nesbit – International Director

Leanne Russ – International Administrator