It's been a busy term with the international students, filled with a variety of enriching activities and focused study.

Each year, our international department proudly participates in the annual Spirit of Christmas appeal, an initiative where we come together as a department to focus on supporting families and individuals in need within our local community.  During this time, we decorated a live Christmas tree in the classroom, and purchased a new gift for a child to donate to the Society of St Vincent de Paul. It is these purchased gifts that can make a positive impact on those less fortunate during the holiday season. Our students played an active role in this initiative, and we encourage them to reflect on the value of giving and the significance of helping others.

At the Senior Prizegiving, several of our international students were celebrated for their hard work and achievements throughout the year. These students were recognised not only for their academic success but also for their dedication, resilience, and contributions to the school community. Their awards are a testament to their efforts and commitment to personal growth, balancing the challenges of studying abroad with an impressive level of engagement in both academic and extracurricular activities. The international department and school community are incredibly proud of their accomplishments, which serve as an inspiration to their peers.

Special mention goes to Winston Nguyen, Sean Lee and Junseo Choi who received the following awards.

Winston Nguyen:

Sean Lee:

Junseo Choi:

The senior international students officially began their study leave on 31 October, but they've continued to make excellent use of their time, dedicating themselves to studying and completing internal assessments in the ESOL room. This supportive environment has allowed them to remain connected with one another while staying on top of their academic goals. Their hard work and commitment, even during study leave, reflect their drive to succeed and make the most of the resources available to them.

During November our junior international students have been actively exploring Christchurch as part of their Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) and city familiarisation programme. This initiative has allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture, history, and landmarks, fostering a stronger connection to their new environment. From navigating the city centre to visiting iconic sites, they have gained practical insights into daily life in Christchurch while building confidence and independence.