International End of Year Report

2021 has been another challenging year with yet another lockdown thrown in for good measure, but we are thankful that in the most part it has been business as usual with only a few events that have needed to be re-arranged. However, it does highlight what an incredibly resilient bunch of young ladies I have the pleasure of working with on a daily basis as they have not seen their homes, families, pets and friends in nearly two years.

Unfortunately, we have not been able to welcome any new students this year due to closed borders, and have had to say farewell to Nina Wang who went back to China, Ploy Promyot who is going to university in Thailand and Chelsea Kan who is going to the University of Auckland.

Chelsea Kan was the International Leader in 2021, and what an amazing job she has done. An advocate and role model for all the students, who has worked hard to support both the staff and students in the department.

We also couldn’t do this alone, it is a team effort, and so I would like to take this opportunity to thank the wider community that has enriched our students experience by being part of their journey. To the homestay families who open their homes and their hearts each year in support of our students we cannot thank you enough, you are instrumental in making the girls feel welcome and helping them settle into their New Zealand lives. This year added yet another lockdown curve ball and you supported our students without batting an eyelid, there is so much kindness out there.

For those girls who leave us in 2021 I wish you every success in your onward adventure and hope that the experiences and friendships you have made whilst you have been with us will last a lifetime.

For those who are stopping over the summer so that you can study here in 2022 I know that we will have lots of fun during the summer months and I can’t wait to see what next year is going to show us all.