by Sharon Beaumont

International Department Summary of 2020

Every year we welcome girls from other places around the globe and we cannot help but admire the bravery and resilience of each and every one of them in a normal year, but 2020 has certainly been extremely challenging for them. When the girls said goodbye to their family and friends in January to embark on their adventure none of us thought for one minute that they would not be able to visit home or that their families would not be able to come visit them for the whole year, this has been hard for them, particularly the younger ones. So to every international student who has made St Hilda’s their school in 2020 we thank you for letting us be part of your journey and salute you for your bravery.

The lockdown in March was a challenge. Can you imagine, having just been in a country for a matter of week and not yet having made firm friends you are then told you have to stay home with a family that is not your own. What can I say, the girls did an amazing job at keeping connected with each other and the staff and managed to keep up with their online learning despite it being in their second language, no mean feet, we were all incredibly proud of their determination. 

Since then they have just flown! As well as the day to day routines of school, academic achievements being met, sporting ambitions being realised and cultural diversity being embraced we have enjoyed time together in a more relaxed way too. Ocho chocolate, meals put, doughnuts, Queenstown, Mount Cooke, Laser Tag, ice skating, Alpaca's and more.

Sarah Lee was the International Leader in 2020 for the second year in a row, 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. Sarah graduates year 13 this year and we are sad to see her go.

The International Buddies came into their own this year. During lockdown they kept connected with their friends which added another layer of pastoral care that was invaluable. We also enjoyed an evening ice skating and a surprise birthday party, special memories that I know the girls will treasure.

But we 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 the lockdown curve ball that none of us was expecting and you supported our students without batting an eyelid, there is so much kindness out there.

 For those girls who leave us in 2020 we 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 we know that we will have lots of fun during the summer months and I can’t wait to see what 2021 is going to show us all.