During the past few years, while boarders were closed, the International Students remained in New Zealand during term and year breaks, away from their families, to ensure they could continue their studies at Sancta Maria College.  During the past holidays many were able to travel home to see their families before joining us once more, as senior students.

We welcomed them back and gained new International Students to our school this year, many that have been waiting for some time to come to New Zealand.

Some experienced delays to their arrival, due to the floods and the State of Emergency we were in – a challenging time for their families that saw the media coverage in their homes, across the other side of the world.  That followed by Cyclone Gabrielle and knowing that their child has been safe with their host family, has given them reassurance and an opportunity to see the care and aroha shown by our school community.

They are now all enjoying the routine of school life and homestay families.  Please give them a very big welcome as you see them in and around school or joining new friendship/co-curricular groups within the school (see photo above).

There have also been some changes of staff to the International Department, these include:

Director of International Students – Kendall Watson-Peach

International Student Administrator – Allison Clifford

International Homestay Co-ordinator – Cay Scott

A busy start to the year has also included a whole school pōwhiri, a beach visit and a welcome event for the host families of the new students – allowing a for an educational evening and a lovely ‘meet and greet’ opportunity (see photo to the right).  This was an important social occasion for the families and the international students to connect.