At the start of this week Sancta Maria College welcomed 32 students and 4 teachers from our sister school in Shanghai; the Shanghai Jincei Experimental Middle School. Students from our sister school, have visited in the past with this visit being their fourth time at Sancta Maria College.
With year levels ranging from Year 7-10, the students have come for an educational and cultural experience, which “they seem to be very excited about”, says our Head of International department Ms Gillies.
They will be attending classes at SMC for one week and be immersed in the kiwi culture and school life; which might be a challenge at first for our visitors, but sure will be an experience not to forget! To top it off the students will also be staying with homestays from the College.
On their arrival at the College, our Kapa Haka welcomed our Shanghai students with a traditional Powhiri and welcome speech from our Principal Ms Moore. Throughout the week the group will be going on sight seeing trips and excursions around Auckland, one of which is a trip to the Kiwi Farm in Henderson, and the Mt Eden summit.
This jam-packed week will be a wonderful opportunity and experience for our guests to practise their English and get to know the New Zealand culture.
After their first week in Auckland, the group will be travelling to Rotorua for more sight-seeing, and finally return, by the end of the second week, to visit the University of Auckland.
Francesca Adams
