We welcomed a study group from China which included 17 students, two teachers and two representatives from our sister school Shanghai Jin Cai Experimental Middle School. This is the first visit to New Zealand for these students who are keen to experience school life in New Zealand and learn about our culture.
The Study Group were officially welcomed with a Powhiri and performance by the Kapa Haka group at the full school assembly on and then given buddies from the Year 7, 8 & 9 classes to follow through the week and join in their classroom timetable. Thank you to these students who have made the visitors so welcome.
The students were taken on a Farm Experience trip to Kiwi Valley in Henderson. The students enjoyed learning about farming in New Zealand and were able to pat animals, feed the lambs, horse ride and get lost in the farm maze. The students were then taken up Mt Eden to take photos and see Auckland from the best possible vantage point. Our thanks go to three senior international students Bruce Chen, Kobe Liu and Annice Ng for coming on the trip to help and translate for the students.
The students have been staying with host families throughout the week and we thank them for their care of these visitors. The study group will next head off to Rotorua to experience more of New Zealand. We wish them a safe and enjoyable journey and thank them for visiting Sancta Maria College.
We will welcome a second group of students from Su Zhou Full Middle School who arrive this week.
