International Newsletter Term 3

International Newsletter
Date: 25 September 2015
In This Issue
 Message from Deputy
Principal
 Our Principal, Mr
Thomas visits China
and South Korea
 Term 3 New Students
 Senshu Matsudo High
School Visit
 Teisei High School
Visit
 Ningbo Cixi High
School Visit
 Mairangi Arts Centre
Exhibition
 College Ball
 Homestay Happenings
 Principal’s Lunch
 Student Fees 2016
 Other Information
Link to NZQA Website
Upcoming dates
Our Facebook page
Gallery
Whangaparaoa College
International Staff
Term 3 2015
Message from Deputy Principal
WOW!!! What a term! I can honestly say that I am unsure if there has been a
term more action packed and busy in the International Department that I have
been involved with.
The term started with a Powhiri (traditional Maori welcome) for all of our new
learners to the school. These seemed to continue throughout the term as we
welcomed new groups one after the other. It is such an amazing part of my job
which allows me to meet all of these young men and women who are so excited
and nervous about being away from the security of their home countries and
families. To be welcomed into our family, I know it calms these students to
know that we all care so much and we are all working to ensure that they have
a successful and positive experience in NZ and particularly at Whangaparaoa
College.
One of the real positive things which happened this term was the winter code
and activity photos. This day led me to be reflective on what activities our
internationals are involved with and what it means for the students who do
participate. It led me to reconfirm that getting involved with extra-curricular
activities definitely adds to the experience and ensures that individuals acquire
a complete experience at Whangaparaoa College. There are so many activities
in which to be involved; there is always something for everyone and sometimes
that activity is brand new, further adding to the experience.
The other fantastic part of my job is reacquainting myself with all of our fantastic
friends who return with our visiting groups.
It was amazing to see so many friendly
faces from Senshu Matsudo High School in
Tokyo. After my visit to them at the end of
last term it was wonderful to see Mr
Kamamura and the other teachers again. It
is particularly pleasing to see that one of our
domestic students, Carter Apas-Cree is
currently studying at Senshu Matsudo. I
have received regular updates from the
school and Carter about his time there. He is definitely making the most of his
time in Japan, experiencing a number of new things.
As you can see there has been lots of visiting,
along with the normal visits to us from our
friends around the world, our Principal, James
Thomas visited Ningbo (China) to fly the flag for
Whangaparaoa College at the Ningbo and
Auckland Education Association Conference.
Ningbo is a sister city of Auckland and we have a
number of good relationships in the city. He also
visited one of our very good friends in Korea Mr
Song (Glolink International) and spoke at a number of parents information
evenings promoting NZ education and particularly Whangaparaoa College (see
later in the newsletter for photos and more information).
I too have had a busy end to the term visiting a number of agents around the
world in a very much around the world in 80 days kinda way. I visited Hong
Kong, Macau, Germany, France, Italy and finally China in what was a very busy
and positive trip. Again, it was fantastic to meet with new acquaintances and
long-time friends. It is always with wonder and awe that I visit these countries
and take in all of the cultural experiences which make each country or city that
little bit different. We are all the same in one way though and that is we are
committed to sharing our culture and exploring others to continue to make
ourselves better.
Term 4 is also busy confirming enrolments for 2016, publishing school reports,
participating in end of year activities, sitting NCEA exams, celebrating our
excellence students in all facets of our school, reflecting on the year, keeping
the good and modifying the not so good and farewelling those students who will
be leaving us.
Once again, thank you for all of the support you give the international
department and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Don’t forget to look at our Facebook page to keep up to date with everything
that is happening. https://www.facebook.com/wgpcollege?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
titiro whakamua ki te kitenga hohoro koutou
Jason Pocock
jasonpo@wgpcollege.school.nz
Our Principal, Mr Thomas visits China and South Korea
It was a real pleasure to recently visit Ningbo in China and also a number of
cities in South Korea.
I was in China as part of the Ningbo/Auckland Education Association’s
Conference and while in China I certainly saw evidence of the building boom.
My participation at the conference involved preparing a keynote address
entitled, “Academic Mentoring – Relationships That Enhance Success”.
While in Ningbo, there was
also the opportunity to visit
some local schools. At one of
the schools I was asked to
present a demonstration
lesson. I enjoyed the
interaction with the students
and the discussion with fellow
Principals during the visit.
My brief stay in South Korea
involved travelling the length and
breadth of the country. In particular
I spent time in Seoul, Daegu,
Gimhae, Busan and Jeonju.
I always received a warm welcome
and enjoyed many very special
meals. I appreciated the
opportunity to meet with groups of
parents who were interested in
learning more about education in
New Zealand.
We have a close connection with GloLink International and look forward to
working with schools,
parents and students
to provide
opportunities for a
quality education in a
safe overseas setting.
Term 3 – New students
This term we welcomed a number of
new International Students to
Whangaparaoa College. We held a two
day orientation for all our new students.
On the first day the students were
welcomed with a Powhiri which they all
enjoyed. The Powhiri or Maori welcome
provides a special opportunity for our
new students to experience a Maori
tradition in action. On the second day
of orientation we held a shared lunch
for all of our international students.
Our College Principal, Mr Thomas joined
us for the lunch and taught the students how to sing a "Te Aroha" waiata. Our
new students were able to meet and chat to the other international students
already at the College.
To see more photos, click here.
Senshu Matsudo High School Visit
Students and staff from Senshu Matsudo High School visited our College from
24 July – 4 August. They visited Tiri Tiri Matangi island as well as Sheepworld
during their visit. At Sheepworld they watched sheep being sheared and were
able to interact themselves with the lambs.
At College they took part in an Integration Day, a Maori Cultural opportunity
and a Cooking afternoon. During the morning students were engaged in
learning in the ESOL class to develop their English language.
Further photos are available. Click here.
Teisei High School Visit
A group of students and staff arrived from Teisei High School on 4 August.
They visited Sheepworld and called in
at the Honey Centre on the same day
where they were able to taste the
honey.
Shopping at the mall was also a “Must
Do” event during their visit.
Click here for more photos.
Ningbo Cixi High School Visit
Around 15 students from Ningbo Cixi High School visited our College from China
for 4 days during their stay in New Zealand from 5 August – 13 August. They
were welcomed in the normal Maori tradition with the Principal, James Thomas
playing the guitar. They spent time in school with buddies and the rest of their
stay included activities in and around Auckland. For more photos, click here.
Mairangi Arts Centre Exhibition
Congratulations to one of our German international
students, Carlotta Schmidt-Mueller in Year 13. She
recently won a second place award in a recent Art
exhibition called “Artrageous” which was held at the
Mairangi Arts Centre.
The Mairangi Arts Centre invited students from Year 9-13 from 5 schools to
enter into the exhibition. There were around 80 to 90 artworks entered overall.
The exhibition ran from the 22 July - 1 August. It was fantastic news to hear
that Carlotta won the second prize award. The prize was to be able to hold her
own art exhibition in the future. Well done, Carlotta. For more photos, click
here.
College Ball
Whangaparaoa College held its annual
school ball on Saturday, 22 August.
Several of our international students
attended this entertaining evening at
Eden Park, Auckland.
For more photos of the evening,
please click here.
Homestay Happenings
We are saying “Auf Wiedersehen” to Paul Stegemann at the end of this term.
Paul, who has been staying with Jacqui Harris and her family, is returning to
Germany. He is photographed here with Jacqui when they both attended the
College Ball.
Paul made lots of kiwi friends during his stay and
played rugby for the 1stXV team. He will be missed
by all. We would like to wish Paul a safe journey
home and all the best with his future studies.
Principal’s Lunch
On Friday, 28 August our Japanese and Korean students were invited for lunch
with Mr Pocock and Mr Thomas, the Principal. They chatted about their time at
Whangaparaoa College and of course had plenty to eat!
More photos are available to view by clicking on this link: Principal’s Lunch
Student Fees 2016
Please click on this link to view international student fees for 2016 and also
term dates for 2016.
Happy Holidays!
Boas Festas!
Schoene Ferien!
Joyeuses Fetes!
สุขสันต์วนั หยุด!
節日快樂！
Buone vacanze!
해피 홀리데이!
ハッピーホリデー！
Lyckliga ferier!