< International Newsletter

International Newsletter

Wednesday 30 September 2020

Kia ora koutou.

Term 3 has been a busy term with a lot of students focus on finishing winter sports, preliminary examinations and completing internal assessments.

All students are looking forward to the break to refresh, recharge and have time to prepare for the last term. The weather has really helped as we enter into Spring with blossoms out and day light saving now in effect, meaning New Zealander’s clocks have moved forward one hour.

Still a lot of uncertainty regarding the opening of New Zealand borders and the recent outbreak of COVID-19 has not helped this process to be sped up. I will continue to provide up to date information as it comes to me. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

COVID-19 Update

The current situation is Auckland is in Alert Level 2, while the rest of the country is in Alert Level 1.

Some of the key points about Alert Level 2 are:

crowds of only 100 people – education institutions are exempt from this and considered their own bubble;
physical distancing of 1–2 metres is advised but not compulsory;
general hygiene, especially washing of hands is crucial;
masks are not mandatory but advised in areas of close proximity.

Alert Level 1 means there are no restrictions, apart from the border being closed.

Please note Christchurch has had no recent cases of COVID-19 from the new outbreak in Auckland.

The College continues to practice good hand hygiene and physical distancing, for example no hugging and keeping numbers in confined spaces low. Please find below two links to what St Andrew’s College are doing to help support and secure our students are safe:

ALERT LEVEL 2 MANAGEMENT PLAN – PLAY IT SAFE > STUDENT GUIDELINES AT ALERT LEVEL 2 > GOVERNMENT ALERT SYSTEM OVERVIEW >

Regards

Palē Tauti
Director of International Students and Exchanges

Around the College

STUDENT VOICE

Ruthie Konusi (Year 13) – International Leader

As one of the Heads of International for 2020, I never knew how much effort it took to take on such a role. Being immersed in international culture has always been a goal for myself being a student at St Andrew’s College. The relationships and bonds I have been able to form over my three years will always have a place in my heart. I have made friends from numerous countries, such as South Africa, Thailand, Germany and many more. Friendships that I keep up with till this day.

I have been able to connect with different people within my community from different schools and different backgrounds. One of my main highlights of this year would be setting up a Potluck Dinner with Christ’s College, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School and St Margaret’s College. This event had led me to know more people within the international community and keep contact with other international leaders within the Christchurch area. The opportunity to connect with other students also helped me to learn and understand different cultures from the food they ate to their customs.

International Week also was great to have, even if COVID-19 had interrupted most of the week. It was great to still see the effort put in by the international leadership team. From origami making, cooking dumplings, food fear factor to assemblies at both the Senior College and the Middle School it was a great effort in the end.

I know having been in this role has taught me a lot about myself and my capability to connect with others. My ability to communicate and evaluate in certain situations has also improved because of this role which I am grateful for. I am thankful for the people I've met and what I have learnt from others within the time I've been international leader.

GIRLS' BADMINTON

The Premier Girls’ badminton team has had a great season with many challenging games. The girl’s score placed them in the finals with a fight with Burnside High School for the first place. It was an exciting match, with both sides playing their best. Out of six games, both teams tied 3–3, so it came down to a point count. The St Andrew’s College Premier Girls’ team won by one point, 94–93. This is a great result for a team that has been consistently excellent throughout the competition. The team consists of Kelly Ting (captain – Year 13), Alyssa Le (Year 12), Yuri (Elly) Li (Year 10), and Wenjin (Katie) Zhang (Year 11).

CANTERBURY SCHOOLS' ICE HOCKEY CHAMPIONS

The St Andrew’s College ice hockey team have been crowned Canterbury Secondary Schools’ Ice Hockey Champions, after a stellar performance in the final against Shirley Boys’ High School with a 11–6 win. A special mention to Carter McCann (Year 13) who has been an international student at St Andrew’s College for the last three years. Carter finishes his time with St Andrew’s this year and looking forward to attending tertiary study in Canada, the home of ice hockey.

MORE PHOTOGRAPHS >

FAREWELL TO JIN KIM

In late August we said our goodbyes to a wonderful young man from South Korea who returned back to his family to finish the remainder of 2020. Jin joined us this year from Medbury School and due to COVID-19 it was decided he should return home to be close to family. Jin’s unwavering smile and warmth he brought to a classroom and especially in boarding will be sorely missed, we wish Jin all the best in the future.