We have welcomed a number of new international students this year from Year 8 to Year 12, many of whom will be with us long term, as well as some Japanese girls visiting for Term 1.
The girls met their Carmel ‘Kiwi Sister’ buddies at a lunchtime pizza party, where they shared information about themselves and played games organised by our new International Representative and sub-committee; Jiwon Lee, Isabella Dultra, Danielle Dimasuhid and Tina Tan.
The Japanese girls went on a school trip to Sheepworld where they made butter, hand-fed farm animals and watched a sheep-shearing and farmdog show. We then made our way to a honey centre to learn about the bees, see them busily working in their hives and sample some honey.
After school, on Valentine’s Day, the girls baked brownies for their host families. It was a well-organised and delicious afternoon thanks to our Year 13 helpers; Valerie Vink, Hannah Whiteman, Rafaela Decena, Joedi Ocampo, Stella Cho and Lily Farman.
The Kiwi Sisters are a group of girls keen to meet and support international students at Carmel. Many of our international students live in homestay accommodation, arriving with no family or friends here. It is not easy to fit in when everything is so different – new family, no friends, new campus, new timetable to navigate, new culture and customs, and a new language to master.
Some of the Kiwi Sisters have offered to also be an International Buddy. This role goes a step further:
Buddies are willing to help our International Students by:
1. Supporting them to fit into their class.
2. Welcoming them into their friendship group.
3. Making sure they can sit together regularly during interval or lunch, and in class.
4. Including them in their Atawhai class.
5. Inviting them to fun activities/hang-out outside of school e.g. going to the movies with friends, shopping etc.
6. Inviting them to go to any school clubs/practices they may be involved in.
1. Supporting them to fit into their class.
2. Welcoming them into their friendship group.
3. Making sure they can sit together regularly during interval or lunch, and in class.
4. Including them in their Atawhai class.
5. Inviting them to fun activities/hang-out outside of school e.g. going to the movies with friends, shopping etc.
6. Inviting them to go to any school clubs/practices they may be involved in.
Buddies are not necessarily year round roles. Some of our students are here for just a few weeks.
The Kiwi Sisters Club holds events throughout the year – sport and other activities, barbecues, movie nights, service etc. to keep the girls connected. The purpose is to integrate international students fully into school life and encourage them to join clubs, music and sports teams. We hope friendships and support will be offered even if their English language skills are limited. It is great global citizenship learning for Kiwi girls and you might just meet your new best friend!
If you are keen to join, please let our International Representative (Jiwon Lee) know, or pop into the international office located opposite sick bay.
