Baking with Mr Zimmerman

You can't get more Kiwi than a Pavlova so this week a group of our girls met up with Mr Zimmerman to learn how to create their very own Pavlova Roll.  The girls got very creative with decorating and all created their own unique rolls which they took home to share with their host families.

Learning how to pipe

The end result

Surfing with Daisy

This week a group of our students went Surfing with Daisy.  Here is what they had to say about their experience, 

On Monday some of the internationals from Girls High and Sacred Heart Girls College and I  went surfing at Fitzroy Beach. We all met at Mrs Wootton’s office at 2pm from where we went down to Fitzroy Beach. We met Daisy, who is the surf teacher at Fitzroy Beach, and Linda, who is an apprentice from Sweden. 

First of all we put on our wetsuits, due to the water still being very cold and to protect our knees while we were surfing. When we were finished getting changed all the internationals took some photos with surfboards as a memory of our time here. After that we went down to the beach and had an introduction and went straight into the water. Some of us had been surfing before others had not but nevertheless we all could stand up within the first twenty minutes. Although, it was quite a challenge due to it being very windy down at the beach. Linda and Daisy helped us catch waves and it was a lot of fun. We almost spent one and a half hours in the water but I think I can speak for all and say that we could have stayed in there for much longer. It was a great experience and lot of fun. I am looking forward going surfing next Tuesday and hope it is going to be even more fun and another great experience during our time in New Zealand. Anna Zumegen - Germany

On Monday, we went to Fitzroy beach and went surfing with NPGHS international students, Sacred Heart international students and another man. First we met our teachers and changed into wet suits. I have never done surfing so I was so excited. Sometimes I drank the sea water and it was very salty. Everyone initially couldn't ride on the surfboard, but finally everyone could stand up. I think it was a good experience and great time. Arisa Odagiri - Japan    

Last week some of our International Girls went on a Marae visit out to Oakura where they had a fabulous day learning about Maori Culture.
They spent the day learning language, values, song and dance.  They also were lucky enough to experience the beautiful Maori Hangi for their dinner which they helped to prepare and see the cooking process.  This was shared with the girls' host families.
After dinner the girls performed for the families and guests using Poi for dance.
The girls had an amazing day and did exceptionally well in their performance.

Reflections

Before I came here, I was very nervous. Nervous about the school, my host family, if I would find friends at school and how my life would change. But after a few days, I calmed down. My host family was the best I could get, school was way less strict than my school at home in Germany and I found great friends already on my first day. My life changed in many ways: I’m living in a way smaller home than in Germany, my host mum is a single parent and of course I’m speaking English all day. My parents are on the other side of the world and I couldn’t just walk in the next room to talk with them. I must wait until I can reach someone on Skype. But my life changed in many good ways as well: school starts between 60 and 80 minutes later than in Germany, I have way more freedom, I matured, and I experienced so many adventures.
Adventures are a big point of my stay here. I went to Auckland twice, I went to Wellington, Hamilton, Taupo, Waitomo, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Tiritiri Matangi Island and so many other places. I did White and Black water rafting, speedboating, hikes ... New Zealand is one big adventure. Here in New Plymouth I’ve done some cool stuff as well: surfing, driving up and around Mount Taranaki, hanging out with my friends and having fun parties. But even small or less important things were little adventures for me: going to the supermarket for the first time, driving through the city and looking around the shops in centre city. Everything which was completely normal for my host family or everybody else was totally new for me.
My stay here was rather spontaneous. My mom brought up the idea of a stay in another country. I had just come back from a four-week-stay in the United States. She made the suggestion I could go for half a year or a year away. At first, I was not very enthusiastic. In my opinion, a year or even half a year was way too long. My maximum at that time was 3 months. But my mom convinced me to do 5 months. And I’m now very thankful for that. It’s amazing how time flies here.
In conclusion, these five months were the best I’ve ever had. It was not always perfect, I had ups and downs, good and bad days. It wasn’t always easy, it’s not always as perfect as it seems. But the clue is: do the best, YOUR best! And never give up. And if you have a bad day or a bad week, don’t worry. Times get better! Talk with your host family or your family at home, your friends here or at home or with your teachers. Don't let yourself get dragged down and look forward. Take all chances and opportunities you can get. Be positive and your stay will be great!
Anthea 2018