From 22 July to 6 August Aranui High School hosted a group of visitors from Ogum High School, Songpa-Gu - the Deputy Principal Mr Jung, Social Science teacher Mr Kim and Physics teacher Ms Sim, along with 15 students aged 16 and 17 years old.
Arriving on a cold afternoon on July 22nd, the group was met at Aranui High School by their host buddies. On their first morning at school, they were welcomed formally to the school with a powhiri, performed by the Aranui High School whanau. After two classes with their buddies in mainstream classes, the group went across to the Nga Hau e Wha Marae on Pages Road.
The local chief, Mr Sandy Kaa and whanau teacher, Willie Puanaki, gave the group an informative tour around the complex, with in-depth explanations about the buildings and history of the area.
The formal welcome dinner on Tuesday evening was attended by the Korean staff and students with their NZ buddies, along with local dignitaries including Cr Sally Buck, representing the Christchurch City Council, Mr Graeme Plummer, Honorary Korean Consul, Mr Andrew Yoon, Korean Society, Mr Sun Ha Hwang, Principal, Christchurch Korean School, Ms Sue McFarlane, Christchurch City Council International Relations section, together with Aranui High School staff. An enjoyable evening was had by all.
Other activities arranged for the group during their week-long visit included an outing to the Antarctic Centre, some shopping at Riccarton Mall, a ride up the Gondola, jet boating at Springfield, a farm display including shearing and dog trials, a visit to the hot pools in Hanmer, and some brave students (and Mr Kim!) even tried their hand at bungy jumping!!
On their final day, the Christchurch City Council hosted the group at the Civic Offices where the group had morning tea with Councillor Sally Buck.
After their farewell luncheon, the Korean and NZ students had a very teary farewell as they parted ways. Very strong friendships were formed in a short time, and as a result, some of the NZ students are already starting to save for their return trip to Ogum next year to visit their new friends!
It was a great opportunity for our NZ students to learn more about the Korean culture and people, while at the same time opening their homes to share their NZ way of life with the Koreans. So thank you to Ogum High School for this opportunity and we hope to meet again in the future!
Sheryl Jackson
International Director
Aranui High School