Francis Douglas Memorial College International Report

International Report 2017

For the last two weeks of term two, we had a young Thai boy aged 10, for a short term visit. Khun Lersumitkul went into Year 7 and under the care and guidance of the Intermediate department had a great time at Francis Douglas Memorial College and was made to feel very welcome and included in his class.

During the course of the year, the International students joined others from various schools in the region in a range of activities. We had a Big Bus Trip for the students to visit the mountain, the beach and a farm. We also had Fish and Chips at the beach with homestays plus a meal out at Gengys. These events have helped the students to get to know others who are new to the region and chance to socialize. We hope to continue this with more events scheduled before the end of the year.

During the July holidays the few boys who are not travelling to home countries are coming on an excursion to Waitomo and Rainbow’s End. Also included is a horse trek which will be a new experience for the boys.

 Term three is a going to be a busy one in the International department with three new students plus a group visit.

Brooklyn Wang is from China. He is going into Year 10 boarding. Brooklyn visited the school last year and I met him and parents in Hangzhou again recently. Sunny Wong is from Hong Kong and going into Year 12 boarding. Also from Hong Kong is Thomas Wong who will go into Year 8. Their enrolments are as a result of my recent Hong Kong visit. This will take our list of permanent International students to 15.

Also in term three beginning week 2, we have a visit from Dongguan Middle School in China involving 5 boys at FDMC and 5 girls from Dongguan at SHGC who will also have 14 other girls coming for various lengths of time. Last year the group visit went really well and it is good to have another group of students return this year.

International week will be celebrated in week 4 of term three which is International Language Week. As well as several cultural events and visitors, the prefects are going to organise International lunch on the Friday to conclude the week. We anticipate another successful week of fun, culture and food extravaganza.