FDMC International Students
Thursday 30 November 2017
To Francis Douglas Memorial College International Department: Thanks for the Memories by Yutaka Kunizaki
Today is my last day before parting
from Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth and friends who I have
shared time with for the last 5 years. For me, the last five years have become
an irreplaceable and unforgettable time. I’m convinced that going to
school here in New Zealand changed me for the better. I made a lot of friends
through studying in New Zealand and the people and the environment broadened my
horizons and shaped my character.
In my first year in New Zealand, there
was nothing I knew, except Oreos and Macdonald’s. It was
not only stuff that
I wasn’t used to, but also, behavior and
perspective. For example, greeting someone. When I was walking in town, I saw a person
coming towards me and then he looked at my face. Guess
what he did? He smiled and said ‘Hi.’ How normal is that? It is normal
in New Plymouth, but it was not normal for me. You see for we don't do that in
Japan. It may be because we are nation of over one hundred twenty-six million
and would you greet to each one of them? Probably not, but what I’ve learnt
here is greeting someone like a wave of a hand and saying hi, always make us
happy and is very normal everyday behavior.
Another example was I could see the stars. It’s also normal but that could never happen to us. Even at night, the sky is filled up with lights. Everyone knew we were all looking for happiness and building to reach the sky. What I want to say is that if you really want to be happy, then, sometimes you must be satisfied with what you’ve already got instead of crying for the moon.
I know that I want to say thank you, but thank you is too
small words to fill up the gap. I really appreciate everything, Mrs Smith, the
teachers and the staff in the hostel have done for me, especially for the last
5 years. I couldn’t have reached where I am today without you, thank you so
much.
Before finish I just want to say thanks
to all of you guys and I will promise you that I will always remember the
memories that we made.
Thanks for your time and thank you for
the memories.
Yutaka Kunizaki
Leaver 2017/11/30 Francis Douglas
Memorial College
Friday 1 September 2017
International week celebrating cultural diversity
International
Week was celebrated in the school last week as a time of celebrating and
appreciating cultural diversity within our school community.
During
the week. students were entertained with cultural music by school musicians and
Mr Jack Kirifi from our local community came and spoke to Year 10 class on his
perspective of being Samoan and coaching rugby. Students from Germany, Japan
and China also visited junior classes as guest speakers for question and answer
times about their home country sharing their knowledge and talking about not
only the differences but also the similarities.
Several
events were held in the library. Mrs Hermanns had interested students making
iconic buildings models, there was a quiz on car logos from around the world
and Guess the Comics’ origins. One event which also proved to be very popular
was the sushi making demonstration by Ken and Sonya, Sushi Ninja owners. Boys
could also have a go at making sushi themselves and there was a chance to
answer questions to win a slice of sushi. I’m sure we’ll aim to have this again
next year.
The
hostel dining room also got into the theme with a variety of food from
different days having Italian, Greek, Mexican, USA and Hungarian meals and
International students read a prayer in own language each week. Another popular
event for all juniors was sport from different countries being taught by the
senior students and students made the most of the fine weather during the week.
Students
from Dongguan Middle School in China were a highlight at assembly on Friday
presenting their school dance and thanking their Year 10 buddies who did an
outstanding job of looking after them at school during their stay of one month.
The boys also visited a junior class and taught them their Chinese song.
Friday
was the climax to a great week. Students wore mufti with a cultural theme and
the boys could buy Japanese, Indian, Chinese and pizzas food at lunchtime while
listening to Spanish music being played in the quad by school band under
guidance of Mr Tobias Wright and accompanied by Mrs Christina Hermanns.
The
intention of International week was strengthening
cultural and ethnic diversity. Once
again, the school can continue to feel enriched by the experience recognising the
core values of our Catholic Lasallian school which include and reflect
the values of cultural diversity.
Tuesday 4 July 2017
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.
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