We are delighted to warmly welcome our international students from China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand to the AJHS community. We are very pleased to have you with us and look forward to a year filled with learning, cultural exchange, and new friendships.

To help our students settle into school life in New Zealand, we held a three-day orientation programme to introduce them to their new environment and provide support, guidance, and opportunities to connect with others.

The orientation began with a health and safety course that focused on personal wellbeing, emergency procedures, road safety, and accessing support services. This session aimed to ensure students feel confident, informed, and safe as they begin their learning journey in a new country.

A highlight of the programme was the sailing experience, which gave students the opportunity to enjoy New Zealand’s natural environment while learning new skills. For many, this was their first time sailing, making it an exciting and memorable experience. With guidance from experienced instructors, students learned the importance of teamwork, communication, and trust, all while enjoying time on the water.

Another memorable experience was attending a Māori cultural performance at the museum. Students were introduced to the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand through traditional music, haka, and storytelling. This experience provided valuable insight into Māori values such as manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (connection), and helped students gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s history and identity.

Over the three days, students had many opportunities to meet staff, ask questions, and build friendships in a welcoming, supportive environment. These shared experiences helped create strong connections and a sense of belonging within our school community.

We are proud of the positive attitude and enthusiasm our international students demonstrated during orientation. We look forward to supporting them throughout their time with us and wish them every success in their studies and experiences ahead.