A Global Village: Welcoming Our International Students
By Karina Rothacker
Our campus is feeling a little more global this term! We are thrilled to welcome a diverse group of international and exchange students to the Bishop Druitt College community. From long-term academic journeys to short-term cultural immersions, these students bring a wealth of perspective to our classrooms and playgrounds.
A Milestone for Our Cambodian Partnership
We are particularly excited to welcome Kimmy and Phommy (pronounced Pummy) from the Krou Yeung School in Cambodia. Unlike our short-term visitors, Kimmy and Phommy will be joining the BDC family for the next two years to complete Years 11 and 12.
This is a significant milestone in our long-standing relationship with Krou Yeung. To help the girls settle into their new Australian home, we were honored to host their parents and their teacher, Mr. Ratanak, this week. We want to extend our deepest gratitude for their trust in the BDC community. We look forward to this being the first of many long-term student placements from Krou Yeung!
From Paris with Love - Round Square
The French connection continues! After Zsofia Dryburgh, Emily Piipari, Abigail Doyle and Kit Taylor (Year 10) spent time at Ecole Alsacienne school in Paris last year, it is now time to return the hospitality. We are delighted to have their exchange partners, Margaux and Lea, Roman and Sixtine, joining us this term. It’s wonderful to see these international friendships come full circle.
From Germany with Gusto
This term we welcome Lilo and Antonia from Louisenlund in the north of Germany. Lilo and Antonia are the exchange partners of BDC students Jessica Skyes and Sapphire Moses, who pioneered our first exchange experience with this Round Square school late last year.
From Japan with Joy - Ueda Nishi Sister School Exchanges & Round Square
Ueda Nishi High is our sister school in Japan. Our BDC language department, headed by Ms April Lord, has been conducting successful language exchanges ranging from 4 weeks to 6 months for many years now. We welcome Miyu and Koharu this term, exchanging with Penny Gage and Zoa Elkayam, who have recently returned from their exchange experiences. We will also be welcoming a 9-student delegation in March from Ueda Nishi High for a week and 14 students from Okinawa.
From our Round Square partner school in Japan, Keimei Gakuen, we welcome Nana and a second Miyu, who are exchanging with Ila Greenaway and Monique Cruwys.
Rotary long-term exchange student Sunny is with us until the end of Term 2 from Taiwan. She can now converse in Chinese with BDC student Mason Lazzaro, who recently returned from his Rotary exchange in Taiwan.
Please join us in welcoming these students, and a huge thank you to our BDC buddies for showing them the ropes.
A Note of Gratitude
A huge thank you to the staff, students, and host families who have gone above and beyond to make our international guests feel at home. It’s your warmth that makes BDC such a special place for students from all corners of the globe.
Keep an eye out for our new friends on the grounds and be sure to say Bonjour, Suasdey, Guten Tag, or a simple G'day!
As we all gather and stand upon Country, may we acknowledge and respect Gumbaynggirr Land and the thousands of years’ worth of both physical and spiritual connection to Country, culture and teachings embedded forever within these Lands.