It was a privilege last month to welcome 51 new pupils from Korea, China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Taiwan. In addition, we hosted 23 pupils on campus from St Paul Girls’ High School and the Jellobuk-do province in Korea for short-term English programmes.

As God has drawn these pupils to our College, we pray that their time here will be a fruitful period in their lives, both academically and personally. I appreciate the wonderful work of our International staff, school teaching and support staff and pupil International Ambassadors and Friendship Team to welcome them to our community. Consistent with our 2011 theme, may they know from personal experience that they have been created for this community.

Following the earthquake, your messages, thoughts and prayers of support have given us much strength as we have cared for the students at our International College. I am proud of our students, staff, care providers and homestay families as they have resumed their lives and, in many cases, assisted others in need. Most students have now returned to resume their studies and we are determined to help each one reach their potential this year.

Most importantly, we give thanks to God for His protection over this shcool and we trust in Him for our future. We are open for the business of educating our international pupils.