On Monday 2 November, we had the pleasure of hosting a special graduation ceremony to celebrate our Year 13 international student leavers and to recognise the incredible journeys they have undertaken during their time at Pakūranga College.
For many of these students, their journey has involved far more than simply completing their secondary education. It has required resilience, determination, and courage as they navigated homesickness, adapted to a new culture, and found their way in an unfamiliar education system. It was wonderful to reflect on just how far they have come, from those early days of settling into New Zealand to the outstanding individual achievements they have accomplished throughout their Senior years.
As longer-term members of our college community, these students have also made a significant contribution beyond the classroom. Many have been actively involved in sports teams, cultural groups, and a wide range of co-curricular activities, enriching the experiences of those around them and helping make Pakūranga College the vibrant community it is today.
We are particularly excited that the vast majority of our graduates are continuing their educational journeys at university. Around half will remain in New Zealand, with many heading to the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), while others will be pursuing further study in the South Island as well as universities in their home country.
Their decision to continue investing in their education here in New Zealand is a wonderful testament not only to their own hard work and ambition, but also to the dedication of our teaching staff, who have supported, encouraged and helped these students recognise the opportunities that further education in New Zealand can offer.
To all our Year 13 International graduates, congratulations! You have been an absolute pleasure to host and we are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved. As you take your next steps, we hope you will always look back fondly on your time at Pakūranga College and carry a little piece of New Zealand with you wherever life takes you. We wish you every success and remember you will always be a part of the Pakūranga College whānau.
David Dunlop – Director of International Students
