Forty students from Japan enjoyed a week of learning, culture and friendship at OHS.

This week we farewelled a wonderful group of 40 students from Setagaya Gakuen, an all-boys' school in Tokyo, Japan.

 Although their visit to New Zealand was just one week, they spent three memorable days at Onehunga High School. Each morning, the students participated in dedicated ESOL classes where they developed their conversational English while learning about New Zealand culture. In the afternoons, they joined OHS students in mainstream classes, giving them the opportunity to experience life in a New Zealand school.

 As always, spending time alongside our OHS students was the highlight of their visit. The warmth, friendliness and genuine welcome shown by our students made a lasting impression, helping our visitors feel included from the moment they arrived.

 Setagaya Gakuen visited Onehunga High School last year, and we were delighted to hear they are already planning to return next year. There is no greater compliment than a school choosing to visit us again and we look forward to welcoming them back.

At their farewell ceremony yesterday, the students proudly performed their school song before being presented with certificates and a pounamu necklace as a special keepsake to remember their time in New Zealand and the friendships they made at Onehunga High School. We wish them all the very best and hope to see them again soon.