Celebrating Mother’s Day in Year 8 Chinese Language Class
Our Year 8 Chinese language students recently combined creativity with cultural learning by making traditional Chinese paper‑cut hearts to celebrate Mother’s Day. Paper cutting (剪纸 jiǎnzhǐ) is a long‑standing Chinese folk art that symbolises love, good wishes and celebration, making it a perfect way to express appreciation for mothers. The classroom was filled with red colour, concentration and pride as students carefully created their designs.
Future Healers: Year 11 Health Careers Expo
On May 8th, the school hall buzzed with ambition as our Year 11 students attended the Health Careers Expo. This event showcased the incredible diversity of the medical world, proving that healthcare is far more than just scrubs and stethoscopes.
Diverse Perspectives
We were honored to host a range of specialists who shared their unique career paths:
- Clinical Experts: A Health Psychologist and a Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist from Te Whatu Ora highlighted the essential roles of mental health and diagnostic science
- Specialized Care: Representatives from Bay Audiology and The University of Auckland (Optometry/Medicine) discussed the intersection of technology and patient care
- Nutrition & Wellbeing: The Head of Nutrition from Beef + Lamb NZ Inc provided insights into public health, while our School Counselors emphasized the power of interpersonal support
Cards for Starship
Creative and kind junior students handmade dozens of cards for young patients in Starship. Positive and cheering, with space for nurses to write an appropriate message, the cards were a message of love and support from our young people to their peers in hospital.
Thanks to Haerin in Y11 for discovering and promoting this beautiful service idea.
Carmel’s SAVE Club: Raising Awareness by Celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday!
On May, 8th 1926, the godfather of natural history television was born. 100 years later, his inspiring messages and unmistakable voice shape how generations view the Earth.
During Tuesday 19th of May lunchtime, the SAVE club held a birthday party celebrating the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough. The exciting party not only included cupcakes decorating–but also taught members a valuable lesson on a vital figure of Climate Activism.
Sir David Attenborough is a man whose life’s work has been a testament to the beauty and fragility of God’s creation. Throughout his extraordinary career, Sir David has acted as a global witness to the wonders of the natural world, moving from a curious observer to a powerful advocate for environmental preservation.
He has challenged us to recognize our responsibility as stewards of the Earth, urging humanity to live in better balance with nature.
In alignment with our own Mercy values: Tika, Manaakitanga, Whakaute, Awhinatanga, and Aroha, his message reminds us that caring for the environment is an act of justice and compassion for future generations. As he marks this incredible milestone, we reflect on his call to protect “our fragile home” and recommit ourselves to the small, daily actions that honor the sanctity of all life.
During his birthday party in the food tech classroom, the SAVE girls were able to learn more about him and his incredible work for the environment. Through documentaries shared in the Google Classroom, the informative posters presented in the meeting, and overall holding this party for him, SAVERs went back to period 5 with newfound motivation to follow his steps– and care for our Earth.
“We can yet make amends, manage our impact, change the direction and once again become a species in harmony with nature. All we require is the will.”
― David Attenborough, A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future
– Scarlett Lendrum & Bernie Hoyo Gibson (Year 12) 2026 SAVE Leaders
Year 10 International Student Selected as ENZ Reporter
Hello. My name is Kyubin(Annie)Koo, and I currently live in Auckland, New Zealand, where I attend Carmel College. It has been one month since I began studying abroad, and I plan to continue my education here for the next four years. As I experience local school life and various cultural activities, I am growing and learning every day.
When I first arrived in New Zealand, I felt scared and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment and the fact that I was alone. However, as I made new friends and gradually adapted to school life, I realized that I was becoming stronger little by little. I decided to apply for the student reporter program because I want to honestly document the fears of the early stages of studying abroad, the process of adaptation, and the moments of growth, so that I can provide realistic information and heartfelt encouragement to students who are considering studying abroad like I once did.
I enjoy photography and writing, and I have experience planning, filming, and editing videos while running my own YouTube channel. Although I do not currently operate a blog, I am confident in using various social media platforms and creating engaging content based on my understanding of SNS and digital media. I would love to share my experiences, growth, and lessons through meaningful content with many students.
There are three main reasons why I strongly recommend studying abroad in New Zealand.
First, it offers both safety and an excellent environment. New Zealand is known for its high level of public safety, allowing students to live comfortably and securely. In addition, its beautiful natural environment and high-quality education system help students grow both mentally and physically.
Second, students can communicate in English while experiencing cultural diversity. By using English as a common language, students can build friendships with people from all around the world and experience not only New Zealand culture but also many global cultures firsthand. This becomes a strong foundation for growing into a global citizen.
Third, New Zealand’s education system values direction over speed. Rather than focusing only on memorizing correct answers, it encourages students to ask questions, think independently, and discover the path they truly want to pursue.
Over the next four years, I hope to sincerely and passionately document my study abroad journey and become a student reporter who can inspire and guide students who dream of studying abroad. Thank you.
