What a week it's been! The halls of RI were absolutely buzzing with excitement as we welcomed students and staff from Befu Elementary School in Fukuoka, Japan, for an unforgettable cultural adventure in Auckland.

The energy was infectious from the moment they arrived! The two days spent here at RI were a whirlwind of fun-filled activities. Our students and their new friends from Befu Elementary jumped into a jam-packed schedule, swapping stories, collaborating on projects, and laughing their way through a special "culture swap" session. There were so many smiles, high-fives, and happy moments—it was pure magic!

This fantastic cultural exchange was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to learn from each other and build some truly amazing connections. We are so incredibly proud of the kindness and enthusiasm shown by all the students, and it's safe to say that this week was a major highlight for everyone involved.

We can't wait to see what amazing connections are made during the next chapter of this incredible exchange program! Farewell for now, until we meet again!

Article added: Friday 08 August 2025