Elena Scholl : New Zealand Educated

My name is Elena and I spent the first 10 years of my school life in

Brunsvick/Germany. When I joined Waitakere College (6th form, Year

12) I experienced great support, interest and more than everything a warm

welcome from students and staff.

As soon as I could I joined many sport teams from the list which

ranges from Dragonboating over the national sports Rugby and Cricket to Waterpolo and Basketball. There is something for everyone! I loved

the great team spirit and the involvement in the school community. I

got to know many other students who enjoyed the sports as much as I

did and together we had so much fun whether practicing or competing

with other schools.

It’s amazing how much of their own time the teachers and coaches put

in to support and organise their team.

But not only is the sport diversity fantastic the classes were too.

You can choose between a heap of subjects and even try Nutrition or

Engineering. I felt the greatest difference between school in Germany

and in Waitakere College was the personal and relaxed relationship we

had with the teachers. Everybody works together and tries to achieve

the most with every student. There is so much help and also challenges

for those who are interested a litte bit more beyond the classes.

It’s such a friendly and comfortable environment to work and learn in.

The school is very well equipped, whether it’s the science block, the

average class room, the sport teams or even the hall. Here the

outstanding school production is performed and in the Talent Quest

students have the chance to prove their dancing and singing talent in

front of an audience.

Something that was also special to me and a unique experience was the

diversity of cultures represented. I loved learning about the

traditions, food and clothes during Culture Week where many students

showed us in different ways what life looks like where they come from.

Settling in so quickly and smoothly was also due to the fantastic

support of the International Office which cares for all the

International Students. We did a day trip with the others who were new

to the school to get to know them better and met weekly to catch up on

what we had experienced and occasionally to discuss some problems.

Waitakere College is a wonderful school with so many great people. I

Felt at home from the very first minute!

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, with 1.3 million people.

Student Stories Profiles