Learning in Action: St John’s College Hamilton Students Visit Peers at St Michel’s, Vanuatu

Last week of June, St Michel Technical College in Santo, Vanuatu, welcomed some special visitors - a group of students and teachers from St John’s College in Hamilton, Aotearoa New Zealand. The visit was part of an ongoing relationship between the two schools and reflected the spirit of learning and cultural exchange across the Province.

During their time at St Michel, the group toured the college’s vocational education facilities, with a particular focus on the carpentry, joinery, and engineering departments. These workshops are at the heart of the school’s commitment to practical, skills-based learning that empowers students to be well-prepared for life after school. The visitors had the opportunity to witness first-hand the high level of craftsmanship and dedication shown by the students.

In addition to the visit and tour, the St John’s group donated a range of sports equipment, including footballs, netballs, and training resources. The gifts were met with great excitement by the St Michel students, who were quick to put the equipment to use, with both groups gearing up to play on the school grounds.

The visit was brief but meaningful. It offered the St John’s students an insight into the life and learning environment of their peers in Vanuatu, while also providing an opportunity for the latter to explore the unique learning style of their peers in Aotearoa. Immersions like these happen across the Province, giving our students a chance to learn about the many ways we are different, yet bound together by a common thread - the spirit of our Marist family.

Contributed by Br Jean Marie Batick, Vanuatu