Queen's Birthday Long Weekend

The Bay of Islands

by Tsung-Ping WU

The weekend before last we had a long weekend because the first Monday of June is the Queen's birthday, so, I joined the Bay of Islands tour even though I knew a storm was expected in the North Island.

On the first day the weather in Whangarei was bad, so we spent the day in the restaurant called 'The Stone'. But, this was alright as I ate a super big Kiwi burger! The size of the pattie was almost equal to the size of a steak in Auckland and it was unexpectedly cheaper!

But, after lunch the weather started to change. We went to Cape Reinga, at the top of New Zealand and we saw a lighthouse.

We also went sand surfing on Ninety Mile Beach regardless of the weather!

After the storm, I thought the weather was clearer than before.

During the Ninety Mile Beach Course in the morning, a Maori guide taught us a lot of history about the Bay of Islands and Whangarei. Although, I developed an interest in Maori, I could not understand very much because he spoke very fast. I will remember this experience!

Monday was a sunny day. I was quite happy when I heard the storm was moving down to Auckland.

Eventually, we got to board a boat and we were lucky to see a family of dolphins on an outing in the ocean.

Finally, we saw the beautiful and famous Bay of Islands.

Although the weather was very bad, I was able to meet many interesting tourists and kind friends on this holiday. It was a fantastic and fun tour!

Futsal competition - Dominion English School team

Well done Dominion team!!!

On Sunday the 25th April some of our students took part in an Inter Language School Futsal Competition. It was lots of fun. We even had a cheering group supporting us. The Dominion Team didn't have the best result but we appreciate their participation.

A big thanks for Taka (the organiser) ;-)

Ski & Snowboarding trip – Smylies Tours

On Thursday 11th June some students were enquiring about the Smylies trips for the coming weekend. By Friday we were quite a big multinational group: students from Portugal, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia and Thailand and Chie and Laura from the Dominion staff.
We were picked up on Saturday afternoon. Colin, from Smylies was very kind, as usual. An hour later we were in Springfield where Colin’s family was waiting for us. Smylies is a family business run by Colin and Keiko (and their children). Their hostel is in Springfield which is known as the gateway to the Southern Alps. There are six fantastic ski areas -Porters, Mt Hutt, Mt Cheeseman, Craigieburn, Mt Olympus and Broken River all within a short drive for the ultimate ski holiday.
After a very warm welcome we had tea (as New Zealanders call dinner). A generous warm tasty Japanese curry and fantastic side dishes: all sorts of salads, mashed pumpkin, Japanese apples were served in a big dining room. After tea Colin prepared coffee and tea and dessert was served. By that point, I was so full… but I couldn’t resist the temptation of trying a little piece of the cake. Thanks Keiko, your food was delicious! I am quite a fussy eater and I must say that Keiko’s food was better than in many Christchurch restaurants. I loved the homemade taste of it.

Keiko's dinner at Smylies

Saturday night was rugby night and although I could escape it at home (my kiwi partner doesn’t miss a game!!) students wanted to go to the local pub and watch the end of the match. Unfortunately the All Blacks lost against France. It didn’t matter; we were soon on to the pool table. So many games, even the locals joined in. By the time we left the pub it was 1.30 am!!
I turned off my alarm at seven o’clock. Kiwi breakfast was ready: sausages, bread, scrambled eggs and bacon, yum! Some people had cereal, yoghurt, toast. By eight o’clock Colin was calling us to get on the bus. It is an hour’s drive to Mt Hutt. Snow was forecast for the afternoon but never came. It was a gorgeous sunny day, very hot at times, extremely cold and blustery on the summit.

Magic carpet
Nice day!!Mt Hutt summit

Everyone had three hours snowboard lessons with the exception of Jean Philippe from Portugal. He is quite a professional skier. We had lunch in the café. At three o’clock the beginners slope was almost empty. I think everyone was exhausted. At four o’clock we got on the bus again and arrived just after 6 pm to Christchurch.

Snowboarding after the lesson

Lyttelton Harbour Festival of lights

Lyttelton Harbour Festival of Lights by Joy and Am.

When did you go?

I went last week after school.

Who did you go with?

I went there with my friends.

What did you do there?

I ate candy and fish & chips. I painted my face.

What did you see? Was it interesting?

I saw fireworks and my friend’s face after it was painted.

Did you enjoy? Why?

Yes, I enjoyed it very much. There were lots of people from different countries. We could enjoy and relax.

Asian Cultural Fiesta

18th April by Shoko Tampo

I went to the Asian Cultural fiesta on 18 April in Christchurch. We could eat Asian food and see some traditional Asian performances. As I had known one of the performers was Chie, our Japanese counsellor at school, I had been looking forward to seeing Chie playing the drums.

Although, I am Japanese, I don’t think I have seen a live Japanese drum performance before. I might have seen it on TV.

When it started, I was really excited. I could feel the power of the drums and performers. I felt carried away by the rhythm. I really enjoyed it. It was overwhelming. I would like everyone to see it. It was a good experience for me.

I hope this drum group continues to play here in New Zealand so it becomes more popular. I would go again if I had the chance!

Dominion students participate in ‘the Santa Parade’

On 14^th December 08, Dominion Christchurch students joined our annual Santa Parade.

More than 100 groups participate in this event every year and our students took part in the Japanese Group this year. There is always a huge crowd of spectators who are fascinated by this event. Well done to you all!

Sayako:
I’m really happy!!, because I participated in the Santa Parade with my school friends. I was able to get a precious memory!! (^^)

Shiho:
I had never danced in front of such many people! It was exciting.

Mayu:
I could make grate memory!! Thank you very much. (^^)

Kumiko:
I joined the Santa Parade as a dancer. It was very fun. I was happy to join it!! I’ll never forget

this experience forever!!

Reiko:
I really enjoyed it. I’m really glad to participate in.

Gladys:
I was very very happy to join this parade. For me, it’s a very special experience, because I’m a Taiwanese. I think all my family and friends will be surprised! Thank Japanese friends give me a chance to join and gave me a great memory! ~

Coo (Yang, Chang Gyu):

I was glad when I heard that Sayako told me you can help me for the Santa Parade. I didn’t think the Santa Parade was very big. I could make a good memory. But I missed because I didn’t enter Korean Part and I couldn’t see the Santa Parade.

Lee, Kang Won:
It was difficult to decide to take part in Japanese performance as a Korean. I think experiencing other countries’ custom is a good memory. I really enjoyed it and I never forget it. Thanks my Japanese friends! Well done!

Dining out

Japanese, yummy!!

On Friday morning we came up with the idea to go out on Saturday evening for a meal. Three of us decided to go to Cookai - a well known Japanese restaurant in Christchurch. We ended up with twelve people! We had a great time. Some of the Japanese students were surprised with the food: “Better than in Japan” Junko said. Let’s try Korean next time!!