|
Mara's
Story
Switzerland
|
Hi.
My name is Mara. I am from
Switzerland and my first language is
(Swiss) German. My family and I came
over to New Zealand in January 2011
because my Mum and my Dad are
spending a sabbatical year here in
Auckland.
When I
started school in February 2011 I
did not speak any English and knew
no one at school. The first weeks in
New Zealand and at school,
therefore, were quite tough. I
missed my Swiss friends and
struggled in settling down in New
Zealand, as many things were new and
strange to me.
Right: The Matterhorn (the most
famous Swiss mountain)
|
 |
Now,
eight months later, I can express
myself in English as well as read
and write in English like the other
pupils in my class. My teachers at
Bayswater Primary School and the
school administration have done a
great job. They always have been
very understanding towards my needs.
They guided me well through the
first difficult weeks and have
supported me in every respect. I
love going to Bayswater Primary. And
New Zealand has become my second
home thanks to all the good friends
I have made here. It is definitely a
wonderful experience to live and go
to school in New Zealand and learn a
foreign language.
 |
 |
|
My home town Lucerne |
View from the Pilatus down
to Lucerne |
Unfortunately, my parent's
sabbatical will end soon as they
have to go back to work in
Switzerland. I will leave New
Zealand with mixed feelings. On the
one hand, I will miss all the good
Kiwi friends I will have to leave
behind (especially Viki) and the
laid back Kiwi lifestyle. On the
other hand, I am looking forward to
eventually seeing my Swiss friends
and my grandparents again. Finally,
I really hope that I can keep my
English so that I can come back to
New Zealand one day and meet you all
again...
 |
 |
|
Harbour of Ascona (in the
Italian part of Switzerland) |
Castle Chillon (in the
French part of Switzerland) |
Children's
Stories
 |
 |
 |
|
Mara, Switzerland |
Sofia, Sweden |
Colomba, Chile |
| |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Chiemu, Japan |
Alfred, Samoa |
Akira, Japan |
| |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Daniella, Philippines |
|
|
|
