Rangi Ruru is head of boarding’s ‘Kiwi family’
The focus at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School has always been on providing all girls with the opportunity to be the best they can be at whatever they choose do to.
No-one epitomises that more than the 2018 head of boarding, Iris Lee, the first international student to hold the position.
Lee came to Rangi Ruru in Year 9, from Sejong in South Korea. Speaking little English, she set about learning the language and adapting to a different way of life.
‘‘As a Rangi boarder, I immediately loved the warm environment and routine,’’ she says. ‘‘Of course, I miss my family but I feel as though I have two families – a Kiwi one and my Korean one back home.’’
She says her focus is to make this year memorable for the boarders. ‘‘I am always thinking about the girls, how they are, what they need, how I can help? I’m lucky to have very supportive Year 13s in the house this year because the mix, the dynamics in a boarding house is one of the most challenging things.’’
Another key person based in the boarding house is the school nurse. Karena Lyth is new to the role having started in early February this year and, with three young girls of her own, Lyth will certainly hit the ground running.
‘‘I’ve spent 15 years working in general practice which I loved but my real passion is adolescent health so I’m very happy to be here at Rangi and am looking forward to meeting all of the girls,’’ she says.
❚ The Rangi Ruru Boarding House is now full for 2018 and interest in places for 2019 is very strong. If you would like to talk with the director of boarding, email Kyleigh Lyth (k.lyth@rangiruru.school.nz) or phone 9833 708. Check out the website rangiruru.school.nz/ boarding/