International Team

Mrs Alexandra Ferretti is the Director of Whanganui High School's International Department and a teacher of Spanish, French and ESOL. She has worked at Whanganui High School since 2003 and was Dean for three years before becoming Director of International.

She believes that if the students are safe and happy, then success will follow both academically and personally. Having had experience as a student in another country and lived in many different countries, she understands the difficulties students can sometimes experience. She travels overseas frequently to meet agents and parents of her students at Whanganui High School.

Mrs Ferretti oversees the International Department and is responsible for the marketing. She can be contacted by the students and homestays in an emergency 24/7.

Mr Beck Ding is the Dean of International Students. He has worked at Whanganui High School since the beginning of 2011. Originally from Harbin, he first came to New Zealand as an International Student and studied languages, teaching and education at the University of Auckland. With his experience, he has an insider’s knowledge of what it’s like to be an International Student in New Zealand. He met his wife in Auckland and they have two young children who attend primary school. He’s mad keen on football and plays in the local football league.

Mr Ding is the advocate for the International Students and is responsible for all their pastoral care and academic mentoring. He can be contacted by the students and homestays in an emergency 24/7.

Mrs Sarah Crook is the homestay coordinator.

Sarah emigrated to New Zealand from the United Kingdom, so she knows what it is like to settle into a new country. She is responsible for matching students to homestays and supporting the homestay parents.

Mrs Tonia Hoobin or Tonia as the students call her, is responsible for all enrolments, administration and helping students with insurance claims and visas. She is usually the first person to receive and respond to emails. Having lived overseas for 12 years and travelled extensively, she knows what it’s like to adjust to new cultures and ways of living.

Originally from Warsaw, Poland. Anna emigrated to NZ with her family in 2006 and never looked back! Her Son Hardy started at Whanganui High School this year. Anna has a degree in Tourism and Geography and lived in many different countries before she came to NZ. She embraces World cultures, loves travels, meeting people and learning about new countries. Anna is very enthusiastic person and loves working with the International Students. She supports International students on daily basis during school hours. She is with students from day one helping with orientation, in the classroom and assisting with everyday needs and tasks. She also assisting and taking students on a school trips organised by our department.