Inside CGA's Community: Global Experiences in January - February 2025

CGA has kicked off 2025 with an exciting start, welcoming students back for another year of learning and achievement. Students are already diving into fresh opportunities for growth, connection, and success.

To mark the start of the year, CGA has hosted a series of events designed to bring students and families together, fostering a strong sense of community. From engaging activities to inspiring student-led initiatives, the first months of 2025 have been filled with energy and enthusiasm. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of our students as they continue to embrace new challenges and make the most of the year ahead.

CGA Students Participate in YALE Model UN

Five CGA students from Australia and New Zealand debated on the global stage at the Yale Model UN Conference in New York City, joining over 1,800 participants from around the world.

While in New York, the students also had the opportunity to meet CGA Founder Jamie Beaton and visit top universities, including Princeton—where they connected with CGA alumna Jade Sceats—NYU, and Yale. This opportunity allowed students to engage in high-level debate, expand their global perspectives, and connect with inspiring mentors and peers.

2025 CGA Student Leaders

January marks the beginning of a new academic year at the Aoraki Campus, and we are thrilled to introduce a new group of student leaders! These students will play a key role in supporting their peers and strengthening the CGA student community. The Greenwich and US campuses have also welcomed a fresh team of student leaders, each dedicated to fostering a more connected and engaged student body.

Our student leaders not only create meaningful opportunities for the entire community but also develop essential skills that will benefit them in their academic journeys and future careers. Learn more about our extracurricular and leadership opportunities at CGA.

CGA Hosts First In-Person Meet-Ups in 2025

Aoraki Campus students kicked off the new school year with a series of in-person meetups across Australia and New Zealand. Families and students gathered in parks and gardens in Melbourne, Sydney, and Auckland, enjoying relaxed picnic games against a backdrop of sunny lawns and delicious homemade dishes kindly prepared by faculty, students, and parents.

Highlights of the gatherings included games of UNO, tug-of-war, cornhole, and bracelet-making—bringing everyone together to reconnect and forge new friendships!

At CGA, we provide endless possibilities and opportunities for students to thrive academically, explore their interests across a range of extracurricular opportunities, and connect across a global community while making a positive impact—no matter where they are in the world.

CGA Japan Hosts Welcome Party for Aoraki Students

CGA Japan held a Welcome Party to warmly greet Aoraki students on Saturday, 1 February. The event was a fantastic opportunity for both new and returning students to connect across year levels, build friendships, and experience the welcoming spirit of the CGA community.

Aoraki Head Student Rikuto shared his inspiring CGA journey—from starting as an ESOL student in 2021 to now taking A-levels in which he recently scored top marks across all subjects. He spoke about his study abroad preparations and involvement in extracurricular activities, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

CGA’s First Virtual Social Day Brings Students Together Across Campuses

CGA students from Aoraki Campus and beyond came together for the first Virtual Social Day of the year. The event provided a fantastic opportunity for students to connect, have fun, and build friendships across campuses.

For an hour, students enjoyed a series of interactive games, including scavenger hunts, Pictionary, and icebreakers. Through these activities, participants had a blast while making new friends in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

CGA Thriving Session Webinar Explores Adapting to CGA

The first Thriving Session webinar of the year, hosted by Chief Community and Brand Officer Jess Silcock alongside Aoraki student leaders Jenson and Will, focused on the theme of adapting to life at CGA. They shared personal experiences and practical strategies to help students navigate both the academic and social aspects of the CGA community.

The discussion covered key aspects of adjusting to online learning, including the importance of routines, resilience, and community-building. Jenson and Will emphasized how habits like regular exercise and sufficient sleep can boost motivation, while informal interactions with teachers help foster meaningful connections. They also introduced Adapt to CGA, a student-led club dedicated to supporting peers in adjusting to online learning and building a strong sense of community.

CGA USA Families Enjoy a Fun-Filled Day at Gatorland Florida

CGA families in the U.S.A. recently gathered for an exciting day of adventure at Gatorland, Florida. Fifteen CGA family members were warmly welcomed by CGA staff and faculty, who joined them in exploring the park and participating in various thrilling activities. From buggy rides and live shows to up-close encounters with alligators, the day was packed with unforgettable experiences.

Some families took their adventure to the next level with the Croc Rock Adventure, where they climbed a 32-foot Croc Rock, crossed a 150-foot swinging cable bridge, and soared along a 350-foot zipline.

CGA Hosts Its First School Camp at Teapot Valley

CGA successfully hosted its first-ever school camp at Teapot Valley Camp, Nelson, New Zealand, from 20th February to 24th February.

The camp offered CGA students a valuable opportunity to connect with their peers, fostering friendships and teamwork. With 34 students participating, the camp featured a variety of activities, including team-building exercises, indoor climbing, and adventure challenges—all strengthening the CGA community. The group also embarked on a scenic 12km hike through Abel Tasman National Park, following the coastline and weaving through the trees.

Present at the event were CGA A-Levels Pathway Principal Mark Phillips, Deputy Principal Ronan Kearney, Director of Aoraki Pastoral Care and Student Leadership Kate Thompson, English and History teacher Emily Fitzgerald, English teacher Liezel Louw, and Admission Assistant Hugo Lasseter-Moore.

This school camp was a significant milestone for CGA, setting a strong foundation for future engagement throughout the year. Mr. Kearney was proud of the students’ interactions and the way they supported one another throughout the trip. “This trip has highlighted how effortlessly our students support and appreciate one another, making new friends and strengthening bonds—both in person and online. In fact, they’re already asking when the next trip will be!” he noted.