Carmel Spencer, Principal, Nga Tawa Diocesan School, Marton [NZ] outlines the highlights of the relationship building trip with Bertrand Cuvelier, Principal, Lycée Jules Ferry, Conty [Fr] undertaken in September/ October 2015.

"During the school holidays, Carol Coleman and I were privileged to represent our school, our region and our country in the north of France, as part of our Shared Histories project. One of the highlights was laying a wreath on the grave of William John Ingle, who left Calico Line to go to war and is buried at Gezaincourt, several kilometres from the town of Conty where our partner school is situated. It was a beautiful clear day and a small group of us, including the Mayor of the town, paid tribute to this young man and his family, along with all the other young soldiers buried at what they describe as “The uttermost ends of the earth.”
 
As part of our school’s partnership, we were touched to find that the English teacher’s classroom at the school has a plaque on it saying “Salle Nga Tawa” and “Nga Tawa Room.”

We must reciprocate here at Nga Tawa, with a “Couloir de Conty “ or “Conty Corridor.” Our relationship with the staff and pupils of this school is going from strength to strength and we have a group of approximately 26 going from here in April 2016, including Andy Watson, our Mayor."