St Brelade's College names its 'Host of The Year' for 2024

Sunday 24 November 2024

An English language school in St Brelade has recognised the "spectacular" efforts of one of its host families helping international students to study in the island.

St Brelade's College has named it's 2024 'Host of The Year', who "regularly receive repeat requests" from students hoping to stay with them.

The College stressed that all of its hosts play a role in welcoming students and providing a supportive environment for them throughout the year, making the task of naming a winner a difficult one.

And the winner is...

This year the College has chosen Sallie Redman and Ryszard Kowalski, who have been hosting for 11 years.

Pictured: Sallie Redman and Ryszard Kowalski have been hosting students studying at the College for more than a decade.

A St Brelade's College spokesperson said: "Their students have absolutely loved staying with the family and their cute pets and have made some wonderful memories.

"They regularly receive repeat requests from students to stay with them.

"Sallie is also one of our chaperone managers, frequently accompanying St Brelade’s College junior students on the ferry to and from St Malo.

"When ferry travel has been disrupted, Sallie has saved the day spectacularly and hasn’t thought twice about changing her own plans to accommodate these changes; on one occasion having to overnight in St Malo at the last minute.

"All their care and efforts are hugely appreciated by everyone at St Brelade’s College."

"We really enjoy watching their confidence grow"

Sallie explained that, while hosting has "occasional challenges", it's also a "very rewarding experience".

"I can’t believe we’ve just completed our 11th year – as the saying goes, ‘time flies when you’re having fun’," she said.

"Hosting for us means becoming extended family for the duration of the students’ stay with us.

"We really enjoy watching their confidence grow during their time with us and providing support and encouragement along the way."