Overview
We recognise that all our students live in a culturally diverse world and increasingly will become part of an international community in their futures. We therefore see the hosting of international students as very much a two-way opportunity. For international students, it is an opportunity to enjoy and benefit from the excellent educational resources and learning environment that we are very proud of at St Heliers School. For our NZ resident students, it is an opportunity to build familiarity, understanding and respect for a multitude of different cultures. We have already hosted students from countries as diverse as Korea, Japan, Sweden, Italy and New Caledonia.
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Ministry of Education Code of Practice
It is a requirement of the Ministry of Education that the following information be read by all applicants and their parents prior to application.
St Heliers School has agreed to observe and to be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Ministry of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from the School Office or click on the link below to download a copy from the Ministry Website - Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students
Applicants and their parents need to read the St Heliers School Prospectus, along with all information provided on this page. Both the St Heliers School Prospectus and this information are available at the school office.
St Heliers School has New Zealand Ministry of Education approval for the enrolment of Year 7 and 8 students who are not living with their parents. Year 1 to 6 students must live with a parent.
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Why St Heliers School for Your Child?
A Comprehensive Curriculum Programme:
Our comprehensive teaching programmes are based on the New Zealand Curriculum Documents as prescribed by the NZ Ministry of Education. Our classroom teachers teach English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health and Physical Education, Dance and Drama. We also have specialist teachers for German, Technology, and English as a second language (ESOL).
Details of all curriculum programmes can be seen using the following links: Curriculum and Enrichment Programmes.
Two dedicated Teachers – English as a Second Language
We recognise that being comfortable with the local language and culture is a pre-requisite to the positive learning experience of international students. This is why we have two dedicated, specialist English as a Second Language (ESOL) teachers at St Heliers, Donna Harris and Jenny Dale. Their role is to provide intensive ESOL tuition, pastoral care, and to champion the international student culture within the school.
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Recognised ESOL Programme
English Language proficiency is not a pre-requisite for enrolment of students at St Heliers School. We are well resourced to develop students’ skills in this area.
Students’ English language skills are assessed on arrival at the school. Those requiring ESOL support are grouped, according to their level of English, with other ESOL students in the school. Programmes are taught by qualified, specialist ESOL teachers as detailed above.
The Education Review Office wrote the following of our English as second language (ESOL) programme in the 2007 Education Review Office (ERO) Report. The ERO is essentially the audit arm of the NZ Ministry of Education.
"The language learning centre (at St Heliers School) continues to provide high quality programmes for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Teachers, support staff and translators work collaboratively to provide a culturally sensitive service for a range of student needs including those of students from a refugee background. Effective liaison with regular class teachers helps to ensure that approaches used in ESOL programmes are integrated into classroom learning and social contexts."
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A Thorough Orientation Programme for International Students
The International Student Managers are responsible for delivering the Orientation Programme, which is designed to prepare students for their study at our school. The classroom teacher, the ESOL teacher and the students, are involved in providing opportunities for International students to become familiar with the procedures of school life. The programme includes a description of the school, procedures, rules and regulations, and where to go for help support or guidance when required.
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Cultural Events
Each year we have taken the opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity of our students with special events. These have ranged from a full cultural festival, to national dress days, to events which encourage students to try foods from different countries. We see these as great learning opportunities for all our students.
The Business Liaison Programme
St Heliers School runs a programme to help our students extend their understanding of key industries. Building on the Year 7 and 8 curriculum in particular, we have developed a series of partnerships with leading New Zealand businesses. Supported by pre-reading on the industry, these partnerships involve visits to leading businesses hosted by senior executives. The executives outline key aspects of those industries and conduct tours of exciting parts of their operations.
Companies that are supporting our programme include New Zealand’s largest financial services provider, ANZ National Bank; New Zealand’s largest Dairy Company, Fonterra (and in fact New Zealand’s largest company overall); and New Zealand’s largest food retailer, Foodstuffs supermarkets that owns the New World and Pak N Save brands.
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Accommodation
We appreciate a settled home life is important to a positive learning experience. St Heliers School will make every effort to assist with finding accommodation through finding hosts, or putting International Students and their families in touch with local rental agents.
Students may live with their parents, a designated caregiver approved by the parents, or in a homestay situation. The school requires relevant documentation if students are not living with their parents. For those students living with designated caregivers, an Indemnity Form must be signed by the parents stating that the designated caregivers are relatives or close friends of the family.
Designated caregivers and homestay caregivers, including all adults over the age of 18 years in the home, are police-vetted by the school.
Parents and caregivers must advise the school of any change in their contact details, type of accommodation and residential address.
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Key Requirements
English Language
As outlined in section 3, English Language proficiency is not a pre-requisite for enrolment of students at St Heliers School. We are well resourced to help international students develop their language skills.
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Health and Travel Insurance
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on their website at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf
International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. Both insurances must cover the full length of the time in New Zealand. Evidence of insurance cover must be produced for enrolment.
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz.
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Immigration and Visa Conditions
Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz. The school must receive copies of Student Visas as soon as they are issued.
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Fees and Attendance
Tuition Fees
The tuition fee for one year in 2010 is $11,500, plus a non-refundable Administration Fee of $1,000. The tuition fee for students enrolled for less than one term is $400.00 per week, plus a non-refundable Administration Fee of $250.00.
Tuition fees cover all normal programme costs, including Specialist Subject Fee and class trips. These fees do not cover more personal costs items like school camps, stationery and uniform. St Heliers School does require students to dress in a School Uniform. This average cost of the school uniform is $250.
Successful applicants, following the payment of fees, will receive a tuition fee receipt. This receipt and the ‘Offer of Place’ letter will be needed for student visa applications.
Fee Protection
St Heliers School has a Fee Protection Policy that ensures a refund of residual fees can be made to every student if the school cannot – (for any unforeseen reason) provide the service that it has guaranteed the student. Student fees will be placed in a separate Cash Fund for this purpose.
Students and their parents must be clear in the understanding that the acceptance for a place at St Heliers School is not a guarantee of future academic success. Success will depend on the student’s ability as well as their willingness to work hard. St Heliers School has no English language proficiency requirements.
Attendance
Attendance is compulsory and will be strictly supervised. All absences from school must be advised by a phone call to the school office. Any concerns that the school has about non–attendance will be discussed with the Deputy Principal of the school.
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Questions and Answers
What if a student gains visa status?
In the case of a student gaining visa status that allows them free education in New Zealand, a refund will apply from the date they present an official document to the school demonstrating proof of their domestic student status. The student may then apply for entry to the school; acceptance will be determined by the school’s enrolment scheme.
What if a student wishes to withdraw?
Students who withdraw before the start date will be refunded the Tuition Fees, less the Administration Fee.
Please refer to St Heliers School Refund Policy.
Students (and their parents) must be aware that their Visa and Student Permit specifies that they are in New Zealand to study at St Heliers School. If a student ceases to attend this school, New Zealand Immigration will be advised.
Can a student’s place be withdrawn by the school?
A student’s place can be terminated for any serious breach of school rules. All students at this school will be aware of our discipline procedures. International students will be treated in the same way as domestic students, in terms of Stand-downs, Suspensions and Withdrawals.
Who decides if a student’s application is accepted?
Acceptance into St Heliers School will be at the discretion of the Principal. The school has the right to reject an enrolment application if it feels that it cannot cater for the student.
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How Do I Apply?
Application Form
If you wish to apply for enrolment as an International student, please complete the Application Form and Contractual Agreement and email to donnah@stheliers.school.nz. Alternatively, you can post it to the following address:
Donna Harris
St Heliers School
PO Box 25-110
St Heliers
Auckland 1071
New Zealand
Contact
Donna Harris - Manager International Students - donnah@stheliers.school.nz
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