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information handbook oroua downs school has agreed to observe and be bound by the code of practice for the pastoral care of international students published by the minister of education copies of the code are available on request from this institution or from the new zealand ministry of education website at http www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international immigration 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 http www.immigration.govt.nz eligibility for health services 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 accident insurance 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 http acc.co.nz medical and travel insurance international students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in new zealand students must provide evidence of medical and travel insurance on enrolment the insurance must cover the full length of time spent in new zealand new zealand insurance cover is preferred the school will keep a record of the insurance policy number and the type of cover provided accommmodation oroua downs school requires that all international students live in one of the following types of accommodation i students in years 1-8 must live with their parents or designated caregivers a legal guardian is someone who has full rights and responsibilities for the student as approved by a court of law following the death or other inability of the parents to provide proper care for the student proof of legal guardianship must be supplied the school has systems and procedures in place to ensure that all international students are living with and continue to live with a parent for the duration of the student s study in new zealand it is recommended that parents apply for a guardianship visa which enables them to stay in nz for the period of their child s study the following will be done a regular home visits are made to ensure the parent is still living in the country b where a situation arises where the international parent wishes to or has returned home ­ for example in the case of an emergency the school will allow a brief period for the student to remain in new zealand provided the school has sighted proof of the parent s need to return e.g medical or other certificate and has approved the accommodation while the parent is away c if it is discovered that the parent has returned home without informing the school e.g terminating the enrolment contract and notifying nzis then the enrolment may be terminated and the new zealand immigration service notified on enrolment parents and/or caregivers are asked to complete the indemnity document for caregivers page 1

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student fees and associated costs administration fee non-refundable gst included nz $500 tuition fees annual payable in advance gst included nz $6,564 this covers classroom tuition textbooks on loan esol tuition if required nz $6,564 fees protection oroua downs school has a fee protection procedure to safeguard the fees paid by international students in the unlikely event that the school may not be able to commence or continue to deliver tuition to the international student the school s board of trustees guarantees to hold in reserve sufficient funds to meet the requirements of any refund in these circumstances application requirements procedures the application consists of the international student application for enrolment form signed by the parent and the following documents must accompany the application form a a photocopy of the passport with the student visa/permit b a photocopy of parents passport and visa/permit if the child is living with parent while in new zealand c certified copies of recent school reports with verified english translation d evidence of medical and travel insurance e completed designated caregivers indemnity form if applicable f information on any medical conditions or learning difficulties if applicable g tuition agreement signed by the parent h full tuition fee nz 6,564 inc gst procedures once an application has been received if student is overseas 1 documents are checked and assessed 2 offer of place is made and fees invoice sent fee payment by bank transfer into school account is recommended 3 receipt of fees and evidence of medical and travel insurance sighted 4 offer of place is confirmed 5 enrolment form is completed on student s first day at school if student is in new zealand if the application form is approved the parents will be informed of an interview time this interview will involve · the prospective pupil and parents · · · · the designated caregivers if applicable a translator if required the principal or nominated deputy the teacher responsible for international students the interview will consist of · · · · · tour of the school explanation of the conditions of acceptance see below classroom and daily programme explanation initial assessment of the level of english of the student ensuring the parents understand the code page 2

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· answering any questions the family may have 1 parents will be informed in writing of school s decision within 7 days of the interview 2 if there are no current available places the parents will be notified and will be given the option of being placed on a waiting list 3 when a place becomes available they will be notified and given 14 days to accept or decline the placement 4 placement in a particular year or class is at the discretion of the principal this may be dependent upon class numbers english language proficiency and any other school assessments 6 if application is accepted parents have 14 days to accept the placement by paying the fees once the fees have been received and receipted by the school an offer of place letter will be given to attend oroua downs school tuition contract in addition to the conditions listed here all conditions that are part of the contract with parents the fees refund policy and other school policies and procedures also apply 1 although an elementary level of english is desirable no student will be refused acceptance due to their level of english as all levels of english proficiency are catered for at oroua downs school 2 students and parents/legal guardians must accept and abide by rules regarding behaviour and conduct that apply to all students unacceptable behaviour may result in the termination of tuition 3 students must observe the laws of new zealand all disputes will be dealt with in new zealand law 4 students must observe the conditions of their visa and student permit if a student breaks the terms of the visa/permit the school will report the fact to the new zealand immigration service which may result in the student having to leave new zealand 5 because class placements are decided on the evidence of assessment after arrival in new zealand all information given before enrolment about placement on courses and in classes is provisional the school reserves the right to adjust placements and individual programmes at any time if it is in the student s interests to do so 6 the student will attend the school on all occasions when it is open unless prevented by illness or other urgent cause 7 tuition may be terminated if the student fails to comply with the school rules or breaches the conditions of their visa 8 tuition fees will be paid in full before enrolment or before enrolment is renewed whichever applies the conditions of the fee refund policy will be accepted 9 all students are required to have travel and medical insurance for the duration of their period of enrolment the school can arrange insurance unless students choose to make their own arrangements in which case proof must be provided that the insurance purchased is adequate the school will keep a record of the policy number and expiry date 10 all international students must live in one of the following types of accommodation i with their parents or legal guardians proof of legal guardianship must be supplied ii with a designated caregiver chosen by their parents legal guardians all accommodation offered by designated caregivers must be approved by the school as required by the code of practice for the pastoral care of international students an indemnity form must be signed by parents giving the designated caregiver authority iii with a school-approved homestay family 11 the school s complaints procedure for students will be used to deal with grievances 12 the student and/or parents will provide academic medical and other information that is relevant to the wellbeing and course placement of the student page 3

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change of address 13 parents must inform the school of their address telephone numbers fax number and e-mail address the student and/or parents will advise the school of any change type of accommodation e.g a change from living with parents to living with a designated caregiver and any change in the contact details of the student and/or parents fee refund procedure for international students if a student withdraws from his/her course of study before the completion date he/she may be eligible for a refund of tuition fees the following procedures and guidelines would apply to be eligible for any refund · the parents must apply in writing to the board of trustees setting out the special circumstances of the claim within one month of the last day of attendance if the application is made before the start of the course · fees will be refunded in full less the administration charge of 500.00 this includes · if a student is not granted a student permit to attend oroua downs school · if the application is made after the start of the course but before the second half of a course fees will be refunded less · an administration charge of nz 500.00 gst inclusive · costs to the school already incurred for tuition · components of the fee already committed for the duration of the course · specialist fees · appropriate proportions of salaries for teachers and support staff · costs already incurred for the use of facilities and resources · any other costs already incurred if the application is made after the second half of a course · there will be no refund except under exceptional circumstances see also compassionate refunds below compassionate refunds in exceptional circumstances refunds may be granted on compassionate grounds e.g death of a close family member serious illness accident all such refunds will be at the discretion of the principal and the board of trustees if an international fee-paying student gains residency during the course · no further fees are to be paid and a refund may be made on the unused portion of the prepaid fees the new resident will then abide by the school enrolment scheme if one is in place documentation of residency must be provided within 14 days of it being granted the board of trustees will make no refund · where a student has been stood down suspended or excluded · where a student returns home for any reason other than serious illness or death of a close family member · if the enrolment application is found to be inaccurate in any way and the contract is terminated fee protection procedure · student tuition fees are separately identified and accounted for in the school accounts · each quarter a pro-rata appropriation will be made of tuition fees paid to support the international student programme · sufficient fees will be held to meet the timely requirements of the refund of fees to student s procedure page 4

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curriculum programme programmes at oroua downs school commonly feature the following · · · · · learning activities in which students investigate issues and solve problems of interest to them a balanced curriculum which emphasises discovery and exploration and encourages higher order thinking as keys to successful learning opportunities to see the relevance of learning by applying it in a practical way to solve real problems learning activities and experiences both in and outside school which enable all students to succeed regardless of previous achievement schemes that are not so prescriptive that they stifle creativity and the opportunity to capture the teachable moment teachers adapt the programme to the students to ensure the curriculum focus for each student is on personal development as well as on academic achievement we focus on educating the whole child emotionally intellectually socially personally students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic cultural sporting and technology programmes subjects offered oroua downs school is a state school it offers programmes in all areas of the new zealand curriculum this includes esol english for speakers of other languages ­ oral interaction listening speaking reading and writing.english oral written reading visual and listeningmathematics science social studies health physical education technology and the arts dance drama visual and music details of the curriculum can be found on the ministry of education s websitehttp www.minedu.govt.nz oroua downs school adds a new range of learning opportunities to meet the broadening interest and development requirements of the pre-adolescent classroom programmes technology /arts programmes · english oral written visual · mathematics · · · · · science social studies health/physical education information and communication technology library information skills technology/arts programmes · food technology · design technology · · · · · metal and wood materials technology music art information and communication technology cultural programmes · instrumental tuition · kapa haka group · · school production cultural festivals page 5

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sports programmes · lunchtime inter-house sports · · · sports exchanges rugby and sevens rugby festivals in swimming athletics cross country children with special abilities · language/reading extension programmes · · · · national/international english/mathematics/science competitions science and technology challenges science fair art learning support programmes · · · · small group 1:1 tuition when required support staff working alongside children in classrooms rainbow reading support programme literacy centre ­ remedial reading writing ­ reading recovery second language learning level one course introduction to · te reo maori · french students are placed in groups with other students who are working at the same level for literacy and numeracy learning this means that they will never feel bad about not being able to keep up with those that find learning easier and they will never be frustrated waiting for those who find learning difficult details of other programmes are contained in the school s prospectus orientation programme and support services students will be provided with a proper orientation programmes richard lloyd is primarily responsible for the orientation of the students and their on-going welfare within the school community this will be done in close liaison with the classroom teacher and the principal the orientation programme will include · the student will be greeted by the principal ­ richard lloyd and then will meet with the classroom · teacher and any learning support staff the classroom teacher will be responsible for ensuring the new student has a buddy group consisting of two or more other students whose role is to help the new student with daily routines timetables and activities during the breaks he/she will also ensure the student knows where to find the sick bay tuck shop toilets etc orientation will include school layout rules and regulations counselling support systems and resources available information on banking local travel systems familiarisation with new zealand laws culture and learning will be provided the principal will be available for support of the students the classroom teacher and the parents/caregiver once the initial period is over the principal will continue to monitor the student and his/her progress through informal meetings esol teaching times and where necessary through formal meetings with the student the classroom teacher and/or the parents/caregiver · · · · page 6

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· · translators will be made available where necessary these may be another student or an adult depending upon the situation and the requirements parents/caregivers and students need to know that oroua downs school has an `open door policy at any time they may make an appointment to see the classroom teacher or the principal to discuss any queries or concerns student support services the following staff members are available for assistance support and for emergencies designated person for pastoral care name richard lloyd designation principal phone 06 3299 730 e-mail principal@orouadowns.school.nz emergencies the school must be notified of all emergencies in new zealand and in the home country the school s 24/7 emergency contact numbers are 06 3299 730 or mobile 021 737 806 contact details the school must have the student s and parents contact details both in new zealand and in the home country at all times student welfare · if a student is having difficulties to the new culture a meeting will be set up with the student and parents to discuss the issues and put further support structures in place this may be in the form of family support provided by a buddy family contacted by the school information will be given regarding travel option to and from school this is to ensure that students and their families know there is a school bus service know how and where to access public buses know that student are crossed after school by a duty teacher and understand basic pedestrian safety a helmet is worn for safety when using a bicycle students are encouraged to seek advice from the teachers or principal on welfare issues including personal health problems referral information will be given and a referral made to the appropriate support agency if necessary information on sexuality education and health promotion is provided through the health and physical well being curriculum programme taught in the school oroua downs school is smoke free no smoking is permitted anywhere on school property in new zealand the sale of alcohol and tobacco products is not permitted to any person under 18 years of age students will also experience a number of health and safety programmes as per our curriculum such programmes as wish virtues keeping ourselves safe the dare programme and reaching out are covered in a two year cycle · · · · · what do you do if you have a grievance we want you to be happy at oroua downs school there are times however when things do not go as smoothly or as well as we may like here are some ideas about what you can do about it problems with a teacher 1 make a time to talk to your classroom teacher about your concern if your concern is the classroom teacher make a time to talk to the principal responsible for international students who is richard lloyd problems with school friends 1 take the time to talk to your teacher about your concern 2 you can also talk with our principal ­ richard lloyd page 7

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at all the above meetings notes will be taken of your concerns and of the solutions put in place if after all the above have been tried it is felt that your problem has not been resolved then the student/parent may contact the international education appeal authority whose address is international education appeal authority tribunals unit private bag 32-001 panama street wellington 6146 email info.ieaa@minedu.govt.nz international education appeal authority tribunals unit level 1 86 customhouse quay wellington 6011 p 64 4 462 6660 f 64 4 462 6686 e ieaa@justice.govt.nz w www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/international-education-appeal-authority you must be able to show them that you have tried to get the school to act before you contact them they will consult the school to see if anything can be done to help you if you do have a problem please ask for help while it is still a little problem do not wait for it to become a big problem if you are not confident that your english is good enough you can always bring a friend who has better english we hope your stay at oroua downs school is a happy one international student handbook frequently asked questions 1 when is oroua downs school open a our school is open at 8:15 am every morning during term time monday to friday lessons start at 8:40 am and school closes for the day at 2.45 pm b the school terms are given in the main school prospectus along with public holidays when the school is closed 2 what do i need for the classes a make sure that you always have a pencil pen ruler and eraser with you every day your teacher will tell you what exercise books you need b when your class has pe you will need your pe shirt and shorts 3 what if i am sick or cannot come to school a if you are sick and cannot come to school make sure that your parents or caregivers contact the school to let the school know when you return to school you will need to have a written note explaining your absence b if you feel sick at school or if you hurt yourself at school you need to go to the office and tell them abd they will look after you c if you have an appointment during the school day and have to leave the school during the day or miss a day as a result of the appointment your parent or caregiver needs to let the school know in advance through a written note 4 what if i change my address or phone number a if you change your address or phone number your parents or caregivers need to let the school know by giving you a written note to take to your teacher or the school office page 8

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5 what about breaks and meals a there is a break in the morning from 10.40 am to 11 am and a break for lunch from 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm on mondays tuesdays wednesdays thursdays and fridays 6 what do i do if my lunch disappears a if your lunch disappears from your bag or desk let your classroom teacher know as soon as you find out he or she will do what they can to find your lunch they will also make sure that you do not go hungry at lunch time 7 what do i do if i am bullied a if you are teased or bullied at school coming to school or going home from school you must let your classroom teacher or the teacher know as soon as you can we do not like bullies and will do everything we can to prevent you being bullied code of conduct in our school we respect help and support each other this means showing courtesy to all students and adults i will · use appropriate language i.e swearing and abusive language is out · · · · · · · · · · remember to say `please and `thank you knock before entering a classroom let adults through doors first and also other students if they are carrying something heavy wait my turn to speak and certainly not speak when another is speaking comply with a request from a teacher borrow from another only with his/her permission keep the chewing gum and bubble gum for out of school hours speak to adults politely ask the class teacher s permission before delivering a message to another student not interrupt when the teacher is giving instruction in our school we take care of everything remembering it is `on loan and a privilege not a right i will take responsibility for the state of my desk classroom furniture and equipment · take good care of all books supplied which includes all library books and school texts · · use sports and p.e gear for the right purpose and look after it do my share of keeping our classroom passage and grounds clean and tidy in our school every student has a right to learn and every teacher has a right to teach page 9

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