International students Studying at Timaru South School

Thank you for your enquiry regarding a possible placement to study at Timaru South School for an International Student. We are able to accept enrolments for International Students from Years 1 – 8 (living with parents) and Year 7 -8 (living with parents, a designated caregiver or school arranged homestay placement). The number of places for International Students will be decided upon by the Timaru South School Board of Trustees in consideration of our school’s enrolment zone.

To process your enrolment please read the attached documents.

Please contact us during school hours Monday – Friday 915am - 3.00pm. Where possible an appointment time will be confirmed when the student, and their parents/guardian to come to the school with their passport. A meeting with the school principal will then take place.

The interview will consist of:

.Tour of school

. Information about the school curriculum, classrooms and daily programmes

. Discussion around the student: their levels of English, strengths, interests

. Parental understanding of the Code

. Any questions the family may have

A form filling process will take place and the Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students and its requirements, and Timaru South School Policies and Procedures will be explained to you. For off-shore applications please email our Teacher in Charge of International Students: Donna White at donna@timarusouth.school.nz and this process can be completed via e- mail.

If the student is successful upon application to attend Timaru South School, they will be notified by letter and offered a place to study at school. An offer of place invoice will be issued and once school fees and homestay fees (where applicable) have been made you will be provided with a “Letter of Placement” confirming acceptance to Timaru South School for immigration purposes. Parents have fourteen days, or less if they desire, to accept the placement, by paying the fees. Once the fees have been received and receipted by the school, and immigration details have been verified, your child may attend school.

We look forward to welcoming you and your child as an international family to our school.

International Students Prospectus 2020

Timaru South School has a Teacher in Charge of International Students whose role includes; assistance in English, support in cultural aspects and difficulties, questions that may arise while students are attending our school and the coordination and management of homestay arrangements.

Programme

All our international students are placed in a class of their year level, and are expected to participate as fully as possible in all areas of the curriculum, with consideration given to their level of English. Where required, students are withdrawn on a regular basis during the week, for intensive small group English instruction (oral, written and reading),working alongside our specialist teacher with qualifications in teaching and learning of English as a second language, until they are able to work independently within the classroom . The Teacher in Charge of International Students oversees these programmes and their delivery, and liaises closely with the classroom teacher to ensure that the student is settled, progressing with English, the school’s curriculum, and to give support and assistance as and when required.

Facilities and Opportunities

International students have access to all school based facilities, resources and opportunities including information and communication technology such as computers, a well-stocked library, music and drama room, school hall, sports shed (access to equipment at morning tea and lunch times), craft club, choir, chess club, sports teams such as touch rugby, netball and interschool competitions across a variety of sporting codes.

Enrolment Information and Procedures

The following information should be read carefully before any enrolment is proceeded with.

Enrolment conditions

Timaru South School has an International Student Policy and is a signatory to The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (hereinafter called the Code). All international students enrolled in Years 1 to 8 of Timaru South School (10 years and under), are to be living with and continue to live with a parent during their enrolment, or in the case of a students enrolled in Year 7 - 8 (11 – 13 years) may live with a designated caregiver or in a homestay approved by the school . Students are accepted on a weekly, per term or annual basis.

Timaru South 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 web site at http://www.minedu.govt.nz/goto/international

Immigration

All students wishing to enrol at Timaru South School must meet New Zealand immigrations requirements for studying in New Zealand.

Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their web site at http://www.immigration.govt.nz

English Proficiency

No child will be refused acceptance due to their level of English, as all levels of English proficiency are catered for within Timaru South School. A placement in the school will be offered when conditions of enrolment are met, a vacancy being available at the year level of the prospective student, and the administration fee having been paid.

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 unless you are:

. A resident or citizen of Australia; or

. A national of the United Kingdom in New Zealand.

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://www.acc.co.nz.

Medical and Travel Insurance

International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. Documentation for insurance will be requested upon enrolment.

Tuition Costs

It is understood that all children will participate fully in all aspects of Timaru South School life.

1. Tuition Fees:

One School Year: (Based on a 40 week school year) NZ $14,000.00 (including GST) 3 terms only: NZ$7800.00 (including GST)

2 terms only: NZ$7400.00 (including GST)

1 term only: NZ$4000.00 (including GST)

For periods less than one term: NZ $600.00 per week (including GST)

Tuition fees include: Government Levy, English classes (where needed), sport during the school programme, entry fees to all shows by visiting performers, school art supplies, choir, ukulele, specialist Technology (Year 7/8), stationery.

3. Administration Fee (one off fee):

NZ$ 500 (including GST) per child (non-refundable)

(For families enrolling more than one student at the same time, this fee will be at the school’s discretion.)

4. Homestay Fees (if applicable)

NZ$ 250 (including GST) per child Administration Fee (non-refundable) NZ$ 350 (including GST) per child, per week

5. Airport Transfer (if applicable)

NZ$ 100 (including GST) per child, per pick-up or NZ$ 150 (including GST) drop-off (students must travel as unaccompanied minors if travelling alone)

Additional Costs

Camps, class trips, school photos, fundraising activities, after school sporting costs, external tests and Term 1 swimming programmes are additional costs. These will costs will be invoiced to parents.

These compulsory costs vary according to the individual programme depending on year level and interest of the student.

Uniform

The school uniform is compulsory for all students studying at Timaru South School.The cost of the school uniform is build into the school fees.

Refund Policy

Timaru South School has a Refund Policy. If a student withdraws from school:

. The parents must apply in writing, to the Board of Trustees, within one month of the last day of attendance, explaining why the student has withdrawn from school and the reasons for seeking a refund.

. If the student does not attend for more than twenty-one consecutive school days then the school

will notify, in writing, to the parents/guardians that the enrolment has been terminated. However, if the parents have previously informed the school that the child will be absent for a period of time, with the reason for the absence, the place will be held, providing all fees have been paid in full, as required.

. If the school terminates the enrolment, the school will notify Immigration as required.

. If the child’s behaviour is of an unacceptable level, then an interview with the child, parents/caregiver and the school will be arranged. If the behaviour does not improve, written notification will be given to the parents. If there is no further improvement, the child be asked, in writing, to leave at the end of term, or sooner if the school decides, and will not be eligible to return the following term. There will be no refunds on fees paid if this occurs. “An acceptable level of

behaviour” would be seen as obeying the school rules and displaying the school values.

. In all cases of absences, the parents must notify the school by 9am on the morning of the first day

of absence, and continue to notify the school daily until the child’s return to school.

If the enrolment application is found to be inaccurate in any way the contract may be terminated.

Automatic Acceptance

It is to be understood that the acceptance of one student within the family does not automatically mean the acceptance of other members within the immediate or extended family. However, Timaru South School will endeavour to accept all members of the same immediate family.

Unaccompanied Students

Timaru South School will not accept any student who is not living with parents or legal guardian if they are 10 years and under.

Timaru South School will accept a student living with a designated caregiver or a student to be placed in a homestay organised by the school if 11 – 13 years old (Year 7/8).

Students travelling by airline unaccompanied must travel as an ‘Unaccompanied Minor’.

Timaru South School will organise pick up and drop off from Christchurch International Airport for International Students being placed in a school organised homestay, with charges invoiced in advance to parents.

Accommodation

As per The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 and Guidelines (2010) the Teacher in Charge of International Students upon or before enrolment will determine and verify which category of accommodation the student will live in i.e.

. Parent

. Designated Caregiver . Homestay

Any change in accommodation type must be advised immediately to the Teacher in Charge of International Students.

Homestay

All home stays are carefully selected and monitored to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained. Our aim is for our home stays to be a ‘home away from home’ where students feel welcome, safe, supported, included and valued. Police vetting will be required of all caregivers and residents of a households aged 18 years or over excluding International Students. Timaru South School will provide guidelines to caregivers and students, and outline the divisions of responsibilities between the school and caregivers.

Homestay payments are payable in advance to Timaru South School. The school will pay the homestay caregiver each fortnight, account for all money received and payments made from homestay money. The homestay fees invoiced may be an estimate cost only. A one off placement fee of $250.00 will be charged and additional costs will be invoiced for agreed student costs not covered by the school such as transport payments to the airport, after school tuition. A weekly homestay fee of $220 will be charged, payable in advance. Timaru South School can only guarantee accommodation for visa purposes for the number of week’s homestay weeks have been paid for. On written request Timaru South school will refund any balance left over at the end of the student’s placement. One week’s notice must be given by either party (either homestay or student) prior to a student being placed in another homestay.

Sudden or temporary homestay changes including emergency situations will be coordinated by the Teacher in Charge of International Students.

Designated Caregivers

Parents of the student must fill out and personally sign the Designated Caregivers section of the enrolment form when submitting the application. The school will decide if the caregiver will be verified when submitting the application and will ask for a Police Vet, and may request further supporting information and/or evidence of the relationship or close friendship.

The home of the proposed Designated Caregiver will be visited and assessed the same as for homestay caregivers. Parents take full responsibility and accept decisions made by their child’s Designated Caregiver about the day to day .Timaru South School will provide care and welfare at school.

Change of Address

Any change in contact details or residential address, must be given to the school on or before the date of change, in writing.

Residency

If a student gains residency, they may attend without further international fees being paid. Instead, the school will advise of the current school donation ,activity fees and school uniform which apply to domestic students.

Changes in residency must be advised to the school in writing immediately and immigration documentation must be produced to the school to verify the change in residency status.

PROCEDURES ONCE AN ENROLMENT HAS BEEN RECEIVED

On receipt of a completed enrolment application, the following procedure will occur:

1. Parents will be notified of an interview time. This interview will include the prospective student, parents (where possible), a translator if applicable, the Principal, or nominated deputy, and the Teacher in Charge of International Students.

2. The interview will consist of:

a. Information about the school curriculum, classrooms and daily programmes

b. Discussion around the student: their levels of English, strengths, interests

c. Parental understanding of the Code

d. Accommodation requirements

e. Any questions the family may have

On completion of the interview, the school will inform the parents by letter whether the application has been successful. The parents have fourteen days, or less if they desire, to accept the placement, by paying the fees. Once the fees have been received, acknowledged and receipted by the school, the student may attend school.

Orientation Programme and Support

The Teacher in Charge of International Students 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, the Principal and Deputy Principal.

The student and their family will be given the contact phone number for the Teacher in Charge of International Students so that they have 24 hour access to support and assistance if required.

Starting School

An initial orientation will be done prior to or during the enrolment interview with the prospective student and parents.

On the student’s first day, the student will be met by the Teacher in Charge of International Students and shown to the classroom. All students will be mainstreamed immediately on arrival, with small group withdrawal for further orientation, English testing and teaching, as required.

The classroom teacher will be responsible for ensuring the new student is “buddied” with two or more students whose role is to help the new student with daily routines, timetables and activities during free time such as at morning tea and lunch breaks. The Teacher in Charge of International Students will monitor this closely.

Reporting

International Students attending Timaru South School will be expected to participate fully in all aspects of the school curriculum and activities. Parents of International Students will be given a mid- year and end of year report to show progress and achievement in all areas of the curriculum. Term 1 and Term 3 will also see an online learning journal of work completed and shared with parents. In Term 2 there are goal setting interviews where all students set goals around their literacy and maths learning, and a personal goal.

If parents have any concerns, they may request an interview with the classroom teacher and/or the Teacher in Charge of International Students at any time.

On-going Support

The Teacher in Charge of International Students will continue to monitor the student during the “settling in” period and be available for support of the student, the teacher and the parents.

As the student becomes more settled and is comfortable with the daily routines, the Teacher in Charge of International Students will continue to monitor his / her progress, through informal meetings, ESL teaching times, and where necessary through formal meetings with the student, the classroom teacher and / or the parents.

Parents and students need to know that Timaru South School has an “open- door” policy. At any time, they may make an appointment to see the classroom teacher or the Teacher in Charge of International Students to discuss any questions or concerns.

Summary of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, it is important that those students are well informed, safe, and properly cared for. New Zealand educational providers have an important responsibility for international students' welfare. This pamphlet provides an overview of The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 (the Code), and provides a procedure that students can follow if they have concerns about their treatment by a New Zealand educational provider.

What is the Code?

The Code is a document which provides a framework for service delivery by educational providers and their agents to international students. The Code sets out the minimum standards of advice and care that are expected of educational providers with respect to international students. The Code applies to pastoral care and provision of information only, and not to academic standards.

Who does the Code apply to?

The Code applies to all education providers in New Zealand with international students enrolled. The Code is mandatory to these providers and must be signed by them.

What is an "international student"?

An “international student" is a foreign student studying in New Zealand.

How can I get a copy of the Code?

You can request a copy of the Code from your New Zealand educational provider. The Code is also available online from www.minedu.qovt.nz/qoto/international

How do I know if an education provider has signed

the Code?

The New Zealand Ministry of Education maintains a register of all signatories to the Code. This will be available from www.minedu.qovt.nz/qoto/international. If the education provider that you are seeking to enrol with is not a signatory to the Code, you will not be granted a permit from the New Zealand Immigration Service and you will not be able to study at that institution.

What do I do if something goes wrong?

If you have concerns about your treatment by your education provider or by an agent of the provider, the first thing you must do is contact the principal, the international student TEACHER IN CHARGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS, or another person who has been identified to you as someone that you can approach about complaints at your institution. The Code requires all institutions to have fair and equitable internal grievance procedures for students and you need to go through these internal processes before you can take the complaint any further. If your concerns are not resolved by the internal grievance procedures, you can contact the International Students Disputes Resolution Scheme (DRS) via NZQA or www.istudent.org.nz.

What is the International Students Disputes Resolution

Scheme (DRS)?

The DRS is an independent body established to deal with complaints from international students about pastoral care aspects of advice and services received from their education provider or the provider’s agents. The IEAA enforces the standards in The Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016.

What will the DRS do?

The purpose of the DRS is to adjudicate on complaints from international students. The DRS will investigate complaints and determine if there has been a breach of the Code. The DRS has the power to impose sanctions on education providers who have committed a breach of the Code that is not a serious breach. These sanctions include an order for restitution, publication of the breach, and / or requiring that remedial action be undertaken. The DRS will refer complaints that are not about pastoral care to another regulatory body if appropriate. The education provider will be given a reasonable time to remedy the breach. If the breach is not remedied within that time, the DRS may refer the complaint to the Review Panel. The DRS can determine if it considers that a breach of the Code is a serious breach. If the breach is a serious breach, the DRS will refer the complaint to the Review Panel.

What can the Review Panel do?

The Review Panel can remove or suspend an education provider as a signatory to the

Code, meaning that the provider would be prevented from taking any more international students. Only the DRS can refer complaints to the Review Panel.

A summary of The Education (Pastoral Care of

International Students) Code of Practice 2016

The Code sets standards for education providers to ensure that:

• high professional standards are maintained

• the recruitment of international students is undertaken in an ethical and responsible manner

• information supplied to international students is comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date

• students are provided with information prior to entering into any commitments

• contractual dealings with international students are conducted in an ethical and responsible

manner

• the particular needs of international students are recognised

• international students are in safe accommodation

• all providers have fair and equitable internal procedures for the resolution of international

student grievances.

Full details of what is covered can be found in the Code itself. The Code also establishes the DRS and the Review Panel to receive and adjudicate on student complaints.