Aquinas College Tauranga, New Zealand

International Students 2018 Enrolment Information

Table of Contents

Principal’s Welcome……………………………..... 3

General Background………………………………. 4

Support Network …………………………………… 4

Code of Practice ………...... 4

Special Character of the College ………………… 4

Term Dates ………………………………………... 5

Accommodation Arrangements …………………. 5

School Uniform …………………………………… 6

Extra Curricular Activities…………………………. 6

Academic Programme ...... 6

NCEA Examinations………………………...……. 6

English Language Tuition……………………….... 7

Class Placement & Entry Criteria………………… 7

School Fees………………………………………… 8

Fees Contract……………………………………… 8

Enrolment Information ………………………….… 9

Immigration………………………………………… 10

Health, Personal and Travel Insurance ...... 10

Transport …………………………………………... 10

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment ...... 11

Procedure for Enrolment………………………… 12

New Zealand Education System ...... 13

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Principal’s Welcome to Aquinas College

We are a young school but have quickly developed an excellent record of welcoming and working with International Students.

Aquinas College is a safe and friendly Catholic secondary school set on 25 park-like acres (10.7 hectares) on the edge of a busy, seaside city. Our New Zealand students and staff enjoy meeting International Students from different countries of the world, whether as individuals or as groups.

International Students can choose to study from a wide range of curriculum subjects. There are also many music and sports to participate in. Our music is very strong and we currently offer 28 different sports. As a new and modern school we have outstanding facilities, including a large gymnasium and sporting complex.

We have a highly qualified enthusiastic staff, with several specialist language teachers to help International Students, where required.

Our International Students all enjoy the total educational experience of Aquinas College and recommend this College to others.

We look forward to working with you in the future.

Ray Scott PRINCIPAL

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GENERAL BACKGROUND

Aquinas College is a Catholic Integrated co-educational school catering for students from Year 7 through to Year 13 with the students' ages ranging from 11 to 18 years. Aquinas College was founded in 2003 and we now have a school roll of approximately 800 students.

The College is situated in the city of Tauranga, which is two and a half hours drive south-east of Auckland, in the stunning Bay of Plenty region.

In addition to the information in this booklet, more detail can be found on the College website – www.aquinas.school.nz

SUPPORT NETWORK The Director of International Students oversees the pastoral care of International Students. The College also has a Guidance Counsellor, a nurse, a physiotherapist and a doctor available once a week on site.

The number of International Students at Aquinas College is limited to 25 students. This is to ensure that our International Students are well cared for and given the time and support they need in order to settle in.

International Students currently attending the school are from: Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Germany, Brazil, Italy and Chile. First language support is available through Tauranga’s ethnic community groups.

CODE OF PRACTICE Aquinas College is a signatory to the Education Code of Practice (Pastoral Care of International Students) 2016, as established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. Copies of the Code are available on request from our College or from the NZQA website in a variety of languages at: www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/education-code-of-practice/

SPECIAL CHARACTER OF THE COLLEGE Aquinas College has a clearly defined Special Character with the key values of Truth, Scholarship, Service, Prayer, Joy and Family as the College Touchstones. The College is named after St Thomas Aquinas, the Patron Saint of Catholic Schools, whose life epitomizes the key qualities we all aspire to at Aquinas College.

Aquinas College is an inclusive school and International Students do not necessarily have to be Catholic to attend. However, they must be open-minded and willing to participate in a variety of school-wide events throughout the year. These include School Masses and liturgies, year level Retreats and other special celebrations.

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2018 TERM DATES The dates for school holidays change slightly each year. The New Zealand school year has four terms:

Term 1 Wednesday 31 January - Friday 13 April Term 2 Monday 30 April - Friday 6 July Term 3 Monday 23 July - Friday 28 September Term 4 Monday 15 October - Wednesday 12 December

Year 11, 12 and 13 students’ finish school when their national external exams are completed which is usually at the end of November.

Senior International Students are expected to participate in a school-run activity programme until the end of November if they are not sitting NCEA exams.

Year 7 - 10 students are required to stay until the end of their school year.

Year 10 students go away on camp at the end of the year and it is important that all students participate in this.

While the academic year begins in February, students may be enrolled at any time throughout the school year.

ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

International Students at Aquinas College must live with either:

a) Parents or Legal Guardian b) Designated Caregiver nominated by the Parents c) New Zealand Host Family arranged by the College

Flatting is not permitted. The Homestay Placement Fee is NZ$500 which includes the cost of finding and inspecting the homestay, obtaining Police Vetting, as well as continuing to monitor the arrangement.

Homestay Fees are NZ$250 per week for 46 weeks of the year. This covers the cost of caregiver supervision, a fully furnished and heated room, all meals and laundry. The student is expected to keep their room clean and tidy.

The total Accommodation Fee of NZ$12,000 for 46 weeks is to be paid in full at the same time as the Tuition Fees.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

All Aquinas College students are expected to be correctly and tidily dressed, especially in public when traveling to and from school. Only approved uniform items may be worn.

Uniform Shop • The College has second-hand uniforms available for purchase at a reduced cost. See the Director of International Students about 2nd hand uniforms at least 1 week prior to starting school.

• All new uniform items must be purchased at: - NZ Uniforms, 94 Elizabeth St, Tauranga

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Aquinas College offers a wide range of extra curricular activities. Students have the opportunity to receive specialist music tuition and perform in groups such as jazz band, concert band and the College Choir. Students can participate in dance events such as Stage Challenge & Fresh Moves which are locally judged competitions.

The Aquinas College Musical Production occurs every two years. Students help to make this show a success by not only performing, but also by assisting backstage and making costumes and set design.

There are also many indoor and outdoor sports available for students to play. The Aquinas Action Centre is a superb sporting facility with a fitness & weights room on site.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME Aquinas College maintains high academic standards and has a structure and culture which strives for excellence. International Students are expected to participate in all aspects of the NCEA curriculum. Religious Studies take place at every year level.

NCEA - NATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

NCEA, Levels 1, 2 and 3 are National Qualifications awarded by NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority).

NCEA External Examination Fees cost $386 per year (level) of study. This is additional to the $12,000 tuition fee.

Registration for NCEA examinations is optional for International Students studying at Aquinas College for one year or less. International Students who intend to continue their education in New Zealand will need this qualification to gain entry into any tertiary institution.

Note: NCEA fees are due at approximately the end of July.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TUITION English support (ESOL) is offered to students for whom English is a second language. Class placement will depend on the student’s English ability and is at the discretion of the College.

CLASS PLACEMENT & ACADEMIC ENTRY CRITERIA

Years 7 - 10 All students will be assessed prior to placement and will undertake a grammar, listening, and vocabulary test as well as providing a writing sample.

Year 7 & 8 Students will be placed in mainstream classes which will be determined by their age. Students will be assisted in the ESOL support programme and will be withdrawn from some mainstream classes.

Year 9 & 10 Students will be placed in classes appropriate to their age and level of English. Subject courses undertaken will be negotiated with the student and is at the discretion of the school. Students receiving ESOL support will be withdrawn from some mainstream classes. 6

Senior Academic Course Together with a writing example, the following indicators are used in determining class placement.

Year 11 - NCEA Level 1 Students who are not sitting NCEA will be placed in an ESOL English programme which will replace mainstream English classes. Entry to NCEA Level 1 subjects will be determined by the student’s English placement test results in consultation with the subject Head of Faculty. • Score at least 120 on the Oxford Placement Test

Year 12 - NCEA Level 2 Students who are not sitting NCEA will be placed in an ESOL English programme which will replace mainstream English classes. Course selection and entry for NCEA Level 2 is at the discretion of the school in consultation with the student and will be negotiated with the student based on their English ability. • Score at least 135 on the Oxford Placement Test. • Demonstrate a competence of the first 2000 words.

Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 Students who are not sitting NCEA will be placed in an ESOL English programme which will replace mainstream English classes. • Be 17 years or older as at March 1st • Score at least 145 in the combined Oxford Placement Test or • Demonstrate a reading comprehension age of 15 years or better and demonstrate competence of the first 2000 words, NCEA and Academic Word Lists

SCHOOL FEES Aquinas College tuition fees are NZ$15,500.00 for the full year, but are subject to annual revision.

Students are required to pay their fees for the academic year in advance. This means payment must be made by mid November for the following year. Should the student elect to leave the College prior to the completion of the academic year, a refund will not be given except in compassionate cases. (See FEES CONTRACT)

The school fees cover the following: • Tuition fees • Administration fees • Orientation Activity fees • College Attendance Dues • Waikato Diocesan Levy • Ministry of Education Levy • Student ID & Homework Diary • School Magazine • Postage of reports and newsletters • ESOL support within school hours

Uniform costs are approximately $500. Other additional costs include school bus fees ($600 per year), stationery, examination fees, sports fees, field trip fees and specific costs for subjects. Students are provided with all the necessary textbooks for use during the school year. Fees do not include compulsory medical/travel insurance or commission payments of any type.

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FEES CONTRACT The following is the requirement of Aquinas College, Tauranga, New Zealand. No negotiations will be entered into once the conditions have been accepted and the Enrolment Application Form has been signed by the student and the parent/ designated caregiver.

1. Fees are to be paid in full before the school year commences.

2. Fees paid from within New Zealand are to be paid directly to the school so that a receipt can be provided immediately. If payment is being made by telegraphic transfer from outside New Zealand, the fees may be deposited directly into the College’s bank account:

Account Name: Aquinas Board of Trustees Account Number: 02-1210-0011888-03 Swift Code: BK NZ NZ 22 Bank: Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) Branch: Greerton Branch, Tauranga, New Zealand

3. If a student withdraws from an offered place prior to commencing the course, a NZ$500 registration and handling fee will be retained and all other fees are refunded.

4. If a student withdraws from a course in their first year of study, there will be no refund of fees unless there are exceptional circumstances, as deemed by the Principal of Aquinas College.

5. If a student withdraws during a course of study, other than in their first year, a term’s notification must be given of their intention to do so.

6. Withdrawing or transferring to another school without notification may incur an additional penalty to cover staffing allocated to help the student.

7. Failure to give a term’s notification of withdrawal means that the next term’s fees may be forfeited. The right to waive this is at the sole discretion of the Principal of Aquinas College.

8. If the College terminates a student’s tuition in the situation where the student has been asked to leave the school because of bad behaviour or poor attendance, then the next term’s fees will be retained. Any remaining amount will be refunded excluding the cost of items provided and already paid on behalf of the student.

9. No refunds will be made if there is a change to the residential status of the student. On the completion of the year in which permanent residence is gained the student, if not a Catholic, must reapply for a place.

10. All unused Homestay Fees will be refunded if the Homestay has been given two weeks notice that the student is leaving. If the student does not give two weeks notice, then two weeks Homestay Fees will be deducted from any refund. The Homestay Placement Fee will not be refunded.

11. All applications for a refund must be in writing to the Principal. They must include a letter from the student’s family or agent explaining the special reasons, with a medical certificate to verify any serious illness.

12. Students will have their Offer of Place reviewed at the end of each year. Students offered a place for the following year will be asked to confirm their place by payment of the following year’s tuition fees.

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ENROLMENT INFORMATION

1. Acceptance On receipt of the completed Enrolment Application form, the application is considered for approval by Aquinas College. If accepted, the student will be sent an Offer of Place form. An Offer of Place is issued for one year at a time. The year’s tuition fees will need to be paid in advance and then a Receipt will be issued.

These two documents are required for New Zealand Immigration Service Student Visa purposes.

2. Fee Protection Policy The Board of Trustees has the first responsibility to protect International Students in the event that Aquinas College cannot provide what has been paid for. The Board will set aside adequate funds to refund our International Students in accordance with our school policy.

3. New Zealand Immigration Service New Zealand Immigration Service is responsible for the issue of all visas for travel to New Zealand. A student must have a New Zealand Visa before he can be enrolled in any educational institution. The selected institution is named on the Visa and if a student chooses to leave his place of study the College will inform the NZ Immigration Service and his visa will be cancelled. 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 at http://www.immigration.govt.nz

4. Health, Personal and Travel Insurance International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while studying in New Zealand. This is compulsory and is purchased at the time of paying tuition fees. It is strongly recommended that your insurance covers travel to and from New Zealand as well as covering your personal belongings.

A suggested insurance company is:

Uni-care, PO Box 32-167, Auckland, New Zealand

Fax 0064 9 445 8832 Email – [email protected] Website: www.uni-care.org/claimforms.html

Insurance with Uni-care can be arranged by the school if required. Aquinas College is required to sight and approve all other types of student insurance. Evidence of insurance (ie: company name, policy number and expiry date) must otherwise be seen when school fees are paid. An English translation of any overseas insurance policy is compulsory.

6. Transport Most Aquinas College students travel to school by bus. This service covers a wide area of the Bay of Plenty region and costs approximately $500 per year. Students need to purchase a pre-paid bus card in order to travel. This can also be used for the public bus network but additional fare costs will apply. International Students are not allowed to own a car or a motorbike. Information about safety on the road with cycling and driving rules in New Zealand is available from the Dean of International Students.

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TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT

These Terms and Conditions must be read and accepted prior to the Enrolment Application Form being completed and signed.

This MUST be signed by the Natural Parent:

• I understand that Aquinas College reserves the right to decline any application for enrolment.

• I agree to abide by the rules and policies of Aquinas College and I understand that my child is required to abide by New Zealand law during their stay.

• I agree to the collection of personal information by Aquinas College and confirm that I have disclosed any information which may affect my child’s ability to study effectively while in New Zealand.

• I understand that my child must be ready to start school on the first day of term and that if he/she is going to travel home during the holidays, all travel must occur in school holiday time and not in term time. I accept that the Dean of International Students must approve all travel arrangements prior to any bookings being confirmed.

• I understand that the school will review my child’s level of English on arrival. Acceptance is conditional on his/her English language proficiency being adequate for his/her proposed course of study. The school reserves the right to require his/her attendance at a Language School prior to the student starting school.

• I accept the right of the school to make changes to my child’s course of study if this is considered to be in his/her best interests.

• I accept my child must participate in the general school program that gives Aquinas College its Special Catholic Character. This includes school camps at junior level and Retreats at senior level

• I understand that my child must sign a Behaviour Contract which outlines the school rules. I accept that if my child’s attendance is not sufficient to meet his/her chosen course requirements, the College will inform his/her residential caregiver. Failure to meet the requirements of the College may result in his/her place being withdrawn and the New Zealand Immigration Department being notified.

• The parties agree that all relevant provisions of the Education Act 1989 shall apply to the Student in New Zealand. Any decision under these provisions to expel or exclude the Student will follow the Ministry of Education’s guidance for schools on stand-downs, suspensions, exclusion and expulsion and shall terminate this agreement.

• I understand that Aquinas College is responsible for my child only during the academic year. The requirements of the Education Code of Practice (Pastoral Care of International Students) 2016 apply only while the student is in NZ during the time-frame specified on the Offer of Place and Tuition Agreement. It accepts no responsibility once the school year is complete.

• I acknowledge that my child must have his/her own travel, health and personal insurance policy and accept that the College will not be liable for any situation, accident or injury involving or affecting students whilst in the care of the College. 10

• I agree that if not living with a parent, my child is required to live with a school approved residential caregiver and that the school will be notified immediately if there is any change to his/her living arrangements. I guarantee that my child will comply with the rules and regulations of the homestay.

• This Agreement is subject to the Student being placed in accommodation that is approved by the School. The School will make every reasonable attempt to provide approved accommodation for the Student and the Student agrees to comply with all expectations and conditions for living in School approved accommodation.

PROCEDURE FOR ENROLMENT An Enrolment Application Form can be obtained from the Director of International Students by emailing [email protected].

The completed form must be returned to the College, along with the supporting documentation:

1. Proof of student identity (photocopy of passport and NZ student visa details). 2. Two character references, one from each of the following: (i) Principal and/or class teacher. (ii) Family friend and/or relative. These should be in the original language together with a certified English translation. 3. Copies of the student’s latest school reports for all subjects in the original language with a certified English translation. 4. The signed Tuition Agreement and Fees Contract. 5. The completed Enrolment Application Form & Student Enrolment Profile. 6. At least 4 – 5 photographs of the student showing their family, friends and interests. 7. The completed Homestay Placement Profile if accommodation is required.

8. Letter of Introduction from the student to their prospective Host Family.

Applications should be sent to:

The Director of International Students Aquinas College 183 Pyes Pa Road, RD3 Tauranga 3173 New Zealand Phone: +64 7 543 9038 Email: [email protected]

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New Zealand Education System

NZ Year Level USA and Australia Native Speaker ages * National Grade level Exams/Qualifications equivalent

Primary School

1 5 years 2 1 3 4 5 6 5 10 years

Intermediate School 11 years 7 8 12 years

Secondary School 9 13 years 10 11 Level 1 NCEA 12 Level 2 NCEA 13 17-18 years Level 3 NCEA • International Students who do not have English as their first language

can expect to be 1-3 years older than New Zealand students

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