Introduction
International Student Prospectus and Enrolment Information
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Table of Contents PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME
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ACADEMIC PATHWAYS
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SPORTS 6 ARTS & CULTURE
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HOMESTAY 8 BOARDING 10 APPLICATION PROCEDURE
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CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT
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REFUND CONDITIONS
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INSURANCE 15 CONTACT DETAILS
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Principal’s Welcome Waikato Diocesan School for Girls is an Integrated Anglican Girls’ School for girls from Year 9 to Year 13. It is dedicated to the success of our international students, providing a friendly and welcoming environment. We accept up to 30 international students a year from a range of countries such as Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. Students are accepted at all levels, and are well prepared for tertiary study. The students’ learning is supplemented by English language programmes and subject support. Students can choose to live either with a New Zealand homestay family or at the boarding house. Boarding spaces may be available in our onsite boarding facility. We carefully facilitate the transition of our international students into school
life in a friendly and non-intimidating way. Dio offers many opportunities to partake in school activities both academic and extra-curricular. Each year the school holds an International Week aimed at celebrating our multicultural school community. This magical week helps to strengthen bonds of friendship and raise awareness of different beliefs and cultures.
the girls go for quiet contemplation and for regular chapel services.
Pastoral care is an important part of school life and our students’ wellbeing is constantly monitored. The International Centre provides a personalised service including admission and enrolment assistance, accommodation, orientation, language, and academic support.
At Waikato Diocesan we have a strong social conscience and sense of community. Through this involvement and awareness, students develop the moral foundations for good citizenship.
Waikato Diocesan is a special character school, where Anglican spirituality and faith are central to how we worship and how we treat each other. All Saints Chapel is the heart of the school where
Boarders attend Chapel every Sunday and the whole school worships together twice a week. Religious Education classes teach the girls about Christian and other world faiths and about the moral issues they face in today’s society.
We encourage students to have high expectations of themselves, to achieve great success, and thrive in our supportive, positive, school environment.
Mrs Vicky McLennan Principal
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Academic Pathways Years 11-13 Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Religious Studies
Religious Studies
Religious Studies
PLUS
PLUS
PLUS
Health (Core)
Transition & Career Pathway Planning
Transition & Career Pathway Planning
PLUS
PLUS
PLUS
Note: A combination of Levels from the lists below may be selected under certain circumstances, especially in Year 13 Level 1 National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
Level 2 National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)
One of the following: Learning Area: English English Foundation English ESOL
Level 3 National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Five or six of the following:
Learning Area: English English: Literature English: Written & Visual
Learning Area: English English: Literature English: Written & Visual ESOL
Four or five of the following:
Media Studies
ESOL Media Studies Learning Area: Mathematics & Statistics Advanced Mathematics Mathematics Foundation Mathematics
Learning Area: Mathematics & Statistics Advanced Mathematics Mathematics
Learning Area: Mathematics & Statistics Mathematics with Calculus Advanced Statistics Statistics
One or two of:
Learning Area: Science Biology Chemistry Physics Senior Foundation Science
Learning Area: Science Biology Chemistry Physics Senior Foundation Science
Learning Area: The Arts Dance Drama Music – Sounds Arts Performance Music Art
Learning Area: The Arts Dance Drama Music – Sounds Arts Performance Music Art Design Photography
Learning Area: The Arts Dance Drama Music – Sounds Arts Performance Music Art Design Photography
Learning Area: Health & Physical Education Food & Nutrition Sport & Exercise Science
Learning Area: Health & Physical Education Food & Nutrition Sport & Exercise Science
Learning Area: Health & Physical Education Food & Nutrition Sport & Exercise Science
Learning Area: Learning Languages French Senior Spanish Te Reo Māori
Learning Area: Learning Languages French Senior Spanish Te Reo Māori
Learning Area: Learning Languages French Senior Spanish Te Reo Māori
Learning Area: Social Sciences Accounting Economics Geography History
Learning Area: Social Sciences Accounting Economics Geography History Computer Studies Classical Studies Tourism
Learning Area: Social Sciences Accounting Economics Geography History Business Studies Classical Studies Tourism
Learning Area: Technology Design & Visual Communication Fashion & Design (formerly Soft Materials Technology)
Learning Area: Technology Design & Visual Communication Fashion & Design (formerly Soft Materials Technology)
Learning Area: Technology Design & Visual Communication Fashion & Design (formerly Soft Materials Technology)
Learning Area: Science Biology Advanced Physichem Physichem Foundation Science Three of the following:
Scholarship Studies Literacy & Learning Support Independent Learning Hub
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Sports At Dio a number of sports are on offer for each and every student to get involved in. Some sports start very early in Term 1 so it is important to get organised early. A number of summer and winter sports have weekly competitions and/or 1-day events that are open to girls of all abilities. Don’t be afraid to try a sport that you have never done before as a number of sports have regular development opportunities in the form of weekly coaching. The Sports Office door is always open so if you have any questions please do not hesitate to pop in and see our friendly staff. The Sports Office is located on the ground floor of the Sports Education Building, opposite the Piki Centre and beside the Hockey Turf.
Sports on offer include:
Athletics Badminton Basketball Canoe Polo Cricket Cheerleading Cross Country Cycling Dio Adventure Club Diving Equestrian Football Get2Go Challenge Golf Gymsports Hockey Inline Hockey Multisport Netball
Rowing Sailing Snow Sports Squash Swimming Summer Hockey Tennis Touch Rugby Volleyball Water Polo
Arts & Culture There are a large number of opportunities for students to participate in the arts outside of the classroom here at Dio. All require commitment throughout the year (even after competitions!). Most groups have a regular weekly rehearsal but the competitions/performances vary depending on the group. Participating and showing commitment to a group for the year will help with Arts Honours applications later in the year.
Activities on offer include:
Guitar Ensemble Jazz Band Orchestra Performance Lessons Worship Band Barbershop Cantiamo Choir Auditioned Choir Dance Group Junior Drama Club Production Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Theatre Sports Debating IT Girls Kapa Haka
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Homestays What is a homestay? Homestay accommodation means that you will be living with a New Zealand family and you will be treated just like their daughter. Although you will pay them homestay fees each month, it is not like living in a hotel. As a family member you will be included in all family activities, such as going away on day trips with them, celebrating family occasions and
helping in the house with some of the small chores. Living with a family means that you will be very well cared for by your new family who are there to make you feel happy and comfortable. This means that you will have someone you know to talk to if you have a problem, are unhappy, or are sick.
Your English will improve quickly and you will soon understand how New Zealanders live. Waikato Diocesan School can find a suitable homestay family for you and the Dean of International Students or homestay coordinator will regularly talk to you and visit the family to ensure that you are happy and well cared for.
What does the Homestay family provide for you? 1.
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You will have your own bedroom with a desk, lamp and places for you to store your clothes, books and belongings. The family will provide you with breakfast, lunch (on school days
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this will be a packed lunch), and dinner every day, plus other snacks if you are hungry between meals. All your linen and bedding requirements.
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Your washing and ironing will be done for you or you will be shown where to do it. The family will be there to give you good care, friendship and support.
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What are you expected to do? 1.
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Each morning you must get up at the time decided on by your homestay family, so that you have time to get ready for school, make your bed and tidy your room, have breakfast and be at school by 8.20 am. You will pay your homestay fees two weeks in advance. The
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homestay family will issue you a receipt when these fees are received. You will pay $240 per week to your homestay. Fees are set by the school and are NOT open to negotiation. To help you to settle into life in New Zealand a little easier, you will join in with family activities even
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if you feel shy about trying new things. They will make sure that you enjoy yourself. Sometimes the family will ask you to help with some small chores around the house such as setting the table for a meal, unloading the dishwasher, or helping to unpack the groceries.
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Boarding Living in the Boarding House Boarding opportunities for girls are part of the special character of Waikato Diocesan School for Girls and boarding is embedded in the charter and vision for the school. Boarder families send their daughters to Waikato Diocesan for many reasons: the boarding experience; the allround education; the special character; and, the family atmosphere. Students live with other students from their academic year in one of
five boarding houses. All meals are included in the fees and each house is centrally heated, carpeted and furnished. Professional, nurturing boarding staff members provide the students with a safe and positive place in which to live and grow. Homework is supervised and subject specialists provide additional tuition if needed; most boarding staff also teach in the day school.
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For the school’s some 160 boarders, developing caring attitudes towards each other and the wider community is the foundation of their boarding experience. Through a schoolwide Peer Support Programme and icebreaker weekend at the start of the year, the girls quickly find friends and mentors and ‘big sisters’ among the older students. Senior students are encouraged to take more responsibility for themselves and to become more independent. Year 13 students have individual study bedrooms and share kitchen and living facilities. They cook their own meals in the weekends. Waikato Diocesan School for Girls’ boarding promotes a safe and caring environment in which students can grow into confident, responsible young adults. The boarding house closes for 2 or 3 weekends each term and for endof term holidays.This is called ‘Exeat’. Therefore, International Students are required to have an exeat homestay family who care for them during the time they are not in the boarding house. The International Department will assist the students in finding a homestay family for this.
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Application Procedure Step 1 - Family/Agent submits an enrolment application Applications from overseas students wishing to study at Waikato Diocesan are welcomed. Please include with your application: Proof of student’s identity (photocopy of passport) A translated copy of student’s most recent school report A letter from parents or guardian supporting her application A written statement (in English) from the student stating her interests, achievements and career plans A completed Enrolment Form downloaded from the school website. A reference from the student’s principal or dean Applications should be posted to The Dean of International Students (contact details on page 16) The International Department will acknowledge your application within ten days.
Step 2 - Offer of Place If your application is accepted, we will forward to you a Conditional Offer of Place. The enrolment pack will include the following information and documents: A letter of offer An itemised fees and expense schedule Enrolment booklet (which includes the terms and conditions) Student medical form Boarding House forms if applicable A copy of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (in first language where possible) Acceptance of this offer means that you accept the terms and conditions set out in the booklet and in the Conditional Offer of Place document. Step 3 - Pay Acceptance Fee Return completed and signed forms with the Administration and Acceptance fee to the Dean of International Students to secure the place.
Step 4 - Issue of invoice and fee charges Tuition fees, boarding and other fees are to be paid in full by the date specified on the invoice. Step 5 - Receipt Waikato Diocesan School will send a receipt, Confirmed Offer of Place and a visa letter. Step 6 - Apply for a student visa Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying etc. are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service, and can be viewed on their website http://www.immigration.govt.nz. Request a copy of the Medical Certificate at the time when you apply for your student visa. The copy is to be sent to the International Dean at Waikato Diocesan School to be kept on record. Notify the International Dean of your intended arrival date. Waikato Diocesan will send a pre-departure information booklet to help orientate international students for their arrival to New Zealand.
Conditions of Enrolment The following terms and conditions must be read, understood, and accepted prior to the application form being completed and signed: Waikato Diocesan School reserves the right to decline any application for enrolment. Course placement at a particular level is conditional on an acceptable level of English language proficiency, or prior learning achieved through testing in New Zealand. All tuition and accommodation fees must be paid in advance. The student must have a study visa for at least 12 months residence in New Zealand. The student must hold a valid open return airline ticket to her country of origin. Local Caregiver – It is required that the student have an approved caregiver in Hamilton who is responsible for: – Arranging weekend and holiday leave (in the case of boarders) with the Dean – The payment of expenses – All travel arrangements – Liaising with the Dean of International Students – Medical Insurance – Attending Parent-Teacher interview evenings – Attendance to Visa requirements – Ensuring that school regulations are followed – If you are unable to arrange a designated caregiver, please contact the International Department and we can arrange a suitable option. – This will be an additional cost of $2000. Medical Requirements - All International Students are required to submit a copy of their Medical Certificate (completed in English) to the International Dean at Waikato Diocesan School. Please note this Medical Certificate must be completed by a New Zealand Immigration approved clinician as set out by the visa requirement. The completed form (copy) must be sent to the International Dean. If you do not have a copy of your Medical Certificate, students must request and complete the Entrance Medical Examination Form and arrange for the
medical to be completed by your family General Practitioner, in English, before departure, or at a local New Zealand clinic upon arrival, at your own cost. Any known medical condition must be declared prior to arrival. All medical information will be processed in confidence and kept as part of Waikato Diocesan School’s secure student records in accordance with health and privacy regulations. The student must have evidence of sufficient financial support for the term of study at the school as well as the school holidays. Course of Study – All international students must be reasonably proficient in English before they start classes. If English is not their first language, they will be required to sit an assessment test on arrival in New Zealand, which determines if they are ready to study at this level. The student’s courses and level of study is at the discretion of the school in consultation with the Dean, staff, and parents. Once tuition at school has commenced, the student is obliged to attend at all times, unless legitimately away due to illness. Successful applicants will have their place at school reviewed regularly, and parents will get regular written reports informing them of their daughter’s progress. The school reserves the right to withdraw a student should her conduct or progress contravene standards set by the school. In cases such as these, no refund of fees will be given. The parent/guardians must take responsibility for all financial expenses incurred by the student. The student must abide by the laws and customs of New Zealand, and must abide by the important rules of the school as follows: – International students are not permitted to own or drive a car. – The student may not consume alcohol while a student at the school.
– The student may not smoke or have in her possession, tobacco, drugs or other harmful substances. – The student must attend all school activities including chapel, house events and outdoor education programmes. – The student must conduct herself in a manner which enhances the school’s reputation. – It is expected that international students will participate in the extra-curricular programme of the school. – Students may not take on paid employment while at the school. Failure to abide by these rules will result in the student’s place at the school being withdrawn. Every effort must be made for students to travel home during school holidays, and travelling is not permitted in term time. Absence for travel could affect school and NCEA assessments. At least two weeks’ notice in writing is required by the International Dean before all leave applications can be granted. Boarding students must become patients of the School’s doctor unless an alternative doctor is requested and approved by the Dean. Health and Travel Insurance Most students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand unless they are either: – a resident or citizen of Australia; – a national of the United Kingdom in New Zealand; or – the holder of a temporary permit that is valid for two years or more. If students do not belong to one of these special categories they must have a comprehensive policy with Uni-Care, which covers all medical, surgical and dental expenses. The student must complete a full-time course. Part-time students are not accepted.
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Refund Conditions The following is the refund policy of Waikato Diocesan School for Girls: 1. Should the student cancel an enrolment before commencing studies at the school, a minimum of 30 days notice is required. A refund will be made of all fees paid, less the administration fee and 10% of the school tuition fees. 2. Should the student cancel her enrolment within fourteen (14) days of her arrival, and prior to the course commencement date, refunds will be at the discretion of Waikato Diocesan School. Refunds under these conditions are usually given on compassionate grounds with supporting documentation. 3. Once the student has commenced her course at the school, the parent or designated caregiver, on behalf of the parent, must apply in writing setting out the circumstances of the claim. This notification must be received by the school one whole term in advance of the student leaving. Any refunds will be at the discretion of Waikato Diocesan School for Girls. 4. Where the student withdraws from the school and is eligible to receive a refund, the school may refund any amount of the fees it thinks fair and reasonable, and any such amount will take into account: the Commercial Manager’s best estimate of — the cost to the school of enrolling the student — any commission already paid for the enrolment of the student — the provisions of tuition, facilities and boarding fees for the student up to that time all other fees prescribed by the school any outstanding disbursements 5. If an international student gains domestic status she will be permitted to complete the course in which she is enrolled. Her international fee may not be refunded. If she wishes to remain at the school, she will be required to re-enrol. This will be under the same conditions as other New Zealand residents, and there is no guarantee that a place on the New Zealand roll will be available.
6. When students leave Waikato Diocesan School refunds will be made after the student has fully completed the leaving forms, left the school, and after all disbursements have been accounted for. It can take up to three months to complete. Refunds can be made into a New Zealand or overseas bank account. Details should be left with the Dean of International Students prior to departure. 7. If, for any reason, Waikato Diocesan School ceases to be a provider for International students, the unused portion of fees will be refunded. No refund will be made ... should the student’s place in the school be withdrawn due to unacceptable behaviour or poor attendance. where a student wishes to transfer to another school or language school for whatever reason.
CODE OF PRACTICE Waikato Diocesan School for Girls has agreed to observe and be bound by the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016 published by the Ministry of Education. This will be provided in English and first languages to all International students. Students will be provided with a copy of the International Student Contract Dispute Resolution Scheme Rules 2016 and be aware that this is available if they are not satisfied with the Waikato Diocesan School Complaints Procedure. All information is accurate at the time of printing in January 2017.
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Insurance New Zealand’s leading International Student Insurance Provider
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Uni-Care NZ Student Plan
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Toll free in Australia: 1800 UNICARE (1800.864.227)
Rest of the World: +64 .4.381.8166 (collect call)
Claims email:
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Uni-Care International Travel Insurance Crombie Lockwood (NZ) Limited Toll free: 0800 UNICARE (0800.864.227) Telephone: 64.9.326.4039 Email:
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PLEASE NOTE: This is a brochure only. All limits are expressed in NZ Dollars. Sub limits, terms, conditions and excesses may apply. Please refer to the Uni-Care NZ Student Policy Wording for full terms and conditions.
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Contact Details The Dean of International Students Waikato Diocesan School for Girls Private Bag 3051 Hamilton NEW ZEALAND Phone +64-7-855-2038 Fax +64-7-855-2039 Email
[email protected] Web http://waikatodiocesan.school.nz
