International Students

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International Student Prospectus

Parent Handbook

When students from other countries come to study in New Zealand, they must be well-informed, safe and properly cared for.

Hosting your child is a privilege and responsibility we take seriously. The school is a signatory to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and fully complies with all code sections.  To view the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, please click on one of the following links. here.

Your child will return home with improved English speaking skills, improved problem-solving strategies, new skills, knowledge and friends.

Programmes at Seatoun School commonly feature the following:

• Strong academic focus and high levels of individual achievement
• Learning activities in which students investigate issues and solve problems of interest to them with a particular focus on our environment
• A balanced curriculum that emphasises discovery and exploration; and encourages higher-order thinking as keys to successful learning
• Strong input and support from our diverse and capable parent-body
• 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, and personally. Students are challenged with opportunities to participate in a range of academic, cultural, sporting and technology programmes. 
• We have a strong well-being curriculum. 
  
• Seatoun School is a public or state school. It offers programmes in all areas of the New Zealand Curriculum. This includes:

English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Te Reo Maori, Technology (Electronics, Food Technology and soft materials) Digital Technology (coding and robotics)
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths), Music, Visual and Performing Arts.

Details of the New Zealand curriculum can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website

www.minedu.govt.nz

Year 7&8 Area of our School

Seatoun School adds new learning opportunities to meet the pre-adolescent’s broadening interest and development requirements. Classroom teachers keep a close eye on the student’s welfare, progress and personal needs. They are always ready to discuss concerns and students’ progress with parents.

Enrichment Programme

This is a unique programme offered only to the Y7&8 students attending Seatoun School. With both depth and breadth, this program builds on what is offered in the early years. One full day each week is dedicated to small group learning.  The afternoon session is held at Rongotai College. Students are involved in various programmes taught by specialist secondary teachers and our Y7&8 staff. The programme encompasses art, music, hard materials technology, design, second language learning, drama and computer studies

Consistent with the New Zealand Curriculum Achievement levels, classes are usually composite in two-year groupings. We aim to ensure that all children are given the best possible opportunity to learn in a happy and safe environment. The intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of each child is given careful consideration when students are placed in class groups. All classes are non-streamed with class sizes kept to the lowest possible number.

For Term dates, click here.

Fee Schedule for enrolment  of 10 Weeks to 1 year

All fees are in New Zealand Dollars and exclude GST.

Fees are reviewed by the Board of Trustees annually.

Tuition Fee (includes in-school English Language Support):

• One year (40 weeks): $17,000
• One term (10 weeks): $5,500

Administration Fee:

• $1000

Special Short Stay Programmes may also be available for individuals and groups. Parts of these programmes can also include parents.  Contact the Director of International Students for information on programmes and fees.

Insurance: International students must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand. Insurance can be arranged by the school, or by your agent.  More information on insurance policies os found on a separate tab.

Refunds & Fees Protection

The fees paid for international students’ tuition are used to employ teachers and provide resources and facilities for these students. It is therefore not possible to fully refund fees. Under the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016, international fee-paying students may be eligible for a refund or partial refund of fees that have been paid under some circumstances.

Once a student has commenced study at Seatoun School, refunds will only be made in exceptional circumstances and according to the school refund procedures outlined in the Seatoun School International Student Fees Refund Policy.  All applications for a refund must be in writing to the Principal, for approval by the Board of Trustees.

Fees Protection

Seatoun School has a scheme in place to ensure that fees are protected and will be able to be refunded if the school is unable to provide tuition.  The Seatoun School Board of Trustees confirms that the tuition fees of International students will not be spent by the School prior to the tuition being provided.

Seatoun School has a robust dispute resolution scheme to work through any concerns, issues or problems that may arise with the International Student Programme. In cases where the dispute cannot be resolved internally, international students and their parents will be able to access the Dispute Resolution Scheme, specifically for international students. For further details on the NZQA Dispute Resolution Scheme, click here.

For a full list of our staff, please refer to this section of our website – Our People

Our school caters for children from new entrants up to year eight and reflects Seatoun’s multi-cultural community.
We have students from 26 nationalities and we are extremely proud of the safe, caring, family environment our full primary status provides.

We have a proud and continued tradition of being a focal point in the community and have always enjoyed a high level of community involvement.  Our school was established in 1916 as a ‘side school’ to Worser Bay. In 1921 Seatoun was recognised as a separate school and in April 2002 we moved into our wonderful new facilities on the old Fort Dorset site.

The shift to this site and purpose built facility in 2001 provides students and teachers with a very special and privileged learning environment. The award winning building was designed to fit into, and compliment the raw natural beauty of the site. Beautifully placed on the water’s edge at the entrance of Wellington harbour, we are open to the variety and extremes of the Wellington weather. This place is both stimulating and good for the soul.

The school is positioned on its own road, making it much safer for children and pedestrians. It also provides significantly more than usual parking for parents before and after school.

We enjoy a large playing field and are one of the few primary schools able to host our own athletic sports, cross-country and other sporting events. The grounds provide ample space and opportunity for both formal and imaginative play, and have been enhanced by a range of play structural equipment for the children to enjoy.

The school comprises 17 classrooms, a well-appointed and stocked library, a number of group teaching/meeting rooms and a huge, well equipped hall. Adjoining the hall is the Arts and Technology Centre. This fantastic facility has a music/drama room, an art/technology room and a food technology kitchen.

Our school was designed so that children and staff can access all rooms internally – a real bonus on a ‘wild Wellington day!’ It is spacious and light and has lift access [if required] to the first floor.

The stationery requirements will depend on your child’s class and year level.

Lists can be found here

Accommodation

To enrol at Seatoun School as an International Student, you must live with your parents.

You do not need to live in the suburb of Seatoun.

Helpful Information -Education New Zealand – Study in New Zealand Website

NauMai NZ is for international students studying or about to study in New Zealand. It’s an opportunity to get useful information to help you experience our land, lifestyle and culture, and navigate daily life along the way!

visit: https://naumainz.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz/about-naumai-nz

Insurance: Medical and travel insurance is compulsory for all international students studying in New Zealand. Evidence of an insurance-appropriate insurance policy (in English) should be supplied to Seatoun School as part of the application process.  Read more about this below.

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.

Medical and Travel Insurance

Visa Requirements

A student visa is required for international students coming to New Zealand to study for more than three months. Accompanying parents will also require the appropriate visa and permit. For full information on visas for study from Immigration NZ, please click here 

Full details of immigration requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from Immigration New Zealand, and can be viewed on their website at www.immigration.govt.nz.

When is Seatoun School open?
Our school is open at 8.30am every morning during term time, Monday to Friday.  Lessons start at 8.45am and school closes for the day at 2.55pm
The school terms are on our website www.seatoun.school.nz, and also advised in our school newsletters along with information on public holidays when the school is closed.

What do I need for classes?
Make sure you always have a pencil, pen, ruler and eraser with you daily. Your teacher will tell you what exercise books you need.  You can find the stationery list on our website; just search for stationery.
We do not have a uniform.  We ask all students to be sun-smart in their clothing choices, as the New Zealand sun is very strong.  We have a school sports t-shirt you would purchase for any sports team that can be worn to school any day.

What is HERO. 
This is our school management system parents and students both have an app on their devices.  The parent and student versions have different features.  We use HERO for most of our communications.

We send a comprehensive newsletter out every second Thursday.  You can use Google Translate for a large number of languages.

What if I am sick and cannot come to school?

If you are sick and cannot come to school, make sure that your parents contact the school to let the school know.  They are encouraged to use the HERO App.
If you feel sick or hurt yourself at school, you need to go to the Office and tell the office staff, who will look after you.

If you have an appointment during the school day and have to leave the school during the day or miss a day due to the appointment, your parent or caregiver needs to inform the school in advance through an email to the teacher or office.  You need to be signed in and out at the Office

What if I change my address or phone number?

If you change your address or phone number, your parents must let the school know by giving you a written note to take to your teacher or the school office.

What about breaks and meals?

You need to bring your own food each day.  We do not have a cafeteria. There is a break in the morning from 11:10am to 11:30am and lunch 12.30-1.25pm.  The school does not provide lunches for the students; however, there is a lunch-buying scheme on different days.  Look here for the latest offerings.

What do I do if I am bullied?
We are a KiVa School and have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying.  
If you are teased or bullied at school, coming to school, or going home from school, you must let your classroom teacher or the Principal know as soon as you can. We do not like bullies and will do everything we can to prevent you from being bullied.

What is BYOD
We have a Bring Your Own Device programme for Year 7-8.  All student devices must be enrolled in our Student Management System to work in school.  This gives us the ability to send the Apps you will need and keep you safe on the internet at school.  You can find more about our BYOD programme on our website.

What are the school’s policies and procedures?
Visit our school website and search policies and procedures for full details.

Where do students go after Seatoun School?

Our students attend one of 12 local secondary school options. Talk to the Principal for information on the options available.

How can I be assured Seatoun School delivers a quality education?

Seatoun School is extremely well regarded in Wellington, New Zealand and even internationally. We are externally evaluated by the Education Review Office and have received the highest quality reviews in 2009, 2015 and 2022 (being on a five-year review cycle is very rare)

Apple Distinguished School

Seatoun School has been one of the few Apple Distinguished Schools in New Zealand since July 2018. They now form part of a worldwide network of Apple schools.

Apple Distinguished Schools are centres of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use Apple products to inspire creativity, ​ collaboration, and critical thinking. They showcase innovative uses of technology in learning, teaching, and the school environment and have documented results of academic accomplishment.

The selection of Seatoun School as an Apple Distinguished School highlights our success as an innovative and ​compelling learning environment that engages students and provides tangible evidence of academic accomplishment.

Connection with the film industry

A large percentage of our families are connected with the film industry. We have a significant number of international families living here and working for a number of film companies. At present and in the past, we have had parents who have won Oscars for their expertise. There are literally too many feature films to list that have had talented people from Wellington, New Zealand, involved.

Parents are a very big part of our school

We are very fortunate to have a community that wants to be part of and engaged in the educational programme we deliver. There are many opportunities for parents to be in our school and assist our children in being the best they can be.

Parents as educators

We run a number of meetings where we assist parents in understanding how we teach and what they can do at home to continue the education of their children.