Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
CONTENTS Welcome to St Andrew’s College
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About St Andrew’s College
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Christchurch – location and weather
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Christchurch and other main cities in New Zealand
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Getting here and other arrangements
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Taking care of you while you are here
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What is expected of you
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Host families
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College Shop
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Money
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Visas
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Other forms
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Other important information
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Expectations of Exchange Students
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Rules for Exchange/International students attending St Andrew’s College
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Student Code of Conduct
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
Welcome to St Andrew’s College We look forward to having you at St Andrew’s College on exchange. We value the opportunities for our students to go on exchange and for us, in turn, to host you and others like you, from all corners of the world. An international exchange is an exciting time of learning, both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope you will make the most of all the opportunities offered to you while you are at St Andrew’s.
Our Founding Values Truth, Excellence, Faith, Creativity, Inclusivity
At St Andrew’s College, we recognise that young people learn best when they are healthy, safe and happy. We view the concept of health and well-being as one which encompasses spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive and social health. We acknowledge our Presbyterian heritage and as a Christian school, we celebrate our faith, tradition, achievements and individual strengths. • we seek for our College to be safe, memorable and a joy for each child to attend; • we strive to value and nurture the staff who work at St Andrew’s College; • we strive for excellence in outcomes and reward excellence in effort; • we strive to develop resilient, independent learners; • we strive for the complete development of the person; • we strive to instil a lifetime love of learning; • we are reliable, care about the details and avoid surprises; • the best learning is student-centred; • the College is a learning community based on partnerships both within and outside the school; • every student learns differently; • we celebrate excellence in teaching – promoting teamwork, on-going development and engagement in innovation; • every stage of schooling is equally important.
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St Andrew’s College is committed to educational excellence. All staff undertake external and internal professional development programmes and incorporate the latest research about teaching styles and methods into every class. The real question is not what we want our students to know, or what skills we want students to develop, but what we want them to be. By the end of their time at St Andrew’s College, it is hoped that our young people are: • happy, friendly and self-confident, with a sense of humour and an awareness of their individual gifts and the need to fulfil their potential for good; • respectful of themselves and of others; • seen to have a generosity of spirit and a readiness to place their talents at the disposal of others, especially the most needy; • honest and trustworthy to themselves and to others; • well prepared to take their place in wider society unmotivated by prestige or selfish ambition, and aware of how fully they can contribute to the common good; • ready to ask ‘what more can I do, what more can I give?’ in every area of life; • full of hope for the future; • proud of having belonged to a Presbyterian school community, with respect for its values and those who taught them.
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
About St Andrew’s College St Andrew’s College is the only independent and co-educational school in the South Island of New Zealand to offer education from Pre-school to Year 13, for both boarders and day students. It was founded in 1917 as a boys’ school, and became co-educational in 1992. The College has approximately 1500 students, with 1090 of these in the Secondary School, both day and boarding students. There are also many international students who come here for their schooling. There is a Pre-school on site and a Preparatory School. You will be mostly situated in the Secondary School, and in the Senior College if you are here in Years 12–13. An important tradition at St Andrew’s College is our Scottish heritage. Our school flag is the flag of Scotland, with the St Andrew’s cross, and we have a Pipe Band, which annually wins awards in New Zealand and in Europe. In 2013 they placed first in the world in the Juvenile grade and in 2018 they were second in the world. The prefects wear kilts and staff are piped into assemblies on Fridays. Our academic programme follows the New Zealand curriculum with a wide range of choices of subjects. In the Middle School, at Years 9–10, you study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies and then select the option subjects you wish to take (these include languages, food, fabric and design technology, art, and drama/television). In Years 11–12 students study for the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) at Level 1 and 2 Two. If you are in either of those years, you will select six subjects, including compulsory English, Mathematics and Science at Level 1, and English, with Mathematics recommended at Level 2. In Year 13, students study five subjects for NCEA Level 3. All students also take Religious Education and Physical Education. There is an important Outdoor Education programme at our Alistair Sidey Mountain Lodge at Castle Hill, about 1½ hour’s drive west of Christchurch. If you have the opportunity to visit this centre with one of the classes, make the most of it. The students participate in caving, abseiling, rock climbing and rafting (with skiing in winter). As a Presbyterian school, chapel is an important focus of the week and you will be expected to attend. Community Service is compulsory in the Senior College,
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and encouraged in the rest of the College through the tutor group system. We often have ‘mufti’ (non-uniform) days for the whole school to raise money for nominated charities. Co-curricular activities are an important part of our school life, and you will be expected to become involved. All students take at least two activities a year, from sport, music and drama. A wide range of sports are offered, from the traditional rugby, cricket and netball, through to hockey, basketball, volleyball, waterpolo, touch, squash, badminton and fencing. Christchurch is not far from skifields, so in winter, skiing trips are organised on weekends. St Andrew’s College also provides many opportunities for you to participate in music. There is an orchestra, various chamber groups, a stage band, jazz band and concert band, Middle School choir and senior Chorale. As well, our drama department is also very strong, with theatresports, and two major productions (Middle School and Senior) each year. For those not wanting to be onstage, you can become involved with the technical side, back stage, or with our television crew. St Andrew’s has its own television studio, and students produce recordings of events, assemblies and life around the College. At St Andrew’s, leadership is encouraged at all levels. There are prefects for the Preparatory School at Year 8, Middle School Leaders in the Middle School at Year 11, and prefects for the whole school at Year 13. There are a wide range of other leadership positions, including boarding and house leaders, peer support, Senior College Council, and sports leaders. For more detailed information, please visit our website, stac.school.nz.
Palē Tauti
Director of International Students and Exchanges
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
Christchurch – location and weather Christchurch is situated on the mid-eastern side of the South Island of New Zealand, at the base of the hills of Banks Peninsula. Known as ‘The Garden City’ (population 369,000), it is often described as the most ‘English’ of New Zealand’s cities, with nineteenth century stone buildings and beautiful parks. It was founded in 1850. Today the economic base has diversified, with electronics, tourism and wine-growing among some of the newer industries. The official Christchurch website is christchurchnz.com. There is something different to see and do within one or two hours’ drive of Christchurch, in any direction. To the east lies the open ocean and Banks Peninsula, featuring sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys and rocky coastlines. Boating, tramping, a visit to the wineries and the French settlers’ harbourside village of Akaroa are key peninsula attractions. To the west, past fertile plains and braided rivers, are forested foothills and lakes. Beyond them lie the tallest mountains in Australasia, the Southern Alps, strung out parallel to the coastline. Mountain passes with delightful alpine villages break the almost impenetrable divide and deliver the traveller to the west coast. There is a choice of western routes and plenty of ski areas on the way. A journey north reveals green rolling hills, forests and long, empty beaches, with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura about two hours’ drive away. An excursion to the south passes through farmland and crosses two more of Canterbury’s pristine rivers, ideal for fishing in, whitewater rafting or kayaking down. Mt Hutt, the premier commercial ski area close to the city, lies to the south west. A day off-piste here gives opportunity for jet boating, fishing, horse riding or a round of golf. The small village of Hanmer has hotpools, mountain biking and bungy jumping. In Christchurch itself, there are also accessible beaches, climbing and walking areas. The airport is situated close to the city. If you come on exchange in the summer term (Term 1, January to April), you can expect warm weather and blue skies, although it gets chillier toward the end of April. The temperatures are generally 15–25°C, but can soar into the thirties, or plunge down below 10°C. A saying that applies to Christchurch is ‘four seasons in one day’, so come prepared!
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If you come on exchange in the winter terms (Terms 2 and 3, May to September), it is more likely to be cold (5–10°C) with frosts over night. There will be snow in the mountains, but we usually have only one or two snowfalls in Christchurch itself during the winter, and these seldom last long.
Christchurch and other main cities in New Zealand
Auckland
Wellington
Christchurch
Queenstown Dunedin
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
Getting here and other arrangements It is the responsibility of the successful applicant and their family to organise flights to arrive and depart from Christchurch airport. The College/host family will organise transport from/to the airport and the host home. It is the responsibility of the successful applicant and their family to organise the necessary medical and travel insurance to cover the duration of their stay. A copy of the insurance policy must be provided to the College. We suggest that students use Southern Cross Travel Insurance, scti.co.nz/international-student. Before you arrive, contact will be made between your family and your host family. The exchange is seen very much as a family-based experience.
Taking care of you while you are here Pastoral care is an important part of our day-to-day life of the College. In the Secondary School, you will be placed in a tutor group of 12 to 16 students, dependent on the year level, which meets on a daily basis. Your tutor will most likely be that of your exchange partner, and will be the person who can help you with any problems you might have, or give you advice on whom to contact. You may have your tutor as a teacher as well. At each level, there is also the Dean, who is in charge of the whole year group. The Dean will help you with choice of subjects, or any problems you may have with timetables, or academic matters. Within the College, there is a Head of Middle School, Mr Tuu’u, and Head of Senior College, Mr Ruge. They will meet you and make you welcome, and you can also consult them if you have any questions about the College. There is also the College Chaplain, Rev. Morrow, and Head of Guidance, Mr Matthews, who are available for guidance and advice. You will also be able to consult the Dean of your year group.
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As well as this, there is the Director of International Students and Exchanges, Mr Tauti, who will oversee how you are getting on, and check regularly to make sure you have settled in, that you are placed in the right classes, and that you are enjoying yourself. Mr Tauti is another source of advice or assistance and will be in contact with the Director of International Students and Exchanges at your own school. His office is located upstairs in the Senior College. If you have any issues about your exchange, you need to bring them to Mr Tauti. There are two International Exchange Leaders, who are College students whose role it is to make sure you are comfortable in your new environment. A student will meet you on your arrival at the College and introduce you to other students and look out for you on a daily basis. If you are a boarder, the Director of Boarding, Mr Parr, and the House Manager, will be people to ask for help. If you are a day student, your host family will be there for you on a day-to-day basis. Regarding health and safety, the Health Centre is onsite opposite the gymnasium. There is a nurse there for consultation if you are not feeling well. For more serious matters you would be sent to the school doctor, or, more likely, to the doctor of your host family. There is also a physiotherapist in the Health Centre three days a week and appointments can be made with the nurse. Being in a different school environment is a challenge, and there will be things that you need to know. Don’t be daunted, and remember, make sure you ask for assistance! There are plenty of people here wanting your stay to be a positive one. Post 2011 Earthquake All teaching spaces in the College have been restored or rebuilt. There are brand new boarding houses. The likelihood of another large earthquake is remote, according to seismologists. The College has robust evacuation procedures. We ensure that all students are safe at all times, to the foreseeable degree of possibility.
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
What is expected of you Rules and Regulations You will be expected to be fully involved in all aspects of College life. By accepting an exchange, you have agreed to follow the same rules and regulations as all other students at St Andrew’s College. Infringement of important rules (concerning alcohol or drug use, for example) may see an exchange student sent home. The matter would be taken to the Head of Middle School/Senior College, your parents contacted and arrangements made for your return as soon as deemed necessary. The circumstances in which an exchange could be terminated are the same as those for domestic and international students. If a student is required to return to their home country, the College would ensure that the student is accompanied by the Exchange Co-ordinator to the airport for their departure. Schoolwork When you arrive, if you are in Years 11–12, the Director of International Students and Exchanges, or Dean of year level, will put together a timetable for you. The subjects you take will usually be those you take in your own school, although some students like to take subjects that they may not be available at home, to make the most of the experience. A good balance is recommended. You will be expected to attend all classes, and participate as a full member of the class, doing homework and assessments. If you have specific work set by your own teachers (especially if you have examination studies), talk with the class teacher at St Andrew’s and negotiate a time in class when you are able to do that. Teachers should be willing to help you with your own work, if you need assistance. You will also be expected to take the other compulsory subjects at your year level, such as Religious Education and Physical Education. If you are in Year 10, then you will follow your student partner and attend their classes with them.
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Co-curricular You will have a wide range of sports activities, music, and drama, to choose from. All students are expected to take at least one Co-curricular activity a semester. Uniform Our uniform is an important part of College life and students are expected to wear it as a positive reflection of their pride in their school. If you have a school uniform at your own school, then we would like you to wear this while you are on exchange. Our students wear ties at all times, and their blazer to and from the College, as well as to formal occasions like assemblies. For girls, the acceptable length of our skirts on or below the knee. You will need to bring formal uniform with you, as well as clothes suitable for physical education. If you have organised special clothes, such as hoodies or T-shirts, to celebrate your exchange, these are not acceptable as everyday uniform and should be worn in casual time only. ICT and Communication When you arrive at St Andrew’s College you will be given a personal login, which will allow you access to the College computers, WiFi, and your own email address. This will connect you to the College intranet where daily notices and other important information is posted. There are computers situated in the library, the computer rooms and the boarding houses, which you can access for personal use out of class time. You will be asked to accept the College Cybersafety Use Agreement, to use the computers in an appropriate manner. Your email address will allow you to communicate with your friends and family at home. We allow students to bring mobile phones to school, to be kept in lockers and not taken to class. Through the Pastoral Care programme, there is a strong focus on good digital citizenship, including keeping themselves safe online. This programme is supported by the limiting of mobile phone use by Middle School students, unless for educational purposes. To contact your family at home by mobile phone, you will need to arrange for international roaming before you leave; if you wish to operate only locally, you will need to buy a local SIM card for the time of your exchange. Remember, however, if you are constantly texting your friends back home, you will not have the full exchange experience. We advise you to use your mobile phone only for contacting your family. Similarly, social media and Skype should be used to a minimum. 11
Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
Host Families Most likely your host family will be that of your exchange partner. The two families will have been communicating before you arrive, and you will have a little idea of what to expect. You will need to fit in with the family and their routine, for meals, getting ready for school, after school activities, and so on. Do pitch in and help around the house. Most New Zealand children are expected to help out in the running of the household, even if it is only chores like loading or unloading the dishwasher, mowing the lawns, or making their beds and keeping their rooms tidy. A key to a happy exchange is communication and respect for difference. If something is different from your way of life at home, talk about it with your host parents, so you can find a solution. It is good to talk about the ground rules at the very beginning of the exchange. One area that can cause tension is weekends, such as going out with friends and the time to get home. Your hosts may have different expectations from what you are allowed at home! Do not allow little issues to grow out of proportion. If you do feel uncomfortable or unhappy, make sure you see Mr Tauti who can act on your behalf. Your hosts are acting ‘in loco parentis’. They will be the ones who provide consent for College outings and functions, in accordance with College procedures. Host families are also likely to arrange for you to see some of the country while you are here. It is appropriate that you have a gift to give to your host parents when you leave, to show your gratitude.
College Shop The College has a shop onsite where students can purchase uniform, sports gear, stationary, and other items. Exchange students often like to buy sweat shirts with the College logo on as a souvenir. Purchases at the shop can be charged to the student’s College account, or paid for by cash, eftpos or credit card.
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Money While you are on exchange, you are not expected to pay any school fees (tuition and/ or boarding). Nor are you charged for use of text books or computers. Nevertheless, you will need money for various school related items, such as stationery, school trips, and other incidentals, which will vary according to how much you do. We ask that you make a direct deposit into the College bank account to the equivalent of $NZ 525 ($225 for Year 10 exchanges): • Bank of New Zealand, Christchurch Branch, 02 0800 0911793 000. • Our Swift Code (should your bank require it) is BKNZNZ22. You must make sure that YOUR Name is next to the deposit so that our office knows that the money has come from you. Please also email our accounts officer, Ms Pamela Haythorne (PGR@stac.school.nz) to let her know when this has been done. Your incidental expenses will be debited to this account and the remainder refunded at the end of your exchange. If you have international credit and/or debit cards, there are ATM machines at shopping centres near the College that are readily accessible.
Visas If your exchange is for less than 12 weeks, you will not need a study visa. Check for further information with your nearest New Zealand Consulate. The College will provide a special letter that will explain that you are on exchange, to help if any difficulties occur. Mostly, exchange students travel on a tourist visa, as their stay will fall within the three-month limit that this allows.
Other Forms You will receive a link to an admission form to St Andrew’s College that you are required to complete before you arrive. This will allow you to be entered into the College database before you arrive and ready for your first day at St Andrew’s College.
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
Other important information Road safety • in New Zealand, we drive on the left-hand side of the road; • while you are here, unless you have a full licence to drive a vehicle in your home country, you will not be able to drive a car. Evidence of this needs to be given to the Senior College office, with a copy of your licence when you arrive; • you need to be aware that you may only be driven in a car with a fully licensed driver; • if you are cycling at all, you need to wear a bicycle helmet at all times.
Alcohol and tobacco • New Zealand law states that alcohol, tobacco and cigarettes may be sold only to those over 18 years of age. You would be expected to provide identification; • St Andrew’s College is a non-smoking, alcohol-free school, and any infringement of this rule may see the student sent home (see page 10).
Expectations of Exchange Students Exchange students are expected: • to attend classes as St Andrew’s College students, right to the end of their exchange period; • to participate in these classes and complete the class work as required. Special consideration may be given to students who are also completing work from their own school; • to do all homework set for the class; • to sit assessments, even though not enrolled in NCEA (although individual negotiations with the subject teacher can be made); • to become involved in Co-curricular activities; • to let the teacher know if they are going to be absent (legitimate occasions might be participation in an outdoor education trip at another level, to widen the exchange experience); 14
• to wear their uniform in accordance with our College expectations (formal blazer especially); • to be prepared to speak in assembly and/or chapel; • to report to the Exchange Co-ordinator if there are any problems or questions they may have.
Rules for Exchange/International students attending St Andrew’s College • students must abide by the laws of New Zealand; • students must comply with classroom rules as displayed in every classroom; • all International Students must have a school approved Care Provider/Guardian; • students must be at the College punctually by 8.20am every day, attend all classes on his/her timetable and complete all assignments and homework. Frequent absenteeism without explanation may result in the student’s dismissal from school. A Doctor’s Certificate is required for any absences longer than three days. Students must ask permission if they are going to be absent for any reason; • in addition to classes, students must attend tutor group meetings or Dean meetings and assemblies; • students are to comply with all College rules as outlined in the Middle School and Senior College Handbooks and also on the College Website; • in accordance with New Zealand law and in the interests of students’ safety all road rules must be obeyed, including the wearing of helmets while riding bicycles and the wearing of seat belts in cars; • students must have Care Provider/Guardians written permission to drive to school and must also gain permission from the College; • sums of money should not be left in lockers or in the boarding house but should be left at the College office. It is strongly recommended for the student to open a bank account. The Care Provider /Guardian can help with this process; • the College is a smoke-free zone. Smoking is not permitted on the College premises at any time. Smoking at any time in school uniform is not permitted.
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Incoming Student Exchange Handbook
• no alcoholic liquor is permitted on the College premises at any time. Students are also not permitted to consume alcohol prior to coming to College functions such as dinners, dances, or any organised functions following College events; • no illegal drugs are permitted on the College premises at any time. The College authorities will take a very serious view of students being involved with drugs outside the College. Immediate expulsion from the College will result if the student is caught in possession of illegal drugs; • regulation uniform is to be worn as required. Students on exchange are required to wear their school’s uniform while on exchange; • students in the boarding house must comply with boarding house rules as specified in the Boarding Handbook; • students in homestay must behave in an acceptable manner as specified in homestay guidelines; • students must respect term dates. All holiday travel must be within school holiday time only. Students must obtain written permission from parents for any travel out of Christchurch. The College reserves the right to deny permission to travel if it has concerns about the arrangement; • students are required to live (a) with parents, (b) in the boarding house or (c) in a homestay situation with a designated caregiver. Flatting is not permitted; The College may from time to time amend or add to these Rules in the interest of the school and the student. Parents/Guardians and students are bound by such amendments.
Student Code of Conduct As a student at St Andrew’s College, you have the right to quality education. You have the right to pursue your studies in an encouraging, secure and successful education environment. To help achieve this, students accept the following responsibilities and agree: • to attend school, and all classes during the school day; • to avoid aggressive behaviour; • to be considerate in their actions to all pupils and staff; 16
• to pursue their studies with dedication, honesty and diligence, to the best of ability; • to respect the Presbyterian/Christian values and traditions of the College; • to avoid bringing dangerous objects, offensive material, harmful or illegal substance to school. In agreeing to this, students acknowledge the seriousness of drug related activities on or off the College premises; • to respect people of different gender, colour or creed; • to be responsible for caring for their own possessions at College; • to contribute to lessons and, when voicing their opinion, to do so honestly and openly, but politely; • to be on time for the start of school day and for lessons; • to be considerate in their actions to all students and staff; • to avoid engaging in any activity that may jeopardise the safety, security or academic progress of any other person at the College; • to respect the property of others; • to display good sportsmanship by encouraging team spirit and by being respectful towards opponents; • to behave in an exemplary manner when off the College premises while identifiable as a St Andrew’s College student, or when representing the College; • to show courtesy to visitors to the College, including parents of fellow students; • to respect, preserve and protect College property; • to follow the College rules and regulations; • to avoid any actions that disrupts lessons or in any way infringe on the teachers right to teach and right of their fellow students to learn.
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347 Papanui Road, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand P +64 3 940 2000
W stac.school.nz