Takapuna Grammar School International Student Information 2017
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Takapuna Grammar School
International Student
Information
2017
WELCOME TO TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
We hope you enjoy your time with us at Takapuna Grammar School. We are very proud of our school
which has a long history of excellence in academic achievement, the arts and sports. We value the
contribution to school life and cultural diversity you bring to our school.
We are here to help you, you will find us in the International Office.
Terry Holding – Director of International Students
t.holding@tgs.school.nz
Ph 489 4167 ext 9392
Lesley McGowan – International Business Manager
l.mcgowan@tgs.school.nz
Ph 489 4167 ext 9266
Lauren Baker – International Dean
l.baker@tgs.school.nz
Ph 489 4167 ext 9258
Bronwyn Hill – International Homestay Co-ordinator
Homestay.co-ordinator@tgs.school.nz
Ph 489 4167 ext 9226
24 Hour Emergency Phone 021 502 695
Mrs Carole Cowley – International Homestay Homestay.co-ordinator@tgs.school.nz Ph 489 4167 ext 9226 24 Hour Emergency Phone 021 502 695 Mr Andrew Park – Korean Student Counsellor Extra Curricular Coordinator & IT a.park@tgs.school.nz Ph 489 4167 ext 9207 Ms Lijun Qiu – Chinese Student Counsellor l.qiu@tgs.school.nz Ph 489 4167 ext 9276 Mrs Carla Hemopo – International Student Administrator c.hemopo@tgs.school.nz Ph 489 4167 ext 9256
Term dates 2017 Term 1: Tuesday 31 January - Friday 13 April Term 2: Monday 1 May - Friday 7 July Term 3: Monday 24 July - Friday 29 September Term 4: Monday 16 October – Friday 8 December Senior classes finish on Tuesday 31st October for NCEA exams. School Hours The school operates a 10 day timetable. School begins at 8.45am on all days except Wednesdays which start at 9.30am. Bell Times: ALL DAYS EXCEPT WEDNESDAYS FORM PERIOD 8.45 – 9.00 PERIOD 1 9.00 – 10.00 PERIOD 2 10.00 – 11.00 Interval 11.00 – 11.25 PERIOD 3 11.25 – 12.25 PERIOD 4 12.25 – 1.25 Lunch 1.25 – 2.10 PERIOD 5 2.10 – 3.05 WEDNESDAYS PERIOD 1 9.30 – 10.30 HOUSE ASSEMBLY 10.30 – 11.00 Interval 11.00 – 11.25 PERIOD 3 11.25 – 12.25 PERIOD 4 12.25 – 1.25 Lunch 1.25 – 2.10 PERIOD 5 2.20 – 3.05 Academic Pathways
All students study the New Zealand national curriculum. At Year 12 students can choose to continue studying the New Zealand national curriculum (NCEA) or change to the International Baccalaureate programme (IB). Both NCEA and IB qualify students to gain entrance to universities in New Zealand and overseas. More information about both qualifications can be found at: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ http://www.ibschoolsnz.org.nz/ Junior Examinations Year 9 and 10 Junior students have examinations once a year in mid-November. All students must be present for these school examinations. Senior Examinations Years 11, 12 and 13 Internal senior school examinations are held for Years 11, 12 and 13 in term 3 (mid-September). It is compulsory for all students to sit these examinations including those who arrive in term three. This is part of the school requirements of your enrolment. These exams are very important because some of them are practice exams for your NCEA external exams. If you are unable to sit your NCEA exams at the end of the year for any reason, these internal results will be used to assess a grade for you. During exam time you only attend school to sit your exams. You have the remainder of the time off for studying. If you are absent from an examination you will be required to have a doctor’s medical certificate. You will need to arrange an alternative time to sit the exam with Miss Baker. Senior Student Internal Assessments You will have assignments/tests etc due during the year which will count towards your final grade. These must be handed in on time. If you miss a test/assessment you will need a doctor’s certificate, otherwise you could be marked as Not Achieved for that assessment. Re-sits of Tests and Assignments Some subjects will allow you to re-sit a test or resubmit an assignment that you had not done well in. Students should make the most of these opportunities particularly in Year 13. Universities are keen to accept students who have achieved merit or excellence rather than just achieved in their NCEA assessments. Each Department has its own policy as regards resits and resubmissions of tests and assignments. Check with your class teacher as to whether you will be allowed to re-sit a test or resubmit an assignment if you fail it.
Pastoral Care It is very important to us that you are happy and enjoy your studies here at Takapuna Grammar School. We understand that you are far from home and may need some time to settle in. The staff in the International Department are here to help you, please come and see us if you are experiencing difficulties of any kind. Homestay If you are concerned about any aspect of your homestay please come and see the Homestay Co-Ordinators in the International Department. Academic Progress We want you to succeed at Takapuna Grammar School and Miss Baker will do her best to try and solve any problems you may be having in this area. Subject changes are not always possible due to classes being full or previous course requirements not being fulfilled but Miss Baker will always try to help you. Inappropriate Behaviour From Other Students If you are being bullied or harassed in any way, it is important for you to tell someone. You can discuss this with any staff member, Miss Baker, or a school counsellor. It is absolutely unacceptable for this to happen. The school does not tolerate this behaviour and action will be taken against any students who behave inappropriately towards you. You must not physically fight them – if they are trying to encourage you to do so, walk away and get assistance from a teacher or report the incident to a member of the International Department immediately. Counsellors Counsellors are employed by the school and can be found at Student Services. You can make an appointment to discuss any issue with them, personal or school based. The counselling they provide is confidential, they will not discuss or disclose the matter with anyone without your permission. You can make an appointment at Student Services. If you are unsure how to make an appointment the International Department can help you to organise this.
Performing Arts and Cultural Opportunities
Takapuna Grammar School encourages International Students to explore the wide range of extra-curricular
opportunities on offer and to practise the school motto of ‘Aspiring to Personal Excellence’ in everything
they choose to take part in.
Instrumental Music Groups Leonessa (girls only choir)
Polished Brass (12 piece brass ensemble) Sultans of Sing (boys only choir)
TGS Brass (fully instrumented brass band Skat-a-Tak (mixed voice choir)
ensemble, brass and percussion) Barbershop Quartet (a capella)
TGS Senior and Junior Concert Bands (flutes,
clarinets, saxophones, brass, percussion)
TGS Strings (violins, violas cellos double basses)
Leo Blew Jazz Band (saxopohones, trombones, Dance, Drama and Productions
trumpets, rhythm section) School Production
Chamber Trio/Quartet Shakespeare Group
Jazz Combo Stage Challenge
Vocal Music Groups Theatresports
Mathex
Cultural and Creative Groups Maths Olympiad Group
Amnesty International MUNA Model United Nations
Art Gallery club
Ball Committee Peer Drug and Alcohol Team
BAM – Books and Movies Club Peer Mentoring
Chess Peer Leadership Team
Christian Group Peer Sexuality Support Programme
Debating (Year 11-13) Photography Club
Duke of Edinburgh Programming Club
Environmental Group Robotics
ESOL Homework Club SADD – Students Against Drunk Driving
Fashion Show School Yearbook
Feminism Group Science Competitions
40 Hour Famine Science Revision Club
48 Hour Film Project Special Ed. Buddies
House Leaders Spirit of Adventure
International Club Student Librarians
Journalism Club (Year 11-13) Wilson Home Volunteers
Kapa Haka Woodcraft Club
Korean Fan Dance Group Writing Club
Korean Culture Young Enterprise Scheme
Mandarin and Chinese Culture
International students - How to make a complaint What to do if you have a complaint When you come to New Zealand as an international student, you can expect to receive a high standard of education, and to feel safe and well cared for while you live and study here. If you have a complaint, it is important that you go through the right steps. Here is what you need to do. Ask your education provider to resolve your complaint Your education provider is your first point of contact for any complaint you have, including any complaint about the agents your provider uses. They must have a complaints process in place for you to go through, and they must tell you what that process is. Follow that process to see if your complaint can be resolved by your provider. If your complaint is not resolved – contact NZQA If your education provider has not resolved your complaint, and you still wish to have it resolved, then you can contact NZQA. NZQA is a government organisation. They can provide an independent assessment of your complaint and will either investigate your concerns or advise you what you can do next. You can submit your complaint query on the NZQA website, or send an email to qadrisk@nzqa.govt.nz If you need more information on the complaints process, contact NZQA on 0800 697 296. Or – if it is a financial dispute – you can contact FairWay Resolution FairWay Resolution is available to help you resolve financial or contractual disputes with your education provider. There is no cost to you for this service. FairWay Resolution is an independent service with experience in helping people to resolve disputes. You can contact FairWay Resolution on 0800 77 44 22.
New Zealand’s quality standards
All international students enrolled with a New Zealand education provider are covered by the New Zealand
Government’s Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice.
their agents, must provide to international students while they live and study in New Zealand.
The education system is regulated with strong quality assurance systems across the board.
In general, as an international student you can expect that:
● the quality of teaching and learning you receive will meet high educational standards
● the marketing and promotion information you receive before you enrol is clear, complete and
accurate so you can make a well-informed decision about whether an education provider is the
right choice for you
● education providers’ agents give you reliable information and act with integrity This is legislation
that outlines the level of care that education providers, and and professionalism
● you will receive enough information and support to help you with your enrolment, including
understanding the legal obligations you have, and that you will receive all the proper
documentation
● you are welcomed and have enough information, guidance and support to help you settle into your
new life in New Zealand
● your study environment is safe, and that you have a safe place to live
About the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice
The New Zealand Government’s Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice is a
document that clearly outlines the full legal requirements that education providers enrolling international
students must abide by – to read this, go to the NZQA website.
About NZQA
NZQA is a government organisation which manages the quality of New Zealand qualifications, and also acts
as the Administrator of the Education (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice.
www.nzqa.govt.nzGeneral School Information Attendance 100% attendance is required. You may not leave the school without permission at any time. If you have a valid reason for needing to be late or absent you need to get permission for this from Student Services or Miss Baker prior to the event. If you are late or absent without prior approval you will be given detention. If you are sick and cannot come to school you need to ask your homestay parent to inform the school via email or phone. You need to bring a note from your homestay parent explaining your absence to Miss Baker on your return to school. Please refer to the table at the back of this booklet for procedures to follow in specific situations regarding lateness and absence. CATS This is the Careers and Transition Services resource area. This area contains information about a wide range of careers and courses. Mrs Stainton is a Justice of the Peace and can legally certify documents should you require this service. Careers and the International Department organise visits from tertiary institutions to Takapuna Grammar School throughout the year for students interested in attending their courses. If you have any questions regarding courses for tertiary study see Miss Baker first and she will assist you to find the necessary information. Discipline Miss Baker is in charge of discipline in school for International Students. If she is concerned about your academic progress, behaviour, attitude or attendance she will see you to discuss this. Jewellery You are allowed to wear a wristwatch. You are allowed to have pierced ears and to wear one gold or silver stud in each ear. No other piercings are allowed. If you wear jewellery other than a watch or earrings it will be confiscated and you will need to see Miss Baker to have it returned to you. Lunchtime and Interval You are not allowed to leave school grounds at lunchtime or morning break. Library The library is open every day from 8am–4pm. To borrow a library book you must have a student ID card. There are great books to read (including Chinese and Korean language books), computers, photocopier and magazines for student use. The computers are for school and educational purposes ONLY. The librarians are able to help you with any questions, log-on difficulties and how to use the photocopier. Lost Property Lost property can be collected at the Stationery/Uniform Shop (clothing) and at Student Services (for other items).
Music Lessons Musical Instrument and singing lessons are available at school. There is a small charge for this. Students have a 30 minute lesson once a week. Some instruments can also be hired from the school. See the International Notice Board or The Music Department for information about this programme. School Documents The International Office will provide you with school documentation including reports, references, testimonials, attendance and leavers certificates for a small fee. School Trips In your signed application form your parents have given permission for you to attend school trips during normal school hours. If you are going on an overnight trip the school requires specific consent from your birth parents. The International Office can help you to organise this. Student ID Cards Student ID cards are issued after your arrival at school. You can use this card to get books from the school library and also to obtain student discounts on bus fares, ferry tickets and entry fees into various places across New Zealand. Telephone If you need to use a phone in an EMERGENCY you can come to the International Student Centre.
Who Do I See? What Do I Do? Where Do I Go?
If I am late to school Student Services or Miss Baker
If I need to leave school during the day Student Services or Miss Baker
If I am going to be away for some days Miss Baker
If I am feeling homesick at school and want to Miss Baker
contact my parents
If I want to go on a trip Mrs Carla Hemopo
If I have an IT problem Mr Andrew Park
If I want to find out about a sport Sports Department or Mr Park
If I want to organise music lessons Music Department
If I come to school in incorrect uniform Student Services or Miss Baker
If I am unhappy with the way someone is Form teacher, Miss Baker or School Counsellor
behaving toward me (or any staff member if urgent)
If I feel unwell or have injured myself. If you Nurse at Student Services
want see the Nurse during class time you need 8.45am – 3.15pm daily
to get a note from your teacher to leave class.
If I accidentally damage any school property Form Teacher or Miss Baker
If I have lost some property Student Services
If I want to buy food Tuckshop
If a personal issue is affecting me Miss Baker or School Counsellors
For information about jobs and careers Miss Baker or Careers staff
If I can’t find the room for my next class Ask any teacher or student or come to the
International Dept
If I have a question about my classes Miss Baker
If I am having difficulties in a particular subject Miss Baker
or class?
If I have any concerns with my homestay Homestay Coordinators Bronwyn or CaroleHomestay Families We go to great lengths to select a suitable host family for you who you will feel comfortable with and enjoy coming home to after school. Warmth, understanding and hospitality are three crucial attributes the school looks for in every host family. It is important to remember that good communication and honesty are the keys to happiness. It is a good idea to ask lots of questions and become familiar with the routine of the family when you first arrive. Every homestay family is unique. Some have children, some do not. Some have pets. Some have one parent at home, some have two. New Zealand is a multicultural society and our homestay families reflect this. You will always have your own room. It is common for the children/students in the house to share the bathrooms so you will need to be considerate. Always pick up your towel and put it on the towel rail. Only have one shower a day (unless you are sweaty or dirty from an activity or sport) and try to keep it short, around 5 minute duration. Do not dry your hair, put on makeup etc in the bathroom – you can do these things in your room so as to free up the bathroom for others. Please flush all toilet paper and excrement down the toilet. Do not flush feminine hygiene products such as tampons and sanitary pads down the toilet as they will cause blockages. These items need to be wrapped in toilet paper and placed in the rubbish bin. Ask your host mother to place a bin in the toilet room if there is not one already there. Your host family may do your washing, however do not expect them to collect it from your room. When you arrive, talk to your host mother about what to do with your dirty clothes so they get washed. Most families have a washing basket and you will just need to put your dirty clothes in the basket so they get washed. It is important to remember your homestay is not a hotel! You are expected to follow and respect the rules and routines set by your homestay parents. This includes always keeping your room tidy, making your bed and cleaning up after yourself. Please try your very best to fit in and participate as much as possible with your host family. Offering to help with small chores such as unloading the dishwasher or walking the dog could be a way to do this. Don’t spend all your time in your room, make an effort to spend time talking to and being with the family, this is a great way to practice your English and learn about Kiwi customs. You will be regarded as one of the family long after your studies at TGS have ended and hopefully you will remain in contact with your host family for your entire lifetime. If you damage any property in your homestay, please be honest and tell your homestay so you can work out a way to fix things. You may need to pay for any damage caused. Please leave your room clean and
tidy when you move out otherwise you may be charged a fee for having your room cleaned.
If you are unhappy with your homestay placement when you get to NZ, we will ask you to try to work
things out. If this still doesn’t work, we will do our best to move you to another suitable family. There
are sometimes personality clashes and we understand this. We want you to feel as happy as you can in NZ
and this is a major part of your experience.
We do require 2 weeks’ notice if you or the host family decide to make a change.
If you are leaving school at the end of the academic year and returning to your homestay family at the
beginning of the following year you will need to pay a room holding fee. The homestay co-ordinators can
organise this for you.
Can I have friends around to my house?
Your host family will treat you like a family member. If you want to invite friends over you must check with
your host parents first. This is respectful and polite. When your friends leave, please ensure you have not
made a mess. If you have, get your friends to help clean up!! “More hands make light work”. If you wish
to have friends stay the night, it is entirely up to the host parents. If they say no, please respect their
decision.
Curfews
Most of our homestay families have or have had children so can relate to you going
out and wanting to get involved. Discussion and communication is the key to curfews
working well with you and your host family. The most important thing is to inform
your host family of your location – especially if you are going to be late home, not
home for dinner, staying at a friend’s house etc. This is common courtesy and also for
your own safety.
These are the curfew times allowed by the School. You have signed the Takapuna
Grammar School Behaviour Contract agreeing to these curfews. If your homestay
parents require you to adhere to an earlier curfew time you have agreed to abide by their rules.
School Curfew Times
AGE SUNDAY-THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
UNDER 15 YEARS 6 PM 8.30PM 8.30PM
15 YEARS 6 PM 11 PM 11 PM
16 YEARS 6 PM 12 AM 12 PM
17 YEARS AND OVER 6 PM 1 AM 1 AMUniform
Juniors - Years 9, 10 & 11
Girls Boys
Blouse – short or long sleeved P.E shirt
Skirt Shirt –short or long sleeved
Trousers Shorts
Jacket Trousers
Tights – black Jacket
Socks – navy Socks – navy
P.E shorts P.E shorts
P.E shirt
Seniors - Years 12 & 13
Girls
Blouse– short or long
sleeved Boys
Skirt Shirt – short or long sleeved
Trousers Shorts
Jacket Trousers
Tights – black Jacket
Socks – navy Socks - navy
Vest Vest
Blazer Blazer
The Takapuna Grammar School uniform can only be purchased at the school uniform shop. International
Students will be assisted with their uniform purchase at Orientation.Shoes Summer - Plain black leather polishable lace-up shoes or Black Roman or Birkenstock Sandals. Winter – Plain black leather polishable lace-up shoes. Shoes are not sold at the school uniform shop. International Students can either bring the correct shoes from home or purchase them when they arrive in NZ. Please note that lace-up shoes must be worn in Science Laboratories and Technology rooms.
Alcohol, Drugs, Smoking and Sex
It is illegal to drink alcohol or purchase cigarettes under the age of 18 in New Zealand.
Smoking is not allowed anywhere at school or while you are wearing school uniform
(this means on the way to and from school as well). Most families in NZ are
anti-smoking and will not let you smoke in the house. If you need to smoke, ask your
host parents where you can do this. In NZ there are very strict rules about smoking.
You are not allowed to smoke in buildings and work places and you are also not
allowed to leave school to smoke.
If you are caught drinking, using or carrying alcohol or illegal substances (drugs) there will be serious
consequences and your enrolment at the school may be terminated.
The legal age for having sex in New Zealand is 16. Under no circumstances are you to take a
boyfriend/girlfriend to your homestay bedroom and shut the door.
Your homestay parents are aware of the rules and are required to inform the school if they suspect any of
these rules are being broken. Please be responsible in these matters.
Driving
International Students are not allowed to drive in New Zealand.
Tattoos and Hair Dye
Any visible tattoo must be covered at school.
Students are not permitted to get a tattoo done without the written consent of their parents/agent. This
consent needs to be forwarded to the International Department.
Under no circumstances are you to dye your hair at your homestay without your host parent’s consent. If
you stain the carpet with hair dye it is very expensive to replace and you may be liable for this cost.Food
Meals here may be quite different to what you are used to, please be open minded and willing to try new
things. In New Zealand our food tastes are varied and borrowed from many cultures, you may have Italian
style pasta one night and Indian curry the next! You should discuss with your host family your likes and
dislikes but we think you will find our food delicious. Your host family will feed you 3 meals per day, 7 days
per week. In NZ we tend to eat sandwiches for lunch, not a hot cooked meal
like you may be used to. You might find this hard to get used to if you
normally have a cooked meal in the middle of the day. You may be
responsible for making your own lunch or your homestay parent will
prepare it for you. You will need to ask you host what is available for
lunches.
Please offer to help around the house at dinner time – perhaps ask if you
can help by setting the table, helping to cook dinner every now and then.
Why don’t you bring a recipe from home and cook if for your new family?
Meal times are a great way to practise your English. Your family can teach you a lot about New Zealand so
ask lots of questions. Just remember, food in New Zealand may be different to what you are used to –
always try it first, then if you don’t like it say so. Always offer to help with the dishes after dinner. It is good
manners to show appreciation for meals which have been cooked for you. Always thank the cook and if
you liked the meal please tell them so!
Food at School
At Takapuna Grammar School we have a cafeteria for the students. We call it the “Tuck Shop”. You can
buy snack food at morning tea (interval) and at lunchtime. There is hot water in the International Common
Room if you wish to make noodle pots. New Zealand schools do not have sit down cafeteria’s like in most
other countries.
Getting Places
In NZ we do not have a driver to drive you places. You will need to be
very independent in getting yourself to and from events, sports
practice, shops etc. We expect your parents to treat you just the same
as their own family. Sometimes you will get picked up and other times
you will need to catch buses. We drive on the left side of the road, so
you need to be very careful when crossing the road – make sure you
look both ways!! Remember look right first, then left, then right
again….then cross the road. Each year in NZ there are accidents with
international students who are knocked over on the roads by cars.
Please be VERY careful.
You will be issued with a student ID card soon after you arrive at school. This will get you discounted bus
fares and cheaper entry into places around Auckland and NZ. We recommend you purchase a HOP card forcheaper student travel rates on buses, trains and ferries.
Buying a HOP card
You can buy a HOP card online https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/at-hop-card/ or in person at the Smales
Farm bus station or Britomart in Auckland City.
If you are over 16 you need to purchase your HOP card in person at Britomart or Smales Farm and present
your Student ID to prove you are a full time student.
Pocket Money & General Living Costs
Pocket money is a personal decision for your parents to make. We suggest $80 – 100 per week is a good
estimate for International Students. Buses are more expensive than you are
probably used to. We suggest to budget around $30 for buses per week.
Make sure your parents are aware there are extra school costs such as uniform,
books, field trips, sports fees so you do not need to pay for them out of your
pocket money.
Working in New Zealand
You are allowed to work part time (maximum 20 hours per week during school time, fulltime in summer
holidays) only if you are in Year 12 or Year 13. You will need to submit a Variation of Conditions from NZ
Immigration Department along with a letter from your parents stating you can work and also a letter from
Takapuna Grammar School. If you want to apply for a work visa at the same time you apply for your
student visa it is free. This is a privilege for international students. Takapuna Grammar School does have
the right to have your work visa terminated if we think it is affecting your school work.
Internet and Telephone Use
The telephone in New Zealand is free to call when you call within Auckland. If you are calling back to your
home country please use a calling card which you can get from the local shops and let the host family know
you are using this so they can recognise the number on their phone bill.
These calling cards are MUCH cheaper than making a reversed charge call.
When you want to use the phone, always ask before you use it out of
courtesy to your host family. Please spend a maximum of 15 minutes on
the phone at any one time.
Please ask your families before using the internet. Host families are not required to provide students with
free internet access. Internet usage is payable on top of homestay fees as outlined in the prospectus. This
will be approximately $30 per month.
In New Zealand it is illegal to download music and movies. Thus there is to be NO DOWNLOADING OF ANYKIND.
Computers are available at school in the International Common Room and in the school library for students
to use. There are also a number of internet cafes and Public Libraries around North Shore City and
Auckland that you can use.
Money and Bank Accounts
If you have some money to change into New Zealand dollars it is easiest to do this at a bank. $200 - $300
NZ is plenty to see you through the first few days. You may want to buy a mobile phone or an international
phone card to use to let your parents know you got here safely. It is best to ask your homestay if you can
call them to let them know you have arrived and are safe in your new host family/DCG.
Students in New Zealand should open a bank account. You can open a NZ bank account when you get here
or before you leave home. It doesn’t cost anything to do and it makes things a lot easier when you are in
New Zealand. Do not keep large sums of money in your house/room or carry it around the streets on an
everyday basis. In New Zealand most people use EFTPOS bank/debit card and we encourage you to do the
same. This is both the most convenient and the safest.
How to set up a BNZ bank account on line before coming to New Zealand
- Go to www.bnz.co.nz
- Click ‘International’
- Click ‘Migrant’
- Click ‘Open an account on line now’
- Fill in your details
You do not have to open an account with BNZ. You can open an account at any NZ bank.
Travel and Medical Insurance
It is compulsory for all International Students who study at Takapuna Grammar
School to have Travel and Medical insurance. This means that every time you
go to the doctors you can claim back the costs of your appointment and
medication costs, or if you are travelling around NZ and lose something (i.e.
your camera) then you can make a claim for it. Please remember to keep your
proof of purchase for electronic goods (e.g. laptop, camera, ipod etc) in case
you need to claim for anything. If you have not purchased our insurance then you will be asked to provide
a copy of your insurance at our orientation (1st day of school). If you have forgotten to ask us to organise
your insurance, please email c.hemopo@takapuna.school.nz and we can send your parents or your agent
an invoice – it’s never too late!!Why New Zealand New Zealand is a very popular destination with international students. We have an excellent educational system in our schools, universities and polytechnics which are internationally recognised around the world. New Zealand is an ideal place to study and travel. We have sophisticated cities, beautiful beaches, rugged coastlines and snow-capped mountains. New Zealand offers lots of opportunities to try different activities including bungee jumping, sky diving, skiing in the north and south islands and many more. You will find helpful information on the Immigration NZ website https://www.immigration.govt.nz Auckland Auckland is the country’s largest city with a population of around 1.5 million people. The city is surrounded by sea and many extinct volcanoes which has created an amazing landscape. Because of the beautiful harbour and Kiwi’s love of getting out on it in a boat, Auckland has been named the “City of Sails”. Auckland is a multicultural city and people from all over the world come to study, visit, live and work here. Auckland has a number of museums, markets, festivals, theatres etc. as well as a variety of cafés, restaurants and shops. Some of New Zealand’s best educational institutions are located in Auckland. The Study Auckland website has a lot of information about studying and living in Auckland http://www.aucklandnz.com/study
North Shore Just 45 minutes from Auckland International Airport, and a drive over the Harbour Bridge from Auckland City or a short ferry ride away from downtown, you'll find the North Shore. The North Shore boasts a lifestyle and environment that sets it apart as a destination for homemakers, pleasure-seekers and business people. The area surrounding Takapuna Grammar School boasts several beaches, the picturesque seaside village of Devonport and the larger shopping and business district of Takapuna. The natural advantages of a warm climate, beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery contribute to North Shore City’s popularity as one of the most vibrant cities in New Zealand. To find out more about North Shore City visit: www.northshorecity.govt.nz Takapuna Grammar School Location The School is located on a 12 hectare cliff-top site overlooking the Waitemata Harbour - which offers extensive opportunities for yachting, swimming, fishing, wind surfing, paddle boarding and other recreational activities. The school boasts both heritage and modern purpose built classroom blocks nestled alongside vast grass playing fields. Devonport village and the ferry to the city are a 5 minute bus ride or 40 minute walk from the school, and the Takapuna shops are the same distance away in the opposite direction. Climate New Zealand boasts temperatures in summer of up to 27O C and in winter around 12O C. The coldest and wettest months are June to August and the warmest months are December to March. It doesn’t ever snow in Auckland although you get snow in the middle of the north island around the Central Plateau – Mt Ruapehu. It is unnecessary to wear gloves and hats in Auckland but you will need them if you plan to travel around the South Island. While these temperatures are the norm, the weather in New Zealand can change unexpectedly as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature, particularly if you’re going hiking or doing other outdoor activities during the holidays.
Travel around New Zealand We encourage you to see as much of New Zealand as you can while you here. All travel outside of Auckland MUST be approved by the school and we require permission from your parents. The school and your parents must be aware of your whereabouts at all times. This is for your own safety. There are brochures in the International Common Room for various fun and fantastic trips around New Zealand. Carla Hemopo in the International Office is the first person to talk to for help with organising trips. School Holiday Travel All travel within the year MUST be carried out during school holiday time, i.e after the last day of term and before the start of the next term. Any days off school will result in an absence being marked on the school computer system. Travel back to your home country is normally only permitted in the school holidays and after the school year finishes in December. We will allow you to travel home at other times only for special circumstances and we require a letter from your parents explaining why you need to go. You must inform the homestay co-ordinators and your host family the details of your departure and arrival flights when you are returning home at the end of the term or year. You may need to pay your host family to pick you up from or drop you to the airport, the homestay co-ordinators can organise this for you. Takapuna Grammar School requires 100% attendance to enable you to pass your school academic study, and/or if you are wanting to apply for a new visa for further study in New Zealand.
Culture Shock – Arriving Some good ways to successfully minimize and overcome culture shock are to read about New Zealand and Auckland and the things you will be doing here before you arrive. Also, if possible, speak with someone already living here. Once you are here, keep in mind that people and customs may be very different from what you are used to. Having realistic expectations and realizing that difficulties and misunderstandings may occur will help you keep a cool head when they do, and keeping an open mind will allow you to find solutions to those problems that may arise. When possible interact with the local population. Don't succumb to the temptation to isolate yourself, even if it is within a group of compatriots. Kiwi’s will generally be pleased to introduce you to their culture and willing to answer questions. Don't be afraid of making mistakes. When you are eager to learn people are usually more than willing to meet you half-way and learn from you in turn. Find ways to keep in touch with family and friends at home. Sometimes you just need to talk with someone who fully understands who you are and feels that your way of being is not strange or rude. Keeping in touch also makes the homecoming process much easier. In the first few weeks after your arrival you may experience some of the below feelings. These feelings are very normal and will pass as you settle in to your new home.
How You May Be Feeling
After leaving home New home
You may be feeling nervous, You now feel more happy and confident. You can
excited, sad or happy. look ahead to your future. Yes I did the made the
right decision coming to New Zealand.
Once settled in you will find yourself
making new friends and adapting to the new
culture. Things will not seem so bad and
your homestay will start feeling like home.
When you arrive in New Zealand
You may feel a little confused, tired
or excited as everything is new
and different.
What have I done?
You may feel homesick,
missing family, your friends
and the food from home.
Culture Shock!
There are some things that will stand out to you and you may
find hard to adjust to. There will be new food and possibly a new language
to get used to. You may feel lonely or find it difficult to study
and get used to the foreign environment.
You may get tired speaking English all the time.Culture Shock – Going Home It is often difficult to readjust to the old way of life. While reuniting with friends and family is always a pleasant experience, you may miss the routines and habits acquired while away. This can be frustrating and dismaying when you envision homecoming as a wonderful moment where the world goes back to feeling "normal" again. The truth is that when you arrived here you missed the things, habits and customs that made home "home", and when you return to your country you may yearn for those habits and manners that you became accustomed to during your stay in New Zealand. Also, after an absence of several years it is likely that things have changed somewhat from your idealized memories. Similarly to culture shock, the feeling eventually passes as you re-acclimatize and settle in to you old surroundings.
Useful Websites: www.studyinnewzealand.govt.nz www.nzqa.govt.nz/studying-in-new-zealand www.immigration.govt.nz/assist-migrants-and-students/assist-students www.newzealandnow.govt.nz www.tourismnewzealand.com www.takapuna.school.nz/teaching-learning/ www.ibo.org www.facebook.com/TGSNZ/
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