Immigration
Where a student has been accepted to study at Queen Charlotte College, and upon receipt of fees, an Offer of Place Form will be sent to enable a Student Visa to be obtained. Full details of visa and permit requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service www.immigration.govt.nz
Enrolment Procedures and Student Visas
You can apply for a place at Queen Charlotte College through an educational agent or apply yourself.
When considering an enrolment it is very important that families read the following information carefully in the Enrolment Package:
Both parents and prospective students must be clear as to Queen Charlotte College's expectations before signing the enrolment forms.
You may fax to us your enrolment form or send it through the mail. We will ask you to supply documentation to us and on receipt of this we will send you a letter informing you if there is a place available for you. You are then required to inform the school whether you wish to accept the place, and pay your school fees, either by Registered Post or Courier. Telegraphic transfers are accepted but will often take longer to receive due to delays in the banking system. On receipt of the telegraphic transfer into the school account (this may take up to two weeks), we will send you a receipt for your fees. Your enrolment is now confirmed. You or your consultant will then be required to apply for your Student Visa for which you need the receipt and "Offer of Place" form.
If you are applying without a consultant you can then apply at the embassy in your country and get a visa. When fees are paid, and a homestay form filled out and returned we will then find a suitable homestay for you.
When your travel arrangements are finalized please forward them to us so we can organize the host family to meet you on your arrival. If you are arriving for the first time, someone will meet you at either the ferry terminal or Picton or Blenheim airport. If you are flying into Christchurch or Wellington we can help organize your transport to Picton. If possible please give us as much notice as you can of your travel plans.
Health and Travel Insurance
Most students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand unless they are:
If you do not belong to one of these special categories and you receive medical treatment during your visit, you will be liable for the full costs of that treatment.
Students who are in New Zealand for less than two years are not entitled to health benefits. For this reason it is a condition of enrolment that Travel and Medical Insurance cover be taken out.
Guidelines
All students attending Queen Charlotte College must arrange insurance with our recommended insurer, Unicare. This policy also provides extensive travel and medical cover. Students who have a different insurance scheme must have a fee protection cover.
Fees Protection Policy
The Board of Trustees undertakes to hold enough funds in reserve, and these will be available to refund the unspent portion of fees if the course is cancelled.
Code
Queen Charlotte College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at www.minedu.govt.nz
Student Services & Enrolment
International Students are under the care of the International Student Director. All enrolments, matters of pastoral care and enquiries should be directed to the International Student Director.
International Student Entry Criteria
Queen Charlotte College accepts students at Year 7 to 13 level. The School recruits students who have some English language skills. ESOL will provide intensive language programs if required.
The school reserves the right to place the student in appropriate courses based on the student's competency in English.
Student Assessment
All students' English, is tested on arrival and students are placed in a level to suit their English ability.
School Rules
All students are expected to behave in a responsible and courteous manner at school. Students are expected to follow all school regulations as well as the rules in the tuition contract and the homestay contract which are particular to International Students.
Attendance
Frequent or unexplained non-attendances must be reported to the New Zealand Immigration Services and may result in cancellation of the student visa. If you are absent from school you must bring a note from your caregiver: however, if you are absent for more than 3 days, you may be required to bring a note from your doctor.
Failure to Meet Expectations
When an International Student fails to meet these expectations a number of steps will be taken to help correct the problems. This will involve our International Student Co-ordinator talking to the student, college and homestay parents. Parents will be kept fully informed of any situations causing concern and should feel free to contact the college staff at any time.
If, after a series of warnings, a student's behaviour or attitude is still unacceptable they will follow the exclusion and suspension procedures as outlined in the Education Act. In addition, where a decision is made to exclude a student from the school's homestay arrangements and this necessitates a return home, the following procedures will be followed:
1. The agent and parents of the International student will be notified of the matters causing concern.
2. A decision will be made as to whether the student should be given permission to enrol with an alternative provider in New Zealand.
3. The Principal's decision can be referred to the Board of Trustees where the student has been suspended or removed from the homestay.
4. The student has the right to attend the hearing and to be represented as provided for in the 1989 Education Act.
Uniform Costs
Students studying from Years 9 - 11 are required to wear a uniform. Senior students (Years 12 and 13) have a dress uniform for special occasions and wear tidy, informal clothing at other times. The approximate cost of a new uniform for girls is $300.00 and boys $250. However second hand uniforms are available from the school for $50 - $100.00.
Holidays
You must start and finish school on the set dates. You will not be allowed to leave school before the start of the holidays unless there are very special reasons for you to do so. Therefore, it is important that you book your flight home as soon as possible to ensure you get confirmed flights.
Employment
Under the conditions of their student visa, college students are not permitted to work.
Vehicles
Ownership of motor vehicles is allowed only after the permission of the Director is obtained.