International Students
We warmly welcome you to our International Department!
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All International Students are fully integrated into the lifestyle and culture of the school, and take part in a variety of activities designed to improve and develop their English Language ability.
All International Students will:
- Be welcomed with a school Powhiri.
- Participate fully in all school life and student activities (academic/cultural/sporting).
- Be part of a school Academy Programme.
- Have their own individual buddy to help them in class.
- Have their own individual learning programme designed by the ESOL Director of Teaching.
- Go on a school camp with their classroom.
- Go on school trips with their personal buddy.
- Go on visits into the local Fairfield community and other Waikato Schools.
Before school starts all International students must:
- Complete all international student enrolment forms.
- Provide medical and immunisation records.
- Provide medical and health insurance.
- Complete designated caregiver documents (if not with a parent).
- Provide a copy of a student or visitor visa.
- Have an electronic device of their own to work with (Fairfield Intermediate School International Department will provide one if necessary).
International Student Placement:
On arrival all International students (and parents/visitors) will:
- Have a full school orientation and tour around the school.
- Meet their personal buddy.
- Meet their classroom teacher.
- Be given the International Student Information Booklet.
- Take a school placement test in the International Department to access their English language ability.
- Sign up for Academy and Options Programmes.
ESOL Classes:
All International Students will receive the following support:
- 4x a week ESOL (English Second Language) classes.
- Qualified ESOL teachers to teach small groups.
- Survival spoken English conversation classes.
- Advanced reading and writing academic classes.
- Advanced grammar and vocabulary academic classes.
Homestay Accommodation:
Children who want to stay with a New Zealand family can through our Homestay programme.
- All homestay families must undergo strict assessments and comply with the regulations set out by the New Zealand Government regarding Pastoral Care.
- A homestay will be changed if the Director of International Students feels it is appropriate to do so or the parents/families request us to.
- If a student is living with a parent the homestay checks are not required but we still maintain regular contact with the family.
Sports Programme:
Participating in sports and fitness is a large focus for all our students.
- Students will take part in a compulsory ESOL sports programme where every week they will participate in a variety of sports activities with other classrooms in the school.
- We have sports competitions with local schools as a part of our kiwi experience.
- Additional options for those that want to extend their sporting skill and knowledge.
- Private
coaching specifically for tennis and basketball, and a specific focus on
nutrition and fitness techniques is also available.
School Academy Options:
All International students will have the opportunity to take part in a Specialist Academy in the following areas.
- Leadership Academy
- Academic Academy
- Sports Academy
- Digital Academy
- Hospitality Academy
- Performing Arts and Music Academy
- Science and Engineering Academy
Parent to Student to School Contact:
Fairfield Intermediate School believes that the families of all our International students should have regular contact with their children and the school.
- Children are given set times in their ESOL classes to write and email families and friends back in their home countries.
- All school reports and information regarding student progress are regularly sent home to families along with portfolios of work that the student has done.
- Parent/Teacher interviews are held three times a year.
- All International students receive a leaving certificate and two school reports when they leave the school.
Grievance Procedures:
If you wish to contact the appeal's authority IEAA please contact pbraithwaite@fairfieldintermediate.school.nz for more information.
Video Conferencing Facilities:
We offer video conferencing facilities where you can talk to and see your child online. For further information regarding this service, please contact the Director of International Students.
- We use the ‘ooVoo’ programme which is free to download from the internet. You need to have a microphone and speakers on your home computer to hear your child, but a headset is preferable. A webcam attached to your computer will allow you to see your child.
- Appointments are made and you will be able to talk and/or see your child at the appointed time.
- Using ‘ooVoo’ will also allow you to talk to your child’s teacher, ESOL staff and any friends that your child may wish you to meet.
Student Visas:
Please download the file from NZ Immigration about student visas Visa Release.
Please click on the link following for our Code of Practice for Pastoral Care of International Students:
Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of All International Students
In the case of an emergency or for more information regarding fees / enrolments / availability of student places please contact:
Pennie Braithwaite
Director of International Students
(0064) 7 855 9718 ext 860
or email: pbraithwaite@fairfieldintermediate.school.nz 