International Students at Kaitoke School Great Barrier Island
Welcome to Kaitoke School Aotea - Great Barrier Island! We are delighted to extend our warmest welcome to international students who wish to join our school community. This page provides valuable information regarding the enrolment process, conditions of enrolment, fees, insurance requirements, and important policies for international students.
Our school offers several unique features and advantages that set it apart from other educational institutions. Here are some of the special aspects of Kaitoke School:
Holistic Approach to Education
Kaitoke School takes a holistic approach to education, focusing not only on academic learning but also on the overall development of students' physical, social, and emotional well-being. The school promotes a balanced and comprehensive curriculum that nurtures students' intellectual curiosity, creativity, physical fitness, and personal growth.
Location and Natural Environment
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kaitoke School is its location on Great Barrier Island. This remote island off the coast of New Zealand offers a pristine natural environment with stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and rich biodiversity. Students have the opportunity to engage in outdoor education, explore nature, and develop an appreciation for environmental conservation.
Cultural Diversity and Global Perspective
While situated on a remote island, Kaitoke School recognizes the importance of embracing cultural diversity and fostering a global perspective. The school welcomes students from various backgrounds and values the exchange of ideas, customs, and experiences. This multicultural environment helps students develop a broader understanding of the world and promotes intercultural awareness.
Small School Community
Kaitoke School is a small school, which fosters a close-knit and supportive community. With smaller class sizes, students benefit from more individual attention, personalised learning experiences, and strong relationships with their teachers and peers. This creates a warm and inclusive environment where students feel valued and supported.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
Kaitoke School actively engages with the local community and forms partnerships to enhance students' learning experiences. Collaborations with local organizations, businesses, and community members provide students with real-world connections, authentic learning opportunities, and a sense of belonging within their island community.
New Zealand Education Pathways
New Zealand has one of the best education systems in the world. Our style of learning encourages independent thinking, creativity and skills development. We have 13 years of school in primary and secondary schools.
At Kaitoke school, we enrol children from year 1 at aged 5, through to year 8, when they are usually 12-13 years old. After this, they would attend a secondary school for years 9 to 13.
Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
Great Barrier Island is renowned for its environmental significance, and Kaitoke School places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Students learn about environmental issues, engage in conservation projects, and develop a sense of responsibility towards their natural surroundings. This focus on sustainability instills lifelong values and prepares students to be environmentally conscious citizens.
Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
Great Barrier Island serves as an exceptional outdoor classroom for Kaitoke School. The school embraces outdoor education and experiential learning, providing students with opportunities to engage in hands-on experiences, field trips, and practical learning in the natural environment. This approach promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Enrolment Process
To enrol your child as an international student at Kaitoke School, please contact our school office to request an application form. Once you have completed the form and gathered the necessary immigration documentation, submit it to the school office. Our team will review your application and inform you in writing if a place is available for your child.
Conditions of Enrolment
International students applying to Kaitoke School must be between the ages of five and thirteen Year 1-8 students). Please note that we do not provide accommodation for international students. Students must reside with their parent(s) or a legal guardian appointed by the Courts, and passport details will be required for verification purposes. Furthermore, it is essential that international students have immediate and ongoing parental or legal guardian supervision throughout their enrolment.
Health and Travel Insurance
To ensure the well-being and safety of our international students, it is mandatory for them to have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance throughout their planned period of study at Kaitoke School. Please make sure that your child's insurance coverage is comprehensive and meets the necessary requirements.
Fees and Financial Information
Tuition fees for international students at Kaitoke School are determined annually in consultation with the Board of Trustees. The current tuition fees are set at $3,125.00 per term or $14,500.00 per year. Additionally, there is an administration fee of $500.00, which covers stationery, one set of uniform, and trips. It's important to note that all fees are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Please be aware that extra-curricular activities such as camps and after-school activities are not included in the tuition fees.
Refund Policy
If an international student withdraws from their course of study before the originally advised completion date, they may be eligible for a refund of school tuition fees. The refund request must be made in writing to the Board of Trustees, explaining the reasons for withdrawal. Refunds are subject to the following conditions:
If the withdrawal occurs before the start of the student's course, school tuition fees will be refunded in full.
If the withdrawal occurs after the start of the student's course, school tuition fees will be refunded after deducting the administration fee of $500.00 and any costs already incurred for tuition.
No refund will be given to a student who is expelled by the Board of Trustees or who has breached the terms of their contract with the school.
Students whose immigration status changes to that of a Domestic Student during their course of study will have their unused school tuition fees refunded from the end of the school term in which their status changed.
Withdrawal Procedure
If you need to withdraw your child from Kaitoke School Great Barrier Island, please notify the Principal in writing at least two weeks in advance. The school's refund conditions will apply according to the policies mentioned above.
Termination and Grievance Procedures
Kaitoke School reserves the right to terminate the enrolment of any international student in the case of continued and unexplained non-attendance. In such instances, the New Zealand Immigration Service will be notified. Additionally, the school follows the New Zealand Ministry of Education Stand-down, Suspension, Exclusion, and Expulsion Rules 1999 in cases of gross misconduct or serious disobedience by a student. Further information on these.
The Education Code of Practice
Hosting your child is a privilege and responsibility we take seriously. The school is signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021, and is fully compliant with all sections of the code. To view the Code of Practice, please click on the link below:
We want your child to be happy at school, and for you to receive excellent service from us. If you are not happy about something, please talk to the principal and give us the opportunity to address your concerns.
If the school has not resolved your concerns to your satisfaction, find out about the Disputes Resolution Scheme here:
For other complaints, you can contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), by phone on 0800 697 296 or email risk@nzqa.govt.nz.
Living Costs
For more living costs and other useful information, see the following links:
Quality Assurance
Kaitoke school has comprehensive systems and processes to support the wellbeing and learning of International Students. While situated on a remote island, we recognise the importance of embracing cultural diversity and fostering a global perspective. The school welcomes students from various backgrounds and values the exchange of ideas, customs, and experiences.
A copy of the school’s latest Education Review Office (ERO) report can be accessed here:
Internet
A home broadband internet package costs $85-$90 per month.
Transport
For transport options on Great Barrier Islands, see this link: