Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked Questions

1. How will I get my school uniform?

You can wear mufti on the first day of school.  The international staff will order your uniform from the Uniform Shop, then your host family will take you to the shop to find right sizes and you can take it home.  The shop will send an invoice to the school.

2. What should I wear to school on the first day if I don’t have a uniform?

You can wear tidy and appropriate mufti. Do not wear clothing with rips or inappropriate words.

3. Where should I go on the first day and what time should I be at school?

On the first day of school, your homestay mother or father will take you to school. A staff member or student from the international department will meet you in the reception and take you to the international department. The school day starts at 8.50, so arrive at 8.40 to be on time.

4. How much pocket money will I need per week?

You will need some spending money for personal toiletries, public transport, meals with friends in town, snacks and new clothes occasionally. We suggest $80NZD a week is enough, but this is your parents’ decision.

5. How can I get lunch at school?

Your homestay family will provide a packed lunch 5 days a week. They will show you how to make your own packed lunch. You can also use your own money to buy food from the canteen at school if you wish. The international common room has a small kitchen so you can make noodles, toasted sandwiches or heat food in the microwave.

6. Can I get a part time job?

Yes. If you have a student work visa and you are at least 16 years old. However, this work must be outside school hours and must not leave you too tired for the next day at school.  Go to the the NZ immigration website for more details https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study

7. Will the school help me to find a part time job?

No, but we can provide employers with a reference if we think you are suitable for the job.

8. Can I start NCEA in Year 12?

Yes. However, we recommend that most students complete three years of NZ senior high school (Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13) before they are ready to apply for university.