Your guide to Christ's College 2026 – International

For international boys and parents/caregivers Your guide to Christ’s College

CANTERBURY

2 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Contents

Welcome

5 6 8

Complaints procedure

Key contacts

Your first week

Get ready for New Zealand

Orientation and support programme Everyday Christchurch

What you need to know before you leave home Accommodation, boarding,

22 23 26 28 29 30

Pastoral care

and House system Daily boarding routine Leave arrangements

Adjusting to a new culture

16 17 18

Our school routine

Leaving College

Code of Practice, immigration,

Refund conditions

health and insurance

Address Christ’s College Rolleston Avenue Private Bag 4900 Christchurch 8140 New Zealand

Phone 03 366 8705 Email receptionist@christscollege.com

Office Hours Monday–Friday 8am–4.30pm Absence Line 03 364 8676 Website www.christscollege.com

4 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Welcome

Nau mai haere mai A very warm welcome to Christ’s College.

It is a great privilege to welcome you and your family to the Christ’s College community. By choosing College, you have joined a place with a proud tradition, a clear purpose, and a commitment to supporting every boy in realising his full potential. Our guiding vision is captured in our mission: Each boy at his best. Christ’s College is renowned not only for the strength of its academic programme but also for the richness of its cultural, sporting, and co-curricular opportunities. These experiences, taken together, create an environment where young men can discover their passions, build character, and develop the skills and attributes they will need to thrive in the world beyond our gates. Our international students are important members of our community, strongly contributing to our College culture. They are valued by their fellow House members and enrich our school in so many ways – both academically and through their involvement in a multitude of co-curricular activities. With effort and commitment, you will find your College years both challenging and deeply rewarding, shaping you into a confident, compassionate, and self-aware young man who is ready to contribute positively to society. This handbook has been created to help guide you through life at College. Within its pages, you will find practical information and insights into the many aspects of school life. I encourage you to use it as a reference as you embark on this exciting new chapter of your journey. We are delighted you are here, and we look forward to walking alongside you in the years ahead.

Joe Eccleton Headmaster

Key contacts

Key people involved with international students

Headmaster Joe Eccleton joe.eccleton@christscollege.com

Deputy Headmaster – Student Care Ben Vink bvink@christscollege.com

International Student Manager Sarah Davidson sarah.davidson@christscollege.com 027 430 6153

ESOL teacher Alexandra Robertson arobertson@christscollege.com

6 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Follow us on social media Facebook facebook.com/ChristsCollege facebook.com/groups/ccboardingparents Instagram christscollegenz Telephone codes and how to ring a mobile from outside NZ • The country telephone code for New Zealand is 0064. • The city code for Christchurch is 03. • When calling a New Zealand mobile from outside New Zealand, drop the zero at the start of the number e.g. 021 868 837 becomes 0064 21 868 837.

Keep in touch To be confident we can get in touch with you in any situation, please ensure we have your family’s up-to-date contact details – including address, phone numbers (mobile and landline), and email – at all times.

IN AN EMERGENCY POLICE or FIRE DEPARTMENT or AMBULANCE CALL 111

Christ’s College website

Facebook

Instagram

Get ready for New Zealand Seasons New Zealand (NZ) has four distinct seasons • Summer: December–February • Autumn: March–May • Winter: June–August • Spring: September–November

Climate The temperature in Christchurch ranges from 11–25°C in summer and 6–13°C in winter.

NZ Facts New Zealanders are informally called ‘Kiwis’ New Zealand’s indigenous culture is ‘Maori’ New Zealand has three official languages: • English • Te Reo Māori • NZ Sign Language

Two main islands • North Island • South Island

We are here

8 – Your guide to Christ’s College

About Christchurch Christchurch – or Ōtautahi in te reo Māori – is the largest city in New Zealands South Island. It is known for its English heritage buildings, vibrant contemporary lifestyle, cultural precinct, and stunning open spaces. Renowned for its gardens and parks, Christchurch is fast becoming the most popular place to live in New Zealand. Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, and the Avon River/Ōtākaro are at the centre of city while the beautiful Southern Alps backdrop completes the scene. A sustainable and resilient urban centre, Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island, ensuring easy access to spectacular spaces, including the scenic landscape of Banks Peninsula, the surfing beaches of Sumner, and the superb nearby ski fields. It is also the starting point for the world-renowned TranzAlpine scenic train journey across the Southern Alps to the West Coast. Christchurch is one of the few global Antarctic gateway cities, with the International Antarctic Centre near the airport providing an interactive experience of life on the frozen continent. With a temperate climate, a thriving arts scene, a focus on innovation, and a strong community spirit, Christchurch is a leading cultural, economic, and tourism hub that celebrates its past but continues to build a flourishing future.

To Picton and Kaikoura

Bealey Avenue

Salisbury Street

Peterborough Street

North Hagley Park

Kilmore Street

Chester St West

Chester Street East

Victoria Square

Armagh Street

Gloucester Street

Worcester Blvd

CATHEDRAL SQUARE

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Hereford Street

Cashel Street

Hagley Oval

South Hagley Park

Oxford Terrace

Tuam Street

Tuam S

St Asaph Street

St Asaph St

Welles Street

Walker St

Allen St

Ara

What you need to know before you leave home

What fees cover International student fees are payable in advance by the due date. All fees are inclusive of GST. Annual fees are the same for all year groups. Inclusive of: • Tuition • Accommodation (boarding) • College uniform • Insurance • College incidental expenses (excluding laptop) • NCEA examination fee • ESOL support • Administration fee • Heritage & Building Levy • Immerse and Inspire Payment The total cost of tuition must be paid in full by the required date. Once payment has been made in full, a Letter of Fees receipt will be issued. Christ’s College has arranged insurance cover in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Christ’s College agrees to observe the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Ministry of Education. Copies of the school code are available on request from this institution or via the NZQA website at www.nzqa.govt.nz.

What uniform is provided College pays for international student uniforms. Full-time students keep their uniform. Any short-term students should return their uniform (if here for less than a term). The uniform covered is outlined below. In addition, students are entitled to new blazers at Year 12 (if they started in the junior year, they may need two suits). Clothing list 1 Formal suit 1 Striped blazer (junior blazer Years 9–11, senior blazer Years 12–13) 1 Formal trousers – dark grey (this is additional to the pair supplied with the formal suit) 2 Pairs of black walk shorts 1 Black jersey 4 White shirts – pointed collar (6 for boarders) 2 School ties 4 Pairs of black socks (6 for boarders) 1 Hoodie 1 College trackpant

1 House singlet 1 House jersey

1 Pair black House shorts 1 Pair black swim shorts 1 Black leather belt with conventional buckle 1 Black waterproof coat or jacket

10 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Specifically excluded Merinos, beanies, hats, scarves, gear bag, personal toiletries and drink bottles Naming We will also arrange name tapes for your uniform and personal clothing. The International Student Manager will organise all your bedding, including duvet covers, bath towels, a swimming towel, and coat hangers. Laundry Boarding House staff arrange for commercial cleaning of all bedding plus school shirts, shorts and sports gear. Boys do their own personal laundry in the House washing machines. Stationery Classroom items are supplied What you need to bring Home clothing Bring a range of casual clothing and shoes, including trainers. Students will be going on camp and outdoor experiences, so a good raincoat, a warm fleecy jacket, and thermals are required. A soft sports bag or similar is also essential Shoes Students must bring their own black leather lace-up shoes to wear with their uniform. These can be purchased from the uniform shop on arrival Personal effects The Uniform Shop stocks a range of personal items and toiletries.

Electronic equipment Students are allowed to bring audio equipment and computers to College. Personal television sets are not allowed in the boarding House. Laptop information Boys entering College in 2026 are required to have one of the following laptops: • A MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with a minimum of 8GB memory, 256GB storage, and running macOS Ventura 13.5 or later. The MacBook must also have sufficient battery life to last the school day. In addition to the laptop, the following is also recommended: • A hard case or sleeve (these can be purchased at the Uniform Shop) to protect the laptop while it is used at College • A backpack which has enough room to carry the laptop • A backup USB flash drive. • Insurance cover for potential damage. Laptop insurance policies are available from various sources • We also recommend that the laptop has an extended warranty. This does not have to be an Apple warranty – there are third- party warranties available. We encourage the boys to take responsibility for managing their laptops and we provide opportunities to assist them, through our classroom programmes and our Digital Services help desk.

Accommodation, boarding, and House system

Christ’s College undertakes to comply with the accommodation provisions set out in the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. The categories of accommodation that will be accepted by College are: i) Living with a parent ii) College Boarding House Policy objectives 1. To provide a suitable living environment conducive to study, and a safe and supportive home life. 2. To involve the residential caregiver in the

3. The minimum boarding period, unless otherwise arranged with College, is one term. 4. A full term’s notice must be given in writing should a student wish to withdraw from the Boarding House. International boarding and the House system Boarding life is vibrant, with plenty of activities and opportunities to bond with students from New Zealand and around the world. International students will be placed in one of our three boarding houses: School House, Richards House or Flower’s House. Seven-day boarding accommodation includes a comprehensive boarding House Programme available to view on our website – www.christscollege.com/enrolments/

welfare of a student away from the student’s family and home country.

3. To assist the student to successfully integrate into the New Zealand lifestyle. 4. To work towards the overseas parents’ peace of mind knowing that the student is well cared for and happy in New Zealand. Boarding House 1. Students living in a boarding house are required to exhibit appropriate behaviour. 2. A separate boarding house handbook will be distributed to all boarders, outlining the rules and expectations of the Boarding House.

boarding/boarding-programme . There are also seven day Houses: Condell’s House Corfe House

Harper House Jacobs House Julius House Rolleston House Somes House

12 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Your House will become one of your most important places at school – your band of brothers within the wider College community. If you are a boarder, your House will become your home away from home. Your Housemaster and other House staff are there to support you throughout your time at College. They will get to know you well, and will give you help and advice about all aspects of College life, as well as any other matters that affect your wellbeing. In addition, you will be assigned to the particular care and attention of an Assistant Housemaster who will help you with goal planning and monitor your progress. All boys are bound by the school rules and each House publishes its own student guide, designed to help you settle in and understand House rules and expectations. Student leaders in each House include the Head of House and Year 13 students. These senior boys support the Housemaster in running interhouse events, mentor younger students, oversee House duties, and foster House spirit. College runs several interhouse competitions, and all students are encouraged to take part. There is always an atmosphere of friendly rivalry between Houses at these events. We encourage you to get involved in House activities. By becoming an active and enthusiastic member of your House, you will form some amazing friendships, gain the confidence to step out of your comfort zone and try different things, develop your sense of self and your character strengths, have opportunities to both lead and follow, and be recognised for your hard work and the contribution you make.

Boarding House contacts Deputy Headmaster – Student Care

Dorm arrangements • Year 9 boys are in cubicles in a room of 12. • Year 10 boys are in cubicles in a room of six. • Year 11 and 12 boys are in cubicles in a quad or double room. • Year 13 boys have their own room. Each student has a desk, chair, shelving, lockable wardrobes and under bed storage. Further storage is available for large sporting items and suitcases. Caregivers An international student must have a local caregiver nominated by his parents while at College. The Caregiver Nomination Form must be signed by both the parents and the caregiver. The school can offer the parents local caregiver options, if required. Division of responsibility Christ’s College will be responsible for: • Providing a 24/7 emergency contact person for problems with accommodation • Selecting, monitoring, and approving all accommodation • Providing a support infrastructure within the boarding house structure • Recording the results of all accommodation assessments • Recording the results of all quarterly student interviews.

Ben Vink – 027 268 9436 bvink@christscollege.com

FLOWER’S HOUSE Housemaster

Monique Ellis-Martin – 021 243 8327 mellismartin@christscollege.com Day Matron Stacey James – 027 252 0743 stacey.james@christscollege.com

Duty Phone 027 489 0132

RICHARDS HOUSE Housemaster

Kevin Harris –022 639 3452 kharris@christscollege.com Day Matron Giselle Pasten– 027 489 0134 gpasten@christscollege.com

Duty Phone 027 489 0134

SCHOOL HOUSE Housemaster

Henry Smith – 021 082 59297 hrsmith@christscollege.com Day Matron Kylie Marsh – 027 418 3673 kylie.marsh@christscollege.com

Duty Phone 027 489 0135

Daily Boarding Routine

Monday–Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Year 9 – 6.45am Year 10 – 7am Year 11 – 7.15am

30 minutes later than during the week

At discretion of Master on Duty

Wake up times

Year 12 – Self-responsibility (up and ready for breakfast) Year 13 – Self-responsibility (up and ready for breakfast)

Breakfast

7.30–8am

8am

8.45am

Mon/Tue/Fri – 12.50pm Wed – 12.25pm Thu – 1.10pm

Lunch

11.30am–12.30pm 12.30pm

Dinner

6pm

9am–3.35pm • Lessons are 50 minutes in duration • Interval is at the end of period 2 • Wednesday and Thursday have six 40-minute periods. • Classes finish at 2.30pm on Wednesday.

Classtime

N/A

Bed Times (Mon–Fri)

Devices Handed in

Bed Time

Lights Out

Year 9

8.45pm

9pm

9.15pm

Year 10

9pm

9.15pm

9.30pm

Year 11

9.15pm

9.30pm

9.45pm

Year 12

10pm

10.15pm

Year 13

10pm

10.30pm

Saturday

At discretion of Master on Duty

Sunday

The same as during the week

16 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Leave arrangements

As part of the boarding community’s duty of care, it is important that House staff know where boys are at all times. The following is an explanation of the Christ’s College boarding leave arrangements.

Casual town leave (Years 9–10) All boys must: • See the Master on Duty (MoD) to get permission and then complete leave on the electronic leave system • Go in pairs • See the MoD on their return and confirm their return on the electronic leave system • Be back by 5.30pm • Meet all their College commitments first. Limited to two leaves per week (Monday to Friday). Casual town leave (Years 11–13) All boys must: • Complete leave on the electronic system. They are still required to communicate with MoD that they are leaving • Confirm their return on the electronic leave system. However, they are not required to see the MoD • Be back by 5.30pm • Meet all their College commitments first. Year 11 – three leaves per week. Year 12 and Year 13 – no limit on the number of leaves.

Day or tea leave (all year groups) • Given at the Housemaster or MoD’s discretion. • The Housemaster must have prior approval from a parent and host (where applicable) All boys must: • See the MoD to get permission and then complete the leave on the electronic system • See the MoD on their return and confirm on the electronic system. Weekend leave (all year groups) • Leave request must be completed on electronic leave system by 1.50pm on the Thursday prior . • The Housemaster must receive approval from a parent and host (where applicable) by 8.30pm on the Thursday prior . • Students must see the MoD when leaving and on their return.

Code of Practice, immigration, health and insurance

Christ’s College has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Copies of the code are available on request from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website www.nzqa.govt.nz . Immigration An international student is a student possessing a New Zealand Student Visa or Student Permit who is a resident of another country, and is in New Zealand for study purposes. Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from Immigration New Zealand and can be viewed on their website www.immigration.govt.nz .

Medical and travel insurance International students (including group students) must have appropriate and current medical and travel insurance while in New Zealand. College will arrange for medical and travel insurance for the duration of the student’s enrolment as part of the all inclusive fee. Accident insurance ACC provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at www.acc.co.nz .

Health Eligibility for Health Services: Most

international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full costs of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health services are available through the Ministry of Health and can be viewed on their website www.health.govt.nz .

18 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Complaints procedure

If your complaint is not resolved, contact NZQA If you are not satisfied by the outcome of our complaints process you may notify the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Please refer to the NZQA website www.nzqa. govt.nz under About Us – Contact Us for more information on its role. You may also be able to take your complaint to Study Complaints – a dispute resolution provider specialising in supporting international student in resolving disputes with their schools. It can be contacted via its website www.studycomplaints. org.nz or on 0800 00 66 75.

You have several options if you think College has failed to follow the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Internal procedures Step 1 – Contact your caregiver, a family member, or friend. You can bring a person to any meeting to support you. Step 2 – Contact the boarding Housemaster if it is a boarding matter. – Contact your teacher, or Deputy Headmaster – Teaching & Learning, if it is a problem with the curriculum (academic programme). – Contact the Chief Financial Officer, if it is a financial matter. Step 3 – If you are still not satisfied, present your complaint to our International Student Manager. Step 4 – If the complaint is not dealt with to your satisfaction, prepare a complaint in writing and ask Headmaster Joe Eccleton to consider it. The Christ’s College Complaints Policy can be found on the Health & Wellbeing page of the College website.

Your first week

Bank accounts and finances You will be taken by your local caregiver to open a bank account. You are advised to only carry a small amount of cash (up to $20) with you, as you are able to use an EFTPOS machine (electronic transfer) to make purchases in all shops. You will also be able to get cash out at a shop or an ATM (automatic teller machine) in many shopping areas. Mobile phone It is important for a student to have a charged mobile phone with them at all times outside school hours, so that College staff can make contact, and for students to contact staff or caregivers in an emergency. Strict rules apply to the use of mobile phones during the school day. If your mobile phone number changes, you must let the International Student Manager know immediately.

Transport 1. Students can purchase a bike. Cycle Safety lessons can be arranged for international students. Sessions are run by the Christchurch City Council https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/getting- around/schooltravel/resources-for- schools/cyclesafe . 2. Christ’s College will assist students in obtaining a Metrocard in order to use the public bus system. Students can scan the QR code to get up-to-date timetables and information http://www.metroinfo. co.nz/info/Pages/QRCodes.aspx . Contactless debit/credit cards and digital wallets such as Google Pay and Apple Pay will be accepted on all Metro buses and ferries in Greater Christchurch. Contactless payments cost the same as a standard Metro fare — $3 for buses/$5 for ferries. Vehicles and driving International students are prohibited from owning or driving vehicles or motorbikes while in New Zealand with the exception of seniors who may meet the criteria of the school’s Driving and Owning a Car Policy for International Students.

20 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Orientation and support programme

Therefore, College provides: • Assistance to enrol for intensive language tuition before starting College, if required • An ESOL programme that has been woven into the academic timetable. It is facilitated and taught by the ESOL department, with class sizes often no larger than four In addition to bringing high quality of teaching to the role, the ESOL teacher takes time to develop an informal pastoral care role with the students • An opportunity for students who live in a boarding House to be formally introduced to those people involved in their pastoral care, including the Deputy Headmaster – Student Care, their Housemaster and Deputy Housemaster, their House Matron, and their mentor • Caregiver services, including orientation, local transport, banking etc • A map of the city, bus timetables, a guide to Christchurch – including local supermarkets and entertainment options.

Before departing your home country, you will undertake an online orientation designed to provide you with an introduction to New Zealand, Christchurch, and Christ’s College. Before the year starts, new international students will gather at Christ’s College to become familiar with the school and their boarding House, get their uniform, set up their laptop with Digital Services, and explore a little of central Christchurch. Then, at the beginning of each year Christ’s College welcomes all new students, international, national, and local, to College with a variety of orientation activities co-ordinated by the Deputy Headmaster – Student Care, Housemasters, and senior students. It is formed around the College House system. This establishes firm friendships and knowledge of College life in a way that allows all to learn together. In addition, this booklet provides answers to many questions that students new to College will have. It is appropriate that students who come from non-English speaking countries and are a long way from their usual support networks have access to systems of support specific to their needs while they are at Christ’s College.

Everyday Christchurch

Malls These are great options for gathering what you need in one place. Malls around Christchurch include: • South City – a great option for sushi

Supermarkets PAK’nSAVE is usually the cheapest supermarket. The closest PAK’nSAVE to Christ’s College is at 279 Moorhouse Ave, phone (03) 377 1000. There is also a New World at 175 Durham Street South, phone (03) 377 6778. Kosco Asian Supermarket Kosco is an Asian mega supermarket that offers a full range of Asian foods, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Taiwanese and Malaysian foods. The closest Kosco is at 651 Colombo Street.

• Westfield Riccarton • Northlands, Papanui • Hornby/Dress Smart.

Entertainment EntX is a one-stop entertainment destination offering mini golf, bowling lanes, arcade and ticket games, and virtual reality rides. EntX Christchurch is located at 617–649 Colombo Street, Christchurch Central. Useful links for information about Christchurch: https://www.ccc.govt.nz/culture-and- community/christchurch http://www.christchurchnz.com/what-to- see-and-do/ https://www.christchurchtop10.co.nz/ sightseeing http://www.christchurcheducated.co.nz/ http://www.christchurcheducated.co.nz/ play/christchurch-educated-international- student-association/

Post Office The closest Post Office to the school is at 67 Cashel Street. Stores • The Warehouse, 265 Blenheim Road • Kmart Westfield, Riccarton Mall, 129 Riccarton Road

22 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Pastoral care

We take our duty of care seriously. Our pastoral care approach is designed to make sure every boy feels safe and supported, and develops a sense of belonging to the College community .

The Housemaster should be the first person you contact if you have any problems or concerns. Each boy is assigned to the particular care of a staff member who will act as a mentor, support him with goal planning, and monitor his progress. In addition, College has a comprehensive counselling and support service, with several people – including the Chaplain, our two College counsellors, and the Careers Advisor, International Student Manager, nurses, and matrons – in our guidance network. The Student Wellbeing page on Schoolbox, run by the Student Wellbeing Committee with the support of the Health & Wellbeing team, is a self-help initiative that provides links to practical ideas and resources designed to help students in need and to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. It is well worth a look. At College, we take a firm stand on bullying or harassment and do not tolerate abusive behaviour. We encourage students to report any instances of bullying or harassment, either by talking to a trusted member of staff or by using the anonymous notification on stymie.co.nz. We will respect your confidentiality, and undertake to investigate and resolve such issues in a satisfactory and timely manner.

If you require support in your first language, speak to any of the above support people and it will be arranged for you.

Centre for Wellbeing We believe the best education focuses not only on academic achievement, but also on the development of character strengths and wellbeing. The Centre for Wellbeing brings positive psychology and best teaching practice together to promote good relationships, foster resilience, and encourage positive lifestyle choices. College counsellors Our College counsellors offer a professional, confidential counselling service for boys and their families. They have considerable experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in need, and understand the psychological and social stressors and mental health issues many young people face today. Support people If you have a problem, talk to the following people: • Your Housemaster • Your House Matron • Your House tutor • Your Head of House • The International Student Manager • Your local caregiver • The Wellbeing team – school counsellors or nurses • The College Chaplain.

Health Centre

• The Health Centre is staffed by a registered nurse, Monday through to Friday. • All boys are able to make use of this facility for first aid. • If your son becomes ill during the day, the Health Centre and/or the matron will update the International Student Manager on their condition, and the plan for their care. • If your son remains in isolation within the House, this will be set up for the night, prior to the matron going off duty. The matron will brief the House staff who will check on your son and the overnight nurse who will also check in on the student. • All boys are able to contact the overnight nurse directly throughout the night via the call button. In the morning, if the overnight nurse has been up with an ill student, she will let the matron know and she will notify the parents and the Health Centre staff. • If your son is unable to remain at College in the boarding House due to sickness, his caregiver will be contacted to pick him up from school.

MALCOLM SCOTT Lead Counsellor

CHELITA FONMOA Counsellor

24 – Your guide to Christ’s College

know who to talk to

Your Housemaster • If you are unhappy • If you are struggling with school work • If you are getting a hard time or being bullied

Your Head of House • If you need advice • If you want to talk to a student rather than an adult • If you want to talk with someone who has been in your shoes

CANTERBURY CHRIST’S COLLEGE

Adjusting to a new culture

Stages of culture shock The five stages of culture shock are: 1. The Honeymoon Stage – You are very positive, curious, and anticipate new exciting experiences. You even idealise the host culture. 2. Irritability and Hostility – You start to feel that what is different is actually inferior. The host culture is confusing or the systems are frustrating. It is a small step from saying that they do things in a different way to saying that they do things in a stupid way. You may blame your frustrations on the new culture (and its shortcomings) rather than on the adaptation process. 3. Gradual Adjustment – You feel more relaxed and develop a more balanced, objective view of your experience. 4. Adaptation of Biculturalism – You feel a new sense of belonging and sensitivity to the host culture. 5. Re-entry Shock – You go home and it is not what you expected it to be. Strategies for coping with cultural stress Personal supports Ways of thinking and feeling – understanding the stages of cultural adjustment: • Analyse your situation and reactions; be flexible; tolerate ambiguity; expect things to be different

Culture shock It is common to experience ‘culture shock’ when you move to a foreign setting. This is a normal reaction to a new environment where you are no longer in control, as you have been at home. You may experience a range of emotions when adapting to a foreign culture, from excitement and interest, to frustration, depression and fear of the unknown. Culture shock is a term used to describe what happens to people when they encounter unfamiliar surroundings and conditions. People differ greatly in the degree to which culture shock affects them, but almost everyone is affected by it in one way or another. Symptoms vary, but can include: • Boredom • Withdrawal – for example spending excessive amounts of time reading; avoiding contact with host nationals • Feeling isolated or helpless • Sleeping a lot or tiring easily • Irritation over delays and other minor frustrations • Suffering from body pains and aches • Longing to be back home • Unduly criticising local customs or ways of doing things.

26 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Physical supports • Eat in a healthy way and get plenty of rest. • Identify any problems – for example, binge eating – and make plans to manage them. • Find safe and fun ways to exercise on a regular basis. • Bring a sufficient supply of necessary medications from your home country.

• Be patient; do not try to understand everything immediately; identify what helps you manage stress • Identify ways of thinking positively; foster your sense of humour; do not take things too seriously; give yourself permission to fail

• Investigate facts. Social supports • Identify your sources of support

(programme staff, other participants, friends and family at home, academic advisors etc.) and the types of support that each can best offer. • Plan in advance how you will keep in contact with family and friends while in New Zealand. • Do not isolate yourself. Seek out friends and groups who share your interests and can facilitate your participation in social circles.

Our School Routine

Boarders are expected to be in residence by 8pm on the evening before term begins and dayboys should be at their House by 8.10am on the first morning of term. Blazers are to be worn to Monday and Friday Chapel (during Term 1 and 4), Wednesday Congers and Thursday Assembly. Dress uniform (suit) is to be worn on Mondays and Fridays in Terms 2 and 3, as well as Sunday Chapel, Prize-giving, and other formal occasions, as appropriate. House time is held every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8.15am. There is a whole school Assembly every Thursday at 9.20am. Chapel services are held at 8.30am on Monday and Friday, and on Sundays throughout the year (dates and times are available on the website). Congregational singing practice (Congers) takes place on Wednesday at 10.20am.

There are six 50-minute lessons on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On Wednesday, the first lesson is 45 minutes and, thereafter, each lesson is 40 minutes, which allows time for Congers and sport. There is a late start for students on Thursday, with no House time and Assembly at 9.20am. Thursday’s first lesson commences at 10am followed by six 40-minute lessons. The routine has sufficient time built in to allow students to transfer between classes. Any requests for permission to leave early or arrive late should be made to your Housemaster, in advance and with good reason.

Weekly routine example

W EDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

House Time 8.15am Chapel 8.30–9am (One House each week has House time)

House Time 8.15am Mentor Time 8.30–9am

House Time 8.15am

No House Time Staff PL 8.20–9.10am Assembly 9.20–10am

House Time 8.15am Chapel 8.30–9am (One House each week has House time)

9–9.50am

8.30–9.15am

10–10.40am

9–9.50am

9.55–10.45am 9.55–10.45am 9.20–10am

10.45–11.25am 9.55–10.45am

Break 10.45–11.05am 10.45–11.05am 10–10.20am

11.25–11.45am 10.45–11.05am

Congers 10.20–11am Department Meetings 10.20–11am

11.05–11.55am 11.05–11.55am 11–11.40am

11.45am–12.25pm 11.05–11.55am

12–12.50pm

12.00–12.50pm 11.45am–12.25pm 12.30–1.10pm 12–12.50pm

Lunch 12.50–1.50pm 12.50–1.50pm 12.25–1.05pm

1.10–2.10pm

12.50–1.50pm

1.50–2.40pm

1.05–1.45pm

2.10–2.50pm

1.50–2.40pm

2.45–3.35pm

1.50–2.30pm

2.55–3.35pm 2.45–3.35pm

28 – Your guide to Christ’s College

Leaving College

If you wish to leave College before the year is complete: • Talk to the International Student Manager about why you want to leave, or write a letter to the Headmaster explaining your reasons • Have a letter or email from your parents agreeing to the decision to leave • If you think you are entitled to a refund, write to the Executive Headmaster asking for a refund and saying why you are leaving early • Complete the leaving procedures following the instructions on the Leavers Form (the Housemaster will give you this) • Make sure you leave a contact address and phone number so we can contact you if necessary. You may be asked to leave College if: • You do not attend regularly – that is, you are in non-compliance with your student visa • Your behaviour persistently breaks the school and/or boarding House rules • Your behaviour in your boarding House is persistently unacceptable.

In cases of unacceptable behaviour, the following procedures will be followed: 1. The Housemaster and/or Deputy Headmaster – Student Care will counsel and, as appropriate, discipline you 2. If your behaviour does not improve, the Executive Headmaster will issue you with a warning letter, and your parents (and your agent) will be sent a copy of this letter. In the instance of extreme behaviour, you may be asked to leave immediately 3. If your behaviour is still unacceptable after a warning letter, your Offer of Place will be withdrawn. Your parents will be notified immediately 4. Depending on the circumstances, you may be given the option of enrolling with an alternative provider in New Zealand. Note: If you leave the school for any reason before your Student Visa expires, the International Student Manager will notify Immigration that you are no longer a student at this school.

Refund conditions

of the student or to an agent with written authority from the parents. No refunds will be given directly to the student. Christ’s College will make no refund • When a student is required to leave College for a breach of the rules and conditions of enrolment at College or has broken New Zealand law. • Where a student has been stood down, suspended, or excluded. • Where a student returns home for any reason other than serious illness or death of a parent or student’s sibling. • If the enrolment application is found to be inaccurate in any way and the contract is terminated. • If a student wants to transfer to another school or education institution. • If a student is asked to leave because of a violation of the Contractual Agreement with College. Accommodation fees Accommodation fees include fees held for a student living in one of our boarding Houses. Immigration Immigration New Zealand will be notified if any student ceases to attend Christ’s College for whatever reason. Parents will be asked to sign the refund conditions agreement as part of the International Student Contract of Enrolment

Refund Policy In order to be eligible for any refund, the parents must apply in writing to the Executive Principal, stating the reasons for withdrawal from the course of study. 1. If notice of cancellation is received in writing two weeks before the commencement of the course, full tuition fees and boarding fees will be refunded, less a NZ$2500 administration fee. 2. If the parents wish to cancel the student’s further study after the course has commenced, tuition fees for the current school term, plus one subsequent term’s fees, will be retained. 3. No refund when enrolment is withdrawn by the school. 4. When the passport status has been changed to permanent residence or work visa status, international tuition fees for the current school term plus one subsequent term’s fees will be retained. From then on, the student is considered a domestic student. Compassionate refund In exceptional circumstances, the Board of Governors may approve refunds on compassionate grounds in respect of serious illness or the death of: • The student

• A parent of the student • A sibling of the student.

Payment of refunds All refunds will be paid to either the parents

30 – Your guide to Christ’s College

CANTERBURY

Dec 24

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