A guide to student exchanges at Christ's College

A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

2 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

Contents

Welcome to the Christ’s College student exchange programme ................................................................ 4 – Types of exchanges at Christ’s College – Round Square exchanges – The exchange process Guidance for incoming exchange students and their parents .............................................................................................. 6 – Introduction

– Christ’s College – the way we do things – Why students attend Christ’s College

Our people ............................................................................................................. 7 Practical information ..................................................................................... 9 The exchange programme .......................................................................... 12 – Our expectations – Our responsibilities – Responsibilities of parents of incoming exchange students – Exchange Coordinator Guidance for outgoing Christ’s College exchange students and their parents ................................................ 15 – Essential information Guidance for Christ’s College host families . ................................. 18

Welcome to the Christ’s College student exchange programme

Exchanges offer a wonderful opportunity for students to explore the world, take themselves out of their comfort zone, and enhance their global citizenship. All exchanges are fully reciprocal, which means that a College boy who goes on exchange will need to host an exchange student at some stage within a period of 12 months. They will do this at school, in their homes (day students) or in boarding. The exchange period may include some holiday time, in which case, the host student is expected to host their exchangee during the holidays. All exchanges are subject to strict protocols to provide a safe environment for exchange students. Types of exchanges at Christ’s College Christ’s College is prepared to exchange students with any suitable school across the world. Current exchanges have been established with IBSC (International Boys’ Schools Coalition) schools, including Montgomery Bell Academy, Nashville, United States (for senior students), Konan Boys’ High School, Japan, and Round Square schools. Most exchanges are with Round Square schools.

4 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

The exchange process The Christ’s College Exchange Coordinator will advertise exchange opportunities to College boys and parents and invite expressions of interest. College boys will then be sent an application form for the exchange. Applicants will be assessed for their suitability and boys will be selected for the exchange (usually only one to three boys at a time). The successful applicants and their parents will be informed of the details of the exchange. Parents will be asked to consent to the exchange and organise flights. Furthermore, parents will be asked to consent to host the incoming exchange student. The school hosting College boys will provide further information about hosting arrangements and will ask the parents of the College boys to provide their son’s medical details and to consent to the exchange. The Christ’s College Exchange Coordinator works with the co-hosting school coordinator to match students appropriately and finalise the administrative arrangements.

Round Square exchanges There are more than 250 Round Square schools around the world. Round Square schools offer their students an opportunity to to embrace a global perspective and all RS schools embrace the IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. For more information about Round Square, see www.roundsquare.org Special note: “Round Square’s role in student exchanges is one of facilitator, enabling Round Square Candidate and Member Schools to connect and organise exchanges for the benefit of the students taking part. Round Square does not organise any exchanges itself and is not therefore responsible for individual exchange arrangements. It is important for students and parents to note that Round Square does not vet or monitor the arrangements made by the schools and does not have any contact with, or role in selecting, host families. Round Square provides schools with best practice protocols but you must satisfy yourselves that the arrangements made by the individual school you are considering allowing your child to visit are appropriate. Round Square therefore accepts no legal responsibility or liability for student exchanges whatsoever.”

Guidance for incoming exchange students and their parents

Introduction The information contained in this booklet should be read in conjunction with the more detailed coverage provided on the College website at www.christscollege.com. Christ’s College is an independent boarding and day school for boys from Years 9–13 (ages 13–18). It is an historical part of Canterbury’s original settlement and provides a modern education against a backdrop of heritage and tradition. Christ’s College began when Canterbury began, in 1850. It was planned in England to be a part of the Canterbury Church of England settlement. Christ’s College was to be modelled on ‘the great grammar schools’ (i.e. public schools) of England, such as Eton and Westminster. The College has survived and flourished, in the process becoming one of New Zealand’s best-known schools. It has also become an international school, drawing boys from all over the world. Christ’s College has been proud to welcome exchange students from partner schools in United States, England, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and Australia in the past and looks to foster future relationships in the future. We have a proud history of academic and sporting excellence and many of our past students have made their mark, both nationally and abroad. Boys visiting Christ’s College on exchange will be welcomed into the College community and will have many opportunities to make new friends, and enjoy new experiences.

The way we do things Everything we do is based on our school virtues: Honesty Being truthful and sincere in words and actions Spirituality Appreciating that in seeking a fullness of life we need to look beyond our material needs and wants Compassion Being generous towards those less fortunate than ourselves Learning Striving to become independent, lifelong learners, and recognising the right of others to learn Respect Cultivating an attitude of respect, for ourselves, for others, and for our school and community. Stewardship Recognising the good we have received from the past so that it may be preserved or enhanced Justice Accepting people’s differences and being fair in all our dealings with others

6 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

Our people

Why students attend Christ’s College • High standards and high expectations – ‘aspirational’ ethos • A strong sense of community, as well as care for individuals • Amazing opportunities in and out of the classroom • Excellent teachers and small class sizes • Each boy at his best – this means each boy must aim to maximise his potential, with the help of teachers, Housemasters, Deputy Housemasters, and mentors • Wellbeing – an emphasis on students’ strengths, positive relationships and positive emotions, and resilience • The House system – Housemaster, mentors, goal planning, and House events

Garth Wynne Executive Principal

Darrell Thatcher Deputy Principal – Planning & Co-curricular

Riki Clark Counsellor riki.clark@christscollege.com

Kirsty Robinson Counsellor krobinson@christscollege.com

Nicky Taylor Health Centre Nurse healthcentre@christscollege.com

Rachel Trengrove Health Centre Nurse healthcentre@christscollege.com

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

Sarah Davidson International Student Manager sarah.davidson@christscollege.com

8 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

Practical information

Clothing requirements Christ’s College boys wear a school uniform. Exchange students should bring their own school uniform with them. Health Centre facilities The Health Centre is run by trained nurses and serviced by the school’s medical practitioner. All special medication requirements and medical prescriptions should be detailed on the exchange enrolment form. Insurance All incoming exchange students are required to have adequate travel insurance cover. Spending money Because it is such a personal matter, it is difficult to provide guidelines for the amount of spending money which exchange students should bring with them. A debit card is the best way to manage funds – allowing parents to monitor/top up as required. Internet access Christ’s College offers all boys access to the internet. The use of the internet is a privilege and may be revoked if abused. Boys are also able to use private laptops on the College network once their use has been approved by Digital Services.

Christ’s College is an all-boys day and boarding school in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our setting is known throughout New Zealand for its unique mix of convenience and beauty. We are in the centre of Christchurch, with its art galleries, theatres, museums, concert halls, and sports venues, while surrounded by the Botanic Gardens and the open spaces of Hagley Park. How to get here Christchurch is New Zealand’s third-largest city and has an international airport with direct flights from both southern and northern hemisphere countries. Connecting flights through Auckland are another option Climate Christ’s College is located near the middle of the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand and enjoys a very favourable climate. Summers are mild but warm, while winters are often frosty in the mornings with sunny days to follow. A warm, waterproof jacket is advisable in the winter terms. Accommodation for exchange students Christ’s College has both day and boarding students. Exchange students are accommodated in one of three boarding Houses or with a host family from the College community. All exchange students will be allocated to the Pastoral House of their host student. The relevant Housemaster will then take responsibility for the pastoral and academic care of the exchange student while they are at College.

Weekly Routine

W EDNESDAY THURSDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

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 Year group each week has mentor 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

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

Map of Christ’s College

Fine Arts & Technology

Open Air Block

Chapel

DINING HALL

Julius / Harper

Selwyn

Upper West (construction in progress)

Upper (field)

Library

CHAPMAN ROOM

Quad

The Miles Warren Building

Hare Memorial

Admin

Swimming Pool

Entrance

Gym

School House

OBT

Jacobs House

Science

ASSEMBLY HALL

Richards House

Music School

10 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

The Christ’s College graduate

Compassion & empathy Ngakau Aroha, Ngakau Whakāro Nui ki te Tangata

These are the character attributes developed through the boys' College experience. We believe they will enable our College graduates to flourish in an ever-changing world.

The action of caring and concern for the suffering and misfortune of others, and the ability to understand, share and respond to the feelings of others.

Courage & resilience Te Hautoa me te Manawaroa o te tangata Having the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, withstand danger and confront fear or difficulty, combined with the ability and capacity to respond positively to setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances.

Enterprise & curiosity Te Āhua Pauaua me te Whakamatemate

Confidence & humility Ngakau titikaha, ngakau māhaki Possessing an optimistic perspective and certainty of purpose, balanced by a modest sense of self-importance.

A readiness or daring to engage in a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky, and a strong desire to understand and learn something new.

Self-awareness Aroā Whaiaro

Personal excellence Te Hiranga ake

Interpersonal skills Nga Pūkenga Takahoahoa The ability to communicate or interact positively and meaningfully with others and to present oneself with appropriate manners and regard.

The ongoing desire of the individual to develop and empower their character, gifts, talents and relationships to the fullest, achieving a harmony in how they think, feel, believe and behave.

A conscious knowledge of personal character, strengths, weaknesses, abilities, beliefs and emotions.

A disposition to serve Whaiaro Āwhina Tangata

The capacity to lead and follow Te Āheitanga ki te Arataki me te Tautoko tangata

Global and bicultural competence He Matatautanga Āo Whanui, Āo Tikangarua The knowledge, skills and open-mindedness necessary to navigate and engage with today’s interconnected world – both in a global and a bicultural New Zealand context.

A willingness to selflessly help and do work for the benefit of others, the community and the environment.

The ability to influence and initiate by action or example, balanced by the understanding of when to be guided, to conform, to heed or to observe.

The exchange programme

The purpose of the exchange is to promote friendship and understanding between students from different schools and to provide boys with valuable experiences in another country, which may expand their understanding of global citizenship Our expectations Exchange students will be expected to participate fully in the academic and co-curricular life of Christ’s College, including sporting and cultural programmes and Chapel commitments. Boys coming to Christ’s College will be expected to observe the rules and regulations of the school. Should a student not comply with the expectations of the exchange programme, Christ’s College reserves the right to cancel the exchange and to send the student home at his parents’ expense. All visitors to New Zealand will require the appropriate passport and visa documentation as set by New Zealand Immigration law. This is the responsibility of the exchange student. Our responsibilities Students selected for an exchange should be independent and able to cope with the boarding school experience or staying with a host family. On acceptance to the programme, Christ’s College will: • provide each exchange student with an official letter of acceptance, essential information about the school, and forms to be returned for processing

• ensure that he is collected at Christchurch International Airport on his arrival and delivered there for his return journey at the end of the exchange. Parents and school will be notified of the student’s arrival and safe departure • provide accommodation, board, and tuition for the duration of the exchange • where possible, will ensure a match between the exchange student’s academic programmes but it is recognised that it may not always be possible to provide the same subject choices • provide necessary text books and exercise books at no charge. Text books must be returned at the end of the exchange. Access to the library will also be provided but any borrowed library books are to be returned before departure. Students are advised to bring their own calculator • insist on daily academic effort and attendance at classes, while allowing ample time for students to pursue any special projects or assignments set by teachers at their schools of origin • maintain periodic contact with the parents of exchange students and their schools of origin via the coordinator of the exchange programme • provide opportunities for the exchange student to experience life in the wider Canterbury area • ensure that all education outside the classroom requirements for excursions and activities have been met.

12 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

Responsibilities of parents of incoming exchange students Once Christ’s College has accepted a student into the exchange programme, his parents will be expected to: • arrange for the necessary air tickets and visas and pay all costs associated with their procurement • continue to pay tuition and boarding fees to their respective schools during the period of the exchange and will not be expected to pay the fees at the host school • arrange adequate insurance for medical accidents and all personal effects. Christ’s College will require proof of insurance cover for each exchange student on arrival. • Depending on the length of stay agreed upon, there may be a bond payable to Christ’s College to cover extra-curricular activities outside of the school sporting team involvement that the school covers. The balance will be refunded to you after the exchange when all costs have been accounted for.

Exchange Coordinator Sarah Davidson, International Student Manager and Round Square representative, is the coordinator of the exchange programme and may be contacted at any time. Email: sarah.davidson@christscollege.com Phone: 0064 27 430 6153 Postal Address Christ’s College, Private Bag 4900, Christchurch, New Zealand Physical Address Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand

14 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

Guidance for outgoing Christ’s College exchange students and their parents

the rules and regulations of the school and the laws of the country. This is of great importance as you are acting as an ambassador for Christ’s College and New Zealand. 4. Health Health services and facilities differ between countries and you will be required to take out your own travel insurance policy. Once the exchange has been confirmed, please see your GP to ensure that all necessary immunisations are acquired in good time. You will be asked to complete a medical form by the host school. On arrival at the host school, it will acquaint you with local arrangements in case of illness. 5. School work There is an expectation from Christ’s College and the host school that you will work to the best of your academic ability while on exchange. This means that you may have work to complete from College while having to complete work from the host school. 6. Accommodation on exchange – school boarding If you are placed in boarding accommodation during your exchange, then the rules and procedures governing the accommodation will be explained to you on arrival. Make sure that you understand the expectations and fulfil them to a very high standard. A small gift for the Exchange Coordinator at the host school who has helped to organise your exchange would be appreciated.

Essential information

1. Exchange application process As a student interested in participating in an exchange, it is first necessary to complete an application form provided by the Exchange Coordinator. Once the application has been completed by you and your parents, it will be passed to your Housemaster for their comments. Please note that the completion of an application does not guarantee participation in an exchange. 2. Travel arrangements Once your application has been approved by all parties at College and travel dates agreed with the host school, it is your responsibility to make travel arrangements. This should include ensuring that your passport is up to date, obtaining a visa if necessary, and arranging and booking flights. As soon as these details are known, they should be passed to the Exchange Coordinator so that they can be communicated to the host school. Usually travel arrangements to and from the airport are arranged in conjunction with the host school and the Exchange Coordinator will assist with this. In cases where two or more students are travelling to a school, we would want them to travel together. The Exchange Coordinator can help parents to coordinate the travel arrangements. 3. Research on the host country As it is likely that you will be travelling to a country that you have not visited before, it is necessary for you to research the school and the country to familiarise yourself with the different culture and, more importantly, local safety considerations and laws. In your application process, you will have signed a document to say that you will abide by

7. Accommodation on exchange – homestay If you are placed in homestay accommodation, you must behave with the utmost courtesy at all times. Follow the rules of the host family’s household. You are a guest in someone else’s home and your conduct must be exemplary. You must act with great courtesy and politeness and be prepared to help with household chores. Keep your room tidy and respect shared facilities, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Abide by the expectations of your host family when it comes to computer and phone use. Respect the cultural and religious differences of your host family, and at the host school. Appropriate local checks will have taken place of all prospective host families in terms of child safety. As a guest in someone’s home, you should bring a small gift from home to show your appreciation for their generosity in taking you into their home. 8. Dealing with problems Each host school will have its own teaching and pastoral system which will be explained to you on arrival. Make sure you know who you can talk to in case of any problems. Remember that there will be an Exchange Coordinator at the school who will have organised the exchange at the other end, and who will always be available to help with any problems.

9. Finances Many schools require a financial bond to be paid for expenses during the exchange or to act as a deposit for the use of a laptop, iPad etc. There is no fee for participating in an exchange, such as school fees, as the exchanges are part of the reciprocal agreement between Round Square schools. However, you are responsible for all travel costs, insurance costs, and any other incidental costs incurred as part of the exchange. In terms of spending money, it is not advisable to carry large amounts of cash. Make sure you have access to money via an ATM card or similar. Make sure you keep some money for the journey home, including excess baggage, if it is necessary.

10. Behavioural expectations While on exchange you are acting as an

ambassador of your country and more specifically, Christ’s College. This is a position not to be taken lightly, as your time in the host school obviously leaves a deep and lasting impression and one that will affect future exchange prospects with that institution. During your exchange, you must abide by the rules of the school and the laws governing the host country. Remember, if it is not acceptable at Christ’s College, it is not acceptable at the host school. Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs are absolutely prohibited. The use of any of these substances will result in immediate removal from the host school and you will be sent home at your parents’ expense to face the consequences of your behaviour on return to Christ’s College.

16 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

11. Daily life in the host school Everyday life in the host school will be different to that which you are used to at home. You have been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be educated for a short time in another country. Make sure you involve yourself in as many areas of school life as you can. Work hard in your academic studies and involve yourself in co-curricular activities as much as you can. This is a fabulous opportunity to try an unfamiliar activity and learn a new skill. 12. And finally … We hope that your exchange will be a very enriching experience that you remember for the rest of your life. Remember that you only get what you put in. While you are there, remember to take lots of photos and videos as you may be expected to write a short report when you return, or to present something at Assembly.

Guidance for Christ’s College host families

Thank you very much for agreeing to host an exchange student as part of your son’s participation in the programme. Staff members at their own schools have vetted the students who come to us on exchange. In addition, they have been told what their school expects of them. The following guidelines may help to ensure that all parties involved enjoy the exchange experience. 1. Make your expectations of the visiting student clear at the beginning of their stay. They will be living in your home and your rules apply. Let them know what you expect in terms of tidiness, laundry, meal times, IT and phone usage etc. You may also find it helpful to find out what they hope to achieve while staying with you. 2. Encourage them to stay in regular contact with their parents/families, using their phones and laptops. 3. Explain curfews. It is recommended that exchange students not be allowed to attend parties during the week or go out late. Your visitor is here on an academic/cultural exchange and is therefore expected to be actively involved, as much as possible, in normal homework activities. 4. Arrange lunch for the student, as you do for your own child or give the student the opportunity to make their own lunch. If they are unaccustomed to our food, encourage them to help you with the shopping and to find a mutually acceptable solution. The school does not provide free lunches for exchange students.

5. Please pay for your exchange student when he is involved in a family meal in a restaurant or goes out with you. However, it is not expected that you will buy expensive items such as a concert ticket, although many families have done this and similarly generous things. It is often helpful for homestay families to find out what an exchange student’s financial position is in order to prevent any awkward situations from arising. 6. When it comes to pocket money, an open discussion should take place between the parents as it is a very personal issue. Clear boundaries and communication of what is regarded as essential is beneficial. Parents are encouraged to set limits which suit their means. 7. Exchange students are required to have medical insurance. We suggest the host makes a copy of the medical insurance details, on their arrival. 8. Safekeeping of passport, other travel documents and cash should be discussed with the student on arrival. Christ’s College will keep a copy of the passport, should it be mislaid. 9. Exchange students are required to bring their own school uniform which they will wear while at College. If they normally wear non-uniform clothing to their school, that will be acceptable. 10. In an emergency at night or during the weekend, please call the Christ’s College Exchange Coordinator, Sarah Davidson, on 027 430 6153. 11. Homestay parents are responsible for meeting exchange students at the airport and for taking them to the airport when their stay is over.

18 A guide to student exchanges at Christ’s College

12. You may be willing, and it is greatly appreciated if you do, to organise day trips to places of interest. We encourage such excursions but request that you notify Ben Vink Deputy Principal – Student Care if the student will be away from school. 13. Our experience has taught us that open communication between all parties involved (host, visitor, parents, and school staff) smoothes the transition and prevents or solves misunderstandings. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions. You should also establish communication between yourselves and the exchange student’s family well before their arrival. We stress that each exchange is unique. The object of the programme is to have an educational/cultural exchange, where the interaction promotes understanding and personal development. We hope you all have a rich and positive experience which leads to lifelong friendships as you ‘celebrate the differences’.

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