When you study abroad in New Zealand with Wellington High School there are certains standards of behaviour that have to be met to ensure all students have a positive study experience. All international students have the code of behaviour explained and discussed during orientation. Then they sign the agreement and meet the requirements.
• I understand that while I am enrolled as a student at Wellington High School attendance is compulsory and is a condition of my Student Permit issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
• My classroom behaviour and academic performance must be exemplary and I will attempt all classroom tasks and homework exercises.
• I understand that if I am given failing grades or marks or there is an official complaint about my attitude, attendance or behaviour, I may be sent home.
• Any illegal use, purchase or possession of alcohol, drugs or other harmful controlled substances may result in my immediate suspension.
• While I am at Wellington High School I am not allowed to drive or purchase a car or motor bike until I have been here for at least one year, have a valid New Zealand drivers licence and written permission from my parents. The car must be insured. The school must see proof of all the above.
• I am not permitted to hitchhike at all while I am enrolled as a secondary school student.
• If I have stated on my application that I do not smoke, then I will not smoke during my stay. If I am a smoker, I will not bring cigarettes to school nor smoke on the school campus.
• All my activities must be approved by my host parents and my school. If I travel during vacation periods I agree to give my host parents and school a written itinerary and I understand that no travelling is to be undertaken during school time. For all travelling and all potentially dangerous activities such as bungy jumping, sky diving, white water rafting etc., I understand that I must have the written permission of my parents in my home country and that this must be received by the school.
• I understand that my parents will be informed of any concerns the school has.
Signed: ……………………………………………….
Witness: ……………………………………………..
Date: ………………………………………………
Some helpful hints
School
The school day is from 8.45am to 3.20pm. There are five teaching periods of about one hour each day. Year 12 & 13 students usually study 5 courses of four periods each per week.
The school library is open before and after school so that students can use it for study and research.
All textbooks are provided by the school but students must buy their own stationery and pay for books they lose.
Lockers are available for storage of books because students move to different classrooms for each subject. Students should not keep valuables or money in their locker.
Attendance
All students are expected to be at school during school hours and any absence must be explained by a letter from parent, guardian or doctor.
Reports
Students receive a school report twice a year. A comprehensive summary of this report is sent to parents. Parents may be contacted at any time by the school if there is concern about student attendance, behaviour or academic progress.
Discipline
All members of the school community are expected to respect each other, the environment and the good name of Wellington High School.
Physical violence, verbal abuse and sexual harassment are unacceptable and students may be expelled from the school if their conduct breaks this rule. Students may also be expelled for possession of alcohol or drugs on the school campus.
Clothing
Wellington has a temperate climate, the temperature is seldom above 20°C in the winter. Clothing is expensive in New Zealand, so it is a good idea for students to bring all their needs with them. There is no school uniform at Wellington High School.
Transport
The inner city bus service brings most students to school. Students can purchase a monthly bus pass for about $80.00 which they can use every day, weekends included.
Taxis are expensive and are not usually used by students.
If you wish to own or drive a car while enrolled at this school, you must have completed one full year of study in New Zealand, have written permission from your parents, be a licensed New Zealand driver and have vehicle insurance. You will not be permitted to own a car while you are in a school-arranged homestay. If you fail to comply with any of these restrictions, you may have your enrolment at the school terminated.
Smoking
The Wellington High School campus is a smoke free environment. There is no smoking at school and students are expected to respect this rule.
Social Life
Wellington has a wide variety of entertainment facilities, restaurants, theatres and sports clubs, many open for 24 hours. There are international student groups attached to the Universities for almost every ethnic group, students are able to participate in their activities if they wish to.
Work
Students in Yr 12 & 13 are permitted to work part-time, up to 15 hours a week, with their parents' and the school's permission. They apply to the Dean for permission in the first instance.