International Students - General Information

English for Speakers of Others Languages (ESOL)

Each international student is supported by an ESOL programme. On arrival, an assessment of the English level of the student is made. There is no cost for extra instruction when it is arranged by the school and is taken by staff. The School accepts students with a range of abilities in English language.

There will be regular reports to parents on the progress of the students.

Facilities Equipment and Staffing

Tahuna Normal Intermediate School specializes in teaching and learning programmes for Year 7 and 8 students. It is a "Normal" school, which means it has close links with the University of Otago  College of Education.
Tahuna has 18 classes where students learn English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health and Physical Education with their home room teacher. Students also enjoy the specialist teaching in Technology, Music and Art. Technology includes working with Foods, Materials, Biotechnology, and in Workshops with a range of materials.
Tahuna is well resourced for the varying curriculum needs of this age group. Staff are enthusiastic, and deliver quality programmes, enhanced by outstanding performing arts and sporting opportunities.
Courses
International Students have enrolled for a variety of reasons. Common reasons include:

• New Zealand Curriculum Framework
• To improve English - reading, writing and speaking
• To improve conversation English
• To improve understanding of the New Zealand way of life
• To prepare for Secondary School in New Zealand.

Reporting to Parents

Parents are welcome to inquire about progress at any time. Open communication between home and school is encouraged. Twice a year there will be formal school reports which detail progress in each subject.
If parents have questions about academic progress, they should contact the class teacher through the school office.

Accommodation

It is a condition of enrolment that the International Student must be living with their parents, or a designated caregiver. If they are to live with a designated caregiver, then Tahuna must receive an indemnity document signed by the students parents, the Principal must visit the home to ensure the home is suitable, and meet with the child once a term to ensure they are still happy in their accommodation.

The offer of place is therefore dependent on the Principal being satisfied that the student will be in appropriate accommodation.

Uniform

Uniforms are an important part of the identity of a school in New Zealand. Students who enroll at Tahuna Normal Intermediate must wear the correct school uniform.

Attendance at School
 
A student must attend school every day. If they are absent there must be an explanation. If a student is sick for more than two days their absence must be covered by a medical certificate from a doctor.
If a student is continually absent without due cause they can be removed from the school by the principal as they are breaking the conditions of their visa.

Health and Safety

In some cases we are unable to guarantee the health and well-being of the student, because the student has issues relating to mental and physical health that were not disclosed prior to enrolment or have arisen since arrival. In such cases the Principal reserves the right to terminate the contract for enrolment.

Grievance Procedures

In all matters of discipline the Board of Trustees will be involved in the decision to remove a student from the school. If there is a problem, the student should approach the Teacher in charge of International Students first. If this teacher is unable to resolve the problem, the matter is referred to the Principal.
 
If the Principal makes a decision that parents feel is unreasonable or unfair, they approach the Board of Trustees who will form a Review Committee and report to the parents.

The Board of Trustees decisions are based on the Charter and Policies of the school. These documents form the basis of all work in the school.