Date effective: 1 July 2009
Reviewed by: Director of International Students and Management Team

This policy is based on Section 4B (7) of the Education Amendment (No 4) Act 1991.

"[7] Where at any time a foreign student withdraws from a subject, course, or programme at a state school, the Board may refund to the person who paid (in respect of the student's enrolment in the subject, course, or programme) the amount of fees referred to in subsection (1 ) of this section (or the sum of any instalments paid in respect of those fees) any amount it thinks appropriate not exceeding the extent (if any) by which the amount paid exceeds the sum of the following amounts:
(a) The Board's best estimate of the cost to the Board (including the appropriate proportion of the Board's administrative and other general costs and the appropriate proportion of any initial or start-up costs of the subject, course, or programme for one (1 ) student up to that time:
(b) An amount that is in the Board's opinion an appropriate reflection of the use made by 1 student receiving tuition in the subject, course or programme of the Board's capital facilities:
(c) The approximate proportion of the amount (if any prescribed under section 4D of this Act for a student receiving tuition at a state school in the subject, course or programme.
(d) All other fees (if any) prescribed by the Board."

In order to be eligible for any refund the student must apply in writing to the Board of Trustees, setting out the special circumstances of the claim.
In arriving at their decision the Board of Trustees will take into consideration the special circumstances of the withdrawing student and;

1. costs already incurred by the Board,
2. the salaries of the teachers and support staff and any other components of the fee already committed for the duration of the course,
3. an amount which covers the use of the facilities and resources to date of withdrawal,
4. any refund of the foreign student's fee, from the government.

Except in exceptional circumstances, no refund is payable to a student who withdraws in the second half of the course. In the case of a full year student, the second half of the course commences on the first day of term three.

Dr Paul M Potaka
PRINCIPAL

If a student changes his/her mind before coming to New Zealand, her/his full fees are refunded, minus a $250.00 administration fee.
If a student wishes to withdraw before the completion of one term fees will be refunded minus costs incurred. These include:

• Application fee
• Administration costs
• Tuition costs for Term 1
• Orientation, stationery and subject costs
• Agent's fees
• Government levy
  
• Any other outstanding debts.

If a student wishes to withdraw after Term 2, no refund will be made, unless the student has returned home for compassionate reasons, eg death of a close family member or serious illness.
In these cases, under New Zealand law, the School must retain amounts to cover costs already incurred (as above). The balance will be returned. Medical evidence must also be provided.

No refunds will be made to students who are asked to leave the School because of rnisbehaviour, infringement of New Zealand laws, poor attendance or violation of rules regarding alcohol, drugs or motor vehicles. See Policy on "International Student Discipline".
No refunds will be made to students who wish to transfer to another school for whatever reason.
No refunds will be made to students who return home for any reason other than the student's serious illness, or death, or serious illness of a close family member.
No refunds will be made to students enrolled prior to 1 March, who acquire Permanent Residence after 1 March.

Date effective: 1 July 2009
Reviewed by: Director of International Students

Policy Statement

Nelson Central School will ensure International Students fees are protected in the event that the school is unable to continue to offer tuition to international students or the student returns home or is transferred to another institution (5.2.6).

Rationale

This policy fulfills requirements under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students to ensure that all students fees are protected in the event of the school being unable to continue to offer tuition.

Responsibility for Implementation

The Director of International Students

Guidelines

The Board of Trustees guarantees that sufficient funds will be available should the school not be able to provide tuition for which the student has been enrolled.

Fees received will be maintained in a separately coded and audited account and the school does not spend fees in advance of tuition being provided.

All international students attending Nelson Central School must take out a medical insurance policy. The policy should also cover students due to unforeseen insolvency, regulatory closure or withdrawal of accreditation of any education provider. This policy should also provide an extensive travel and medical cover.

The Director of International Students will organise travel and medical insurance for the student if enrolment is successful.

Note: Please see the Health and Travel Insurance section of the website for information on Health and Travel Insurance.

Date effective: 1 July 2009
Reviewed by: Director of International Students & Management team

INTERNAL PROCEDURES

• Problems with subjects or teachers: make an appointment to see your Syndicate Leader. You can ask the international manager for advice, but it will be the Syndicate Leader who will deal with the problem. If you have seen the Syndicate Leader and you still think you have a serious problem you could ask to see the principal
• Problems with schools friends: see your classroom teacher.
• Homestay problems: see the homestay supervisor. You can make an appointment at the school office.
• Contact the Headmaster, Mr Potaka, if you feel the issue has not been dealt with to your satisfaction.
• If you are still not satisfied with the matter you may ask to contact the Board of Trustees to discuss the issue.
  

THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION APPEAL AUTHORITY

Nelson Central School is a signatory of the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. We have undertaken a review of our policies and procedures in compliance with the Code of Practice.

If you believe that Nelson Central School has breached the Code of Practice and you have not been able to solve or settle your issue following the schools internal complaints procedure, you may contact the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA).

The process for doing this is described on their website here (http://tinyurl.com/2dlmu6s). Or you can contact them using the details below:

IEAA Tribunals Unit
Level 1, 86 Custom House Quay
Private Bag 32001
Panama Street
Wellington 6146

Phone + 64 4 462 6660
Fax + 64 4 462 6686
Email ieaa@justice.govt.nz [no spam]
Website @ www.justice.govt.nz

You must be able to show them that you have tried to get the school to act before you contact them. They will consult the school to see if anything can be done to help you.

If you do have a problem please ask for help while it is still a little problem. Do not wait for it to become a big problem. If you are not confident that your English is good enough you can always bring a friend who has better English.

We hope your stay here will be a happy one.

Date effective: 1 July 2009
Reviewed by: Director of International Students & Management team

POLICY STATEMENT

Nelson Central School will follow a clear procedure, including communication with parents, before an International student withdraws from Nelson Central School.

Rationale

Clear communication is important for the safety, well-being and the social, emotional and educational outcomes and welfare of students enrolled at Nelson Central School.
This policy is required to support the on-going welfare of students.
Responsibility for Implementation
Director of International Students

Procedures

International Students who withdraw from Nelson Central School before the end of the academic year must

1. Provide the Director of International Students with written approval from their agent/parents or legal guardian (if under 18) of intention to withdraw from full time study.
2. Complete the Nelson Central School leaving form.
3. Give two weeks notice via the Homestay Co-ordinator terminating the homestay arrangements. Note: Please see "Refunds Policy".

Date effective: 1 July 2009
Reviewed by: Director of International Students and management team

POLICY STATEMENT

A student must attend classes on a regular basis.

Rationale

1. Regular attendance will allow a student to take full advantage of the educational opportunities offered and to achieve successful learning outcomes.
2. A student must attend school whenever it is open for instruction unless there is a justified reason for not attending.

Responsibility for Implementation

Classroom teachers will be responsible for monitoring the attendance of International Students in the same way they do for all other students.

Procedures

1. Teachers are expected to notify the Director if a student has had three unexplained absences in a row.
2. A letter to the agent and parents will be sent after ten absences and again after twenty absences. Absences can be a mixture of unexplained and explained.
3. Suspension procedures will be taken if a student's truancy is deemed to be gross misconduct.
4. The Director of International Students will notify homestay parents if a student's attendance is of concern.
5. Students welfare and safety is monitored daily by the classroom teacher and school management. Any concerns are handled by school management. If necessary parent/homestay/caregivers are informed.
6. Outside agencies will be engaged for ongoing concerns.
7. The school will notify the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) if a student ceases to attend the school.
   

Date effective: 1 July 2009
Reviewed by: Director of International Students

POLICY STATEMENT

The school will provide an orientation programme for all new International students before the start of the school year and before children start school if they enter during the year.

Policy Rationale

To provide a positive environment for welcoming students to Nelson Central School and ensuring a smooth transition into the life of the School.
To ensure all students are provided with information that allows them to take full advantage of the social, educational and cultural activities available to them as international students at Nelson Central School.

Responsibility for Implementation

• Director of International Students
• Management Team at Nelson Central School
• Homestay Co-ordinator

Related Information

Nelson Central School operates an orientation programme for new international students at the start of each academic year before the official start date of the school.

The orientation involves two key components:

a) The giving of key information
b) Meeting with staff and other students

Orientation Programme

This is a two and a half day programme which involves:

1. Opening a bank account
2. Buying and receiving new clothing items
3. Orientation to school programmes
4. Assessment and /testing (ESOL)
5. Guided tours of the school and the use of facilities
6. The school's rules and basic expectations
7. A tour of Nelson and environs
8. Living in a homestay family: guidelines and expectations
9. New Zealand culture, values and lifestyles.
10. Introduction to key staff and support personnel associated with international students and explanation of support systems.