WELCOME

Thank you for considering Iona as the school of choice for your daughter’s overseas

education.

As a leading girls’ school in New Zealand, we provide quality facilities and learning

programmes in a caring environment. Iona College is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral

Care of International Students) Code of Practice 2016.

By pursuing her personal best at Iona, your daughter is assured a rich and rewarding

educational experience ensuring that she is empowered as a life long learner.

Kind regards

Mrs Helen Armstrong

Principal

Page 1

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Type: State Integrated

Places for: International boarders from Years 7 - 13

Religion: Inter-denominational with a Presbyterian tradition

Roll Size: 300 students and up to 15 international students

Physical Address: 42 Lucknow Road

Havelock North 4130

Hawke’s Bay

NEW ZEALAND

Postal Address: Private Bag 1000

Havelock North 4157

Hawke’s Bay NEW ZEALAND

Telephone: +64 6 877 8149

Email: office@iona.school.nz

Website: www.iona.school.nz

PHILOSOPHY

Iona believes in a sound and liberal education for young women. As a school, our vision is

Empowering Girls for Life in all aspects of education:

academic, sporting, cultural, pastoral and spiritual.

By following this vision, we provide a caring environment in which to live, learn and achieve.

We believe our students are resilient, confident, connected, life-long learners.

Page 2

STAFF

When your daughter is a long way from home it is important to know that she is being well

looked after and is getting lots of personal attention and help with her learning. Iona employs

a highly qualified and dedicated team of academic and boarding house staff.

Our dedicated Director of International Students is responsible for looking after our

international students making sure they are an integrated part of the Iona family.

Girls receive the level of English Language support they require to function in their subject

classes delivered by a trained ESOL teacher.

A speech teacher provides specialist private tuition in spoken English, if required, so students

develop oral skills and can gain internationally-recognised qualifications such as OCESOL at

five levels, from foundation through to advanced. The school’s Chaplain is also available to

provide wellbeing support.

As a Christian school with small roll, each student is cared for and valued as an individual in

the Iona family.

EXCERPT FROM ERO REPORT 2016 (NEXT REPORT SET FOR 4 – 5 YEARS)

Provision for international students

The school is a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students

(the Code) established under section 238F of the Education Act 1989. The school has attested

that it complies with all aspects of the Code.

The school’s regular monitoring and review processes provide good information about how well

students’ pastoral care and education needs are met.

The progress and achievement of these students in English language learning and the curriculum

are known to the board and teachers. Data shows students make good progress and transition

well prepared for future pathways.

All international students live in the boarding hostel. They are integrated into the school

community. Feedback from students and their parents indicates high levels of satisfaction.

Page 3

ACADEMIC

PROGRAMME

The academic programme prepares students to attend universities, polytechnics and other

tertiary training institutions in New Zealand and overseas.

We follow the national curriculum of New Zealand and students can gain NCEA (National

Certificate of Educational Achievement) at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Preparation for IELTS

is offered to all students from Year 11 and other international qualifications can be supported

if requested.

Learning choices are flexible and as students move through their years at school they are able

to determine the path best suited to their needs.

Years 7/8 Year 9 Year 10

Compulsory Subjects Compulsory Subjects

Option Subjects

(choose one)

Compulsory Subjects

Option Subjects

(choose three)

Art

English

Latin

Maori

Mathematics

Music

Oral Communication

Physical Education & Health

Religious studies

Science

Social Studies

Spanish

Technology

Art

Digital technologies

English

Fabric technology

Food technology

Mathematics

Music

Oral Communication

Physical Education & Health

Religious studies

Science

Social Studies

Maori

Spanish

English

Mathematics

Oral Communication

Physical Education & Health

Religious studies

Science

Social Studies

Art

Commerce

Core Academic Skills

Drama

Food and Nutrition

Music

Spanish

Technology

Page 4

Year 11 Year 12 Year 13

Compulsory Subjects

Option Subjects

(choose four)

Compulsory Subjects

Option Subjects

(choose five)

Compulsory Subjects

Option Subjects

(choose five)

English

Health

Mathematics

Religious Studies

Study

Accounting

Agriculture

Art

Biology

Dance

Drama

Economics

Food & Nutrition

Geography

History

Music

Physical Education

Science

Spanish

Technology

English

Health

Religious Studies

Study

Accounting

Agriculture

Art - Design

Art – Painting

Art – Photography

Art History

Biology

Business Studies

Chemistry

Classical Studies

Dance

Food & Nutrition

Geography

History

Latin

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Star Courses

Technology

Religious Studies

Study/Careers

Accounting

Art- Design

Art – Painting

Art – Photography

Art History

Biology

Chemistry

Classical Studies

Economics

English

Food & Nutrition

Geography

History

Latin

Mathematics (Applied)

Mathematics (Calculus)

Mathematics (Statistics)

Music

Physical Education

Physics

Star Courses

Technology

Page 5

CO-CURRICULAR

PROGRAMME

SPORTS

Iona provides considerable co-curricular activities. A very active school on the

sports field, Iona participates fully in many sports. Our sporting interests extend

into athletics, badminton, basketball, canoe polo, cricket, equestrian, soccer,

softball, swimming, touch rugby and volleyball as well as the usual sports of

hockey, football, netball, and tennis. Every girl is encouraged to participate and

develop her own particular skills.

THE ARTS

Iona students pursue varied cultural activities. Students are involved in chamber

music ensembles, choirs, concert bands, drama, kapa haka and rock bands.

Optional private tuition is available for singing and a wide range of musical

instruments.

Page 6

IONA BOARDING Like living with 160 sisters

All international students live in the school boarding facilities unless they live with

their parents or a designated caregiver who is a close family member.

During holiday periods and exeat weekends, students are home-stayed with

carefully selected and vetted families.

Supportive Boarding House staff cater for students’ additional pastoral and

out-of-school needs.

EXCERPT FROM ERO REPORT 2016 (NEXT REPORT SET FOR 4 – 5 YEARS)

PROVISION FOR STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL HOSTEL

The quality of care is high. Girls are provided with comfortable, clean living conditions that offer

a degree of privacy and opportunities for social interaction. Students are supervised after school

for prep and during the night. Weekend activities are offered. Food is nutritious, varied and

appetising. Dietary needs are observed.

A MAGNIFICENT

ENVIRONMENT HAWKE’S BAY - A DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Hawke’s Bay has stunning geography, phenomenal climate with long hot summers and cool

winters, talented people, a rich history, a vibrant economy and a friendly and culturally-

diverse community.

Hawke’s Bay is an easy one hour flight from Auckland or 40 minutes from Wellington. There

are about 20 flights per day serviced by two airlines; Air New Zealand and Jetstar.

80% of flights depart or arrive within 15 minutes of the expected time.

95% of flights depart or arrive within an hour of the expected time.

It takes 10 minutes to walk between the international terminal and the domestic terminal in

Auckland. In Wellington, the international and domestic terminal are in the same building.

A MAGNIFICENT SCHOOL EMPOWERING GIRLS FOR LIFE

Iona College was founded in 1914 and has a rich history. Until 1988 it was exclusively

boarding. Today boarders comprise 60% of the school roll and daygirls 40%.

The school is situated in 27 acres of park-like grounds. There are extensive playing fields,

netball and tennis courts, a fitness studio as well as a sports centre and swimming pool. We

have purpose-built facilities for art, design, photography, music and technology.

The award winning state-of-the-art Information Resource Centre and Blyth Performing Arts

Centre enhance the learning environment for our students. These are magnificent and

dynamic spaces to learn and perform in.

From school, girls can take a short, easy stroll to shops, cafés and movie theatres in the

vibrant village of Havelock North.

Information

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

The school treats international students as it does domestic students and the school’s policies

and Code of Conduct apply.

Form teachers and/or Deans will liaise with the Director of International Students and the

Director of Boarding.

Parents of international students who are failing to meet course requirements will be

contacted promptly either directly or through their agent.

If a student withdraws or ceases to attend, the school will notify the New Zealand

Immigration Service.

FEE PROTECTION POLICY

The College has a fee protection policy to safeguard the fees paid by international students

in the unlikely event that the College may not be able to continue delivering tuition to

international students. This ensures that the College retains sufficient monies to meet the

requirements of any refund in these circumstances. The College maintains appropriate

records to correctly identify all such funds.

TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE

All students enrolled at Iona College for two weeks’ duration or longer must have

appropriate insurance covering:

(a) the student’s travel

(i) to and from New Zealand; and

(ii) within New Zealand; and

(iii) if the travel is part of the course, outside New Zealand; and

(b) medical care in New Zealand including diagnosis, prescription, surgery and

hospitalisation; and

(c) repatriation or expatriation of the student as a result of serious illness or injury

including cover of travel costs incurred by family members assisting repatriation or

expatriation; and

(d) death of the student, including cover of

(i) travel costs of family members to and from New Zealand; and

(ii) costs of repatriation or expatriation of the body; and

(iii) funeral expenses.

Iona College is able to arrange insurance through Uni-Care; this student policy exceeds the

requirements of the Code. School approval is required if the family chooses to arrange

insurance for their daughter. A copy of the policy which meets the above requirements must

be provided in English to the Director of International Students for approval.

WITHDRAWAL FROM IONA COLLEGE

The parents of international students who wish to withdraw must:

provide a minimum of one term’s notice in writing

give approval for their daughter to complete and sign the leaving form.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

An international student enrolled at Iona College has the same rights as a domestic student.

Policies and procedures are in place to ensure that grievances are dealt with adequately and

fairly. A student who believes that the school has failed to follow the Code of Practice has

four recourses – the school’s Director of International Students, the Principal, the College

Council (for a boarding matter) or the Board of Trustees (for a school matter). If you feel

Iona College has not resolved your complaint and you still wish to have it resolved, then you

can contact NZQA. NZQA is a government organisation. They can provide an independent

assessment of your complaint and will either investigate your concerns or advise you what

you can do next. You can submit your complaint query on the NZQA website or send an

email to qadrisk@nzqa.govt.nz. Or, if it is a financial matter, you can contact iStudent

Complaints. iStudent Complaints is available to help you resolve financial or contractual

disputes if necessary. iStudent Complaints is an independent service with experience in

helping people to resolve disputes. You can contact iStudent Complaints on 0800 00 66 75.

The full procedure is posted in the ESOL classroom and is attached to the Tuition Agreement.

TERMINATION OF ENROLMENT

An international student enrolled at Iona College has the same rights as a domestic student

and cannot be excluded or expelled from the school other than in accordance with the stand

down and suspension provisions of the Education Act.

The decision to suspend a student will be made by the Principal on the grounds of gross

misconduct or continual disobedience. In addition, where a decision is made to exclude a

student from the school and this necessitates a return home, the following procedures will

be followed:

1. The parents of the student will be notified of matters causing concern.

2. A decision will be made as to whether the student should be given permission to enroll

with an alternative provider in New Zealand.

3. The Principal’s decision will be referred to the College Council and Board of Trustees

where the student has been suspended.

4. The student has the right to attend the hearing and be represented as provided for in

the 1989 Education Act.

5. If enrolment is terminated, the school will notify the New Zealand Immigration Service.

International Student Fee Schedule

The College operates a four term year

All fees stated are inclusive of GST at the rate of 15.0%

The amounts as scheduled below are stated in $NZ currency

Tuition Fee

Includes ESOL tuition $20,300.00

Boarding Fee Accommodation in the Boarding House and meals provided

by the College $13,700.00

Facilitation Fee

An annual fee for the care and welfare of the student $1,500.00

Travel and Medical Insurance Arranged by the College through ‘Uni-Care’ and valid for

12 months to cover travel from New Zealand to the

student’s home. This cost will be charged on an actual basis $560.00

International Student Levy $430.00

Personal Expenses $6,000.00 To cover expenses such as sports, music lessons, stationery,

school trips, holiday accommodation arranged by the College

($40 per night), Iona Old Girls’ membership and the student’s personal spending. Any monies not expended from the student’s

personal school account will be refunded or carried forward into

the next College year.

School Uniform

Initial cost (approximately) $2,000.00

Total $44,490.00

In addition, students must have a school-recommended computer.

Requirements differ depending on class level

Years 7 and 8 (approximately) $500.00

Years 9 – 13 (approximately) $1,500.00

HOW TO BECOME

AN

IONA GIRL

1. Submit the completed Application Form and required documents by emailing it to

ed@iona.school.nz (see next page)

2. When the application is accepted by the school, the following documents will be sent to

the parents/agent for completion and return to Iona:

(a) ‘Conditional Offer of Place’ document and welcome letter which allows for a

student visa and/or permit to be approved in principle (AIP) by Immigration New

Zealand.

(b) Contract for Admission to Iona College

(c) Contract for Admission to the Iona College Boarding House

(d) Medical Information form

(e) Invoice

3. When you have the AIP, the fees are paid in full to Iona College. Contracts and medical

information should be completed and returned to Iona College.

4. A receipt and the unconditional ‘Offer of Place’ document will be issued to be shown to

Immigration New Zealand so the visa process can be finalised.

YOU ARE READY TO BEGIN YOUR TRAVEL!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU

Application Form for International Students

Student

Full Name (Given name) (Surname)

Preferred name while studying at Iona

Date of Birth (day/month/year)

Present school and class

Religion

Social media contacts you use? e.g. WeChat, Facebook

Ethnicity Home Language

Passport Number Passport Expiry Date

Country of Issue

Parents/Legal Guardians

Full Name (Given name) (Surname)

Relationship to student

Address

Email

Telephones Home:

Work:

Mobile:

Occupation

Social media contacts you use? e.g WeChat, Facebook

Full Name (Given name) (Surname)

Relationship to student

Address

Email

Telephones Home:

Work:

Mobile:

Occupation

Social media contacts you use? e.g WeChat, Facebook

Agent (if applicable)

Full Name (Given name) (Surname)

Company Name

Address

Email

Telephones Home:

Work:

Mobile:

Social media contacts you use? e.g WeChat, Facebook

Accommodation

Please select which accommodation option you prefer:

Boarding House Designated Caregiver Living with Parents

Education

Which year and month do you wish to begin study at Iona?

How long do you expect to study at Iona?

At what level year do you wish to enrol in?

How many years have you been studying English?

List any subjects currently studying that are taught in English

Which subjects have you studied previously at secondary school?

What subjects would you like to study at Iona?

Name of any schools you have previously attended in NZ

I agree that Iona College may contact any school in New Zealand which I have previously attended.

Yes No

Please enclose:

A copy of your most recent school report.

A one page essay written by the student, in English, about why you would like to study

in New Zealand.

Check List

Please tick to indicate that the following items are enclosed.

Copy of Passport

Student’s essay

Student’s most recent school report