MBAS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Mercury Bay Area School is a signatory to the "Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students" published by the Minister of Education. All procedures relating to the enrolment of International Students are carried out in accordance with the Code. Copies of the Code are available on request from MBAS or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website at:

Ministry of Education Code of Practice

Further information regarding living and studying in New Zealand can be found on the following Ministry of Education pages:

Living and studying in New Zealand

International Students are provided with additional English tuition as part of our normal academic programme. International Students become an integral part of our school community, participating in full academic, sporting and cultural programmes.

Pastoral Care

We operate excellent support systems for all our students. We have an extensive pastoral care system based around our homeroom teachers, deans and counsellor.

Homestays

Quality homestay accommodation is offered within Mercury Bay for International Students. Flatting is not permitted.  

English Language

International Students will have their level of English assessed at enrolment. Course and class placement are conditional on English proficiency. ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes are provided for all students who require them. Assistance with English will be ongoing.

Enrolment Process

All applications from International Students will be acknowledged. An interview date will be arranged with the student for enrolment at MBAS. Tuition costs are paid and a receipt and letter of confirmation of place are provided. Parents apply to obtain a Student Visa. This is not the responsibility of the school. New International Students are provided with a full orientation programme upon arrival.

Note: For students wishing to apply to join the Marine Academy programme.

The 2009 Marine Academy programme is currently full but we would still welcome any expressions of interest throughout the year as a place may become available. For future reference, applications to join the Marine Academy in any year should be made by mid October the previous year. Eg for 2010 your application should be sent in October 2009.

School Year

School hours and terms for Area Schools are generally the same as for Secondary Schools. In 2010 the school year will be as follows:

• Schools must be closed in 2010 on Saturdays and Sundays and on the following holidays:
• Waitangi Day 6 February (Saturday)
• Good Friday 2 April
• Easter Monday 5 April
• Day after Easter Monday April 6 (Tuesday)
• Anzac Day 25 April (Sunday)
• Queen's Birthday 7 June (Monday)
• Labour Day 25 October (Monday)
• Christmas Day 25 Decembe
• Boxing Day 26 December

For more information please contact Lorraine Bristow, International Student Dean This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it