FAQ - International Students

Before you arrive

  • The New Zealand school year is split into 4 terms, each term is about 10 weeks long, with a 2 week holiday in between.

    The first term starts in February and we finish the year in December, just before Christmas.

    View our Term Dates

    Our summer holidays coincide with Christmas, when we have a 6 week break.

  • We warmly welcome international students and their families to join our school community for a full academic year. This extended stay allows students to fully integrate into school life, build lasting friendships, and gain a deep understanding of New Zealand’s culture and education system.

    Throughout the year, students take part in all aspects of school life, including academic subjects, sports, cultural activities, and special events. This immersive experience not only strengthens their English language skills but also helps them grow in confidence and independence.

    By becoming part of our school for an extended period, students receive a well-rounded education while forming strong connections with their classmates, teachers, and homestay families—making their time in New Zealand a truly memorable experience.

  • International students aged 6-12 (Years 1-8).

    Our international student programme is open to children aged 6–12. Students under 10 must be accompanied by a parent during their stay.

    We encourage all students to have family support while they are here to help them settle in and make the most of their experience.

    Older siblings can visit local colleges that we liaise with.

  • We recommend that international students begin their studies at the start of the New Zealand school year in early February. This allows them to settle in smoothly, adjust to the school routine, and build friendships from day one. Starting with their classmates ensures a more integrated and enriching experience.

    However, we understand that some families may have different schedules, and we are happy to discuss flexible start dates where possible.

  • No, we offer ESOL support.

  • To enrol as an International Student visit the Enrolment Page.

  • We offer homestays with local families or you can look at rental options:

  • We keep parents informed through regular communication and progress updates from their child’s teacher.

    General school information, including events and important notices, is shared via newsletters, our website, and emails.

    This ensures families stay connected and well-informed throughout their child’s time at our school.

  • We offer detailed information about Refunds and any grievance procedure on our Enrolment page.

  • Yes, student safety is our top priority. New Zealand consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world, sitting at the top of the Global Peace Index.

    Our school itself provides a safe and supportive environment. As a small community school, we all look after each other, ensuring students feel secure and well cared for during their stay.

    Should an accident occur, the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors.

    However, families should be aware that other medical and related costs may not be covered. For more details, visit the ACC website.

Getting ready for your first day at school

  • Most of our students walk to school.

    We offer information on how to get to school here.

    If you need to arrive by car, please consider the safety of your children and other children on their way to school. Slow down to 40km per hour around our school.

  • We have a map of the school grounds to help you orient yourself and learn about our facilities.

    View Map

    • Drop-off: Please arrive at school between 8:30 and 8:50 to prepare for your day.

    • Meet the teacher: Students will meet Mrs Rebekah Gundesen in the school hall.

    • Before class: Students can drop their bags and play on the playground until the 9 am bell.

    • Orientation: Mrs Gundesen will talk to students before starting their orientation.

    • For Parents: After drop-off, Tristan will provide a school tour, followed by a chance to connect with other visiting parents over a hot drink in the staff room.

    • International Ambassadors: Visiting students will be paired with an ambassador to help them settle in, both in class and around the school during break times.

    Pick-up:
    At 3 pm, please collect your children from the school office. After the first day, your child will show you where their classroom is, and you may choose to pick them up from a nearby gate (see school map).

  • We provide international students with essential stationery, including:

    • Writing book

    • Maths book

    • Blue pen & red pen

    • Pencil & eraser

    • Ruler

    Students are welcome to bring additional stationery, but we advise naming all personal items to avoid misplacement.

    More info on our stationery page.

    • Devices are used in classrooms from Year 3 onwards. Please bring a device if possible.

    • Mobile phones are not allowed during school hours. If brought to school, they must be handed to the teacher and will only be used as a learning device in class on a case-by-case basis.

    • International students can wear Maraetai Beach School uniform, their own school uniform, or their own clothes—whichever they feel most comfortable in.

    • If purchasing a Maraetai Beach School uniform, you can find more information on our uniform page.

    • Don’t forget to bring a raincoat, as the weather can change while we’re out on an adventure.

    • Shorts/skort, polo shirts, and a jacket.

    • Black socks or tights and black shoes.

    • Optional: A black long-sleeve merino singlet for warmth under polo shirts.

    • Students need to bring morning tea, fruit, lunch, and a drink bottle for the day.

    • We do not provide lunches, but there are optional food deliveries:

      • Sushi on Wednesdays

      • Pizza on Fridays

      • Orders must be placed by 9 am on the delivery day. See Lunch Orders.

    • One person at a time in the toilet CUBICLE.

    • We sit down onto the seat, place toilet paper into the toilet and flush when we are finished.

    • We wash our hands with soap in the sink. please do not splash the water.

    • The toilets are not a space TO PLAY OR meet your friends.

    • We have a health room if you feel unwell or you have hurt yourself.

    • Talk to a teacher if you need help.

    • If you are unwell before school, please stay at home and rest until you are feeling better.

    • Submit an absentee report to let us know YOU WILL NOT BE COMING TO SCHOOL TODAY.