We understand that being an international student can be tough, balancing the pressures of living in a different county, missing family and friends and excelling academically in a foreign country.
Well-being and Pastoral Support for International Students at Wakatipu High School
At Wakatipu High School we place the highest priority on the happiness and well-being of our international students. All students who attend our school have the opportunity to reach their full academic, physical and social potential in a positive and caring environment. The school provides an excellent programme for students which includes:
- Dedicated staff to support international students
- An approved study programme for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- Integration into New Zealand classes to study for New Zealand qualifications
- House, Deans, and Ako Group System
- Guidance Counselors
- Careers Support Staff
Furthermore, the school is a signatory to and bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, as monitored by the New Zealand Ministry of Education. Each year international students are briefed on the Code and made aware of the Complaint Procedures it affords them.
House, Deans and Ako Group System
To help provide the best possible care and guidance for all students, we place great importance on the House and Ako Group system. The school is divided into five houses, each under the leadership of a House Dean. The names of the five houses are taken from early settlers in the Wakatipu: Arthur, Duncan, Fox, Hay and Mackenzie.
Each house has several Ako groups that meet three mornings of the week. Ako time is a time to support students to reach for their heights. The name ako represents both teaching and learning which reflects the nature of it being a two-way relationship where kaiārahi and tauira (students) are working together.
House Deans
Each house has a Dean who is responsible for the welfare of all students in the house. Their role is one of coordination, administration, guidance and discipline within their house and encouraging student leadership.
Kaiārahi
Kaiārahi meet with their tutor group three days per week. The ako group is comprised of students from Year 9–13 in the same house. The Kaiārahi remains with the same group of students for the duration of their time at Wakatipu High School. The Kaiārahi is the key point of contact for parents, students and staff in dealing with the pastoral life of the students.
Guidance Counsellors
Wakatipu High School employs Guidance Counsellors who works within the NZAC code of ethics to provide a confidential counselling service to assist students and families of our school. To access the service students can self refer or referrals can be made by parents and school staff.
Careers
Students at Wakatipu High School are supported to develop their ability to self-manage their life with the ultimate goal of enabling them to successfully transition from school to further learning and/or work. Making decisions about subject choices and future pathways requires students to know themselves, explore the options available to them and make a career pathway decision based on the best fit for them. The Careers Hub, located by Student Services, provides support and assistance to students with their ongoing career journey.
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