International Students are integrated into the school as part of the Rangi Ruru student body.

In addition to the extensive range of classroom subjects and out of school activities offered to all students, Rangi Ruru offers the following additional support to International students:

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tuition
• Guidance and Support Services
• International Club
• Personal Development Plans (PDPs)
• Orientation

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Tuition
International students at Rangi Ruru are expected to study the same subjects as all the other girls, although we do suggest replacing one subject with specialist ESOL tuition, especially if the English assessment test indicates this would be helpful. ESOL help is available for all international students, on a one-to-one or small group basis. Students usually have two or more hours of English help a week, but this can be changed during the year, depending on individual needs.

The English language teacher not only helps improve general reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, but also helps with English-related problems in other subjects.

Senior students are also able to prepare for university study by following an academic English programme, and working towards international English examinations, such as IELTS, TOEFL and SAT, if these are necessary for future study plans.

Personal Development Plans (PDPs)
All students have a PDP interview in Term 1 when parents/guardians and daughters discuss goals for the year with their Tutor. Parents or Student Guardians are also invited to attend. Two follow-up interviews are held during the year and the school also issues three progress reports annually.

Classroom teachers, Deans and the Dean of International Students maintain close contact throughout the year and every effort is made to help the student overcome problems and successfully complete the course. Options may include peer tutoring, extra help from the classroom teacher, or arranging a private tutor.

Orientation
At the beginning of each year (or term, if appropriate) there is a special orientation programme for international students. All new students and either their parents or Student Guardians must come to these sessions.

The orientation programme includes:

• an informal chance to meet the Principal and Dean of International Students, other new students and their families, International Club members, and some members of staff, such as the Guidance Counsellor, Business Manager and year level Deans.
• This is an important time for discussing any issues of concern.
• A presentation of important information about Rangi Ruru life (based on the orientation booklet which is also given out at this time).
• A tour of the school with present international students, including visits to specific subject classrooms.
• An explanation of the first day programme (all levels) and special orientation programme for all Year 9 students.
• Lunch in the Boarding House dining room with other new international students.

Note:
Boarders also have a special Boarding House orientation, which includes visits to the local shopping mall and advice about buses into the central city.

Daygirls are also given this information if they are new arrivals to Christchurch.
An introduction to the computer network and the library for all new students (Years 10-13) is held in the first few weeks of term. Years 7-9 students receive this information during their class programmes.

International Club
Rangi Ruru also has an International Club, which meets regularly, usually at lunchtime, although the girls do plan activities and outings at other times as well. It is a good chance for students of all nationalities, including New Zealanders, to meet and relax, and perhaps share information about their country, language and culture. Another important function of the club is to promote awareness and understanding between New Zealand and international students, especially through annual International Week activities.

Guidance and Support Services
Rangi Ruru has a strong guidance network and help is available from tutors, year level Deans, Boarding House managers, Guidance Counsellor, and the Dean of International Students. More information about how to contact these people is given at orientation.

The Dean of International Students, who also provides specialist ESOL tuition, is employed solely to work with international students and maintains close links with students, families, caregivers, guardians, deans, class teachers and Boarding House staff.

In compliance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students and in the best interest of the individual student, the school will:

• contact the parents of any prospective international student where the student is under the age of 18 or who may be judged on reasonable grounds to be “vulnerable”, prior to enrolling the student, and must establish communication arrangements with parents that can be used in the event of an emergency. In any such communications with parents, the school will ensure that it complies with the principles of the Privacy Act 1993.
• monitor attendance to ensure student welfare

• ensure that international students are maintaining their course requirements.
• follow up in the event that a student ceases attendance before course completion.