(FAQs)

How do I know what stationery to buy? Will I be given textbooks?

All stationery can be ordered from the school website:

Order Stationery & Uniforms | Christchurch Boys' High School (cbhs.school.nz)

When you first arrive at CBHS Fen can order your stationery for you once your subjects are confirmed.

What is Kaitiaki time?

Kaitiaki time will be held at the start of each day. During this time, you will keep up to date with things happening in the school, discuss things of concern and cover topics of interest.

Do I have to come to school every day? What happens if I am sick?

You must attend and be on time to all of your classes. If you are sick your guardian or homestay family must contact the school.

If you are sick on the day, you have a test, exam or an assignment, it is very important that you go to the doctor and get a 'doctor's certificate'.  Give this to your Kaitiaki teacher or Mr Everett.

If you have a doctor's or dentist's appointment, bring a note from home.  Take it to the Student Services and be ‘signed out'.  For your safety, you cannot leave school without telling Student Services or Mr Everett first.

If you want to be absent for a special reason, for example your parents are visiting Christchurch, you must talk to Mr Everett before this time.  You must get special permission for this.

Some students want to return home for the holidays.  You can do this if your parents give written permission.  It is not a good idea to take extra time off school to go home, as it will be very difficult to catch up on the work you miss.

If you feel sick during the day, go to Student Services.  If you want to go home Student Services will ring your homestay.

If you have too many absences, you will receive a letter from the school.  We will also send a letter to your parents.  Maintaining good attendance is required as stated in your Tuition Agreement and Visa conditions.

What should I do if I want to change a subject?

Speak to Mr Everett, he can help you speak with your Dean.

What can I do if I don't understand the work in class?

Many International students find schoolwork difficult at first.  Perhaps the teacher speaks too quickly.  Perhaps you have trouble understanding the teacher.  Perhaps you have not studied the subject in your own country.  Often, time will help.  But you can do many things to help yourself.

• Ask your teacher for help. “Could you repeat that please?”  “Could you speak more slowly?”  “What does ----- mean?”  “Could you write that word down for me?”

• Your teacher may be able to help you after class. Ask them.

• Extra tuition is provided in some subjects, e.g. Commerce and Sciences.  Mr Everett can organise these.

• Ask your classmates to help you.  Perhaps you will be able to help them too.

• Use a dictionary/electronic dictionary in class (but remember you cannot use them in exams).

• Make a list of new words in your subject as you learn them.  Use your first language as well.

• Do all of your homework.  You will probably have to do extra study as well, especially learning vocabulary for your subject.

• Buy revision/self-study books in your subject.

• You can also do private tutoring.

What should I do if I am late to class?

You might get lost once or twice at the start of the year.  Christchurch Boys’ High School is a big school.  Don't worry, go into class quietly and say “I'm sorry, I am lost!”  They will understand.  Go to the Students Services office for guidance.

Can I use my mobile phone?

You can bring a mobile phone to school, but you cannot use it at any time during the school day. This includes break times.

Where can I go at lunchtimes and intervals?

These are times to relax and meet with friends, or perhaps catch up on some schoolwork.  Kiwi students like to be outside.  If it is warm, eat your lunch in the sun. Have a walk around the school.  If you want to study, go to the library, careers/transition area or one of the computer rooms.

Can I join a sports club or a music group?

Yes.  This is an excellent way to meet new people, relax and improve your English.  There are many activities you can join.  Listen carefully to the notices in your Kaitiaki meetings.  You will be told how to join.  Many practices happen after school.

Many sports have competitions with other schools.  On Wednesday afternoons, school finishes early at 2.30pm, so people can play in their sports competition. Some sports competitions are played on Saturday.  

Sport | Disciplines & Resources | Christchurch Boys' High School (cbhs.school.nz)

Can I play a musical instrument at school?

Yes.  If you play an instrument, you can join the school orchestra or the jazz band.  If you want to learn, you can have individual music lessons at school.  You can hire an instrument if you haven’t got one.  See the music teacher Mr Barker at the start of the year or talk to Mr Everett.

Will the school send reports to my parents?

Reports and results can be accessed through the Parent Portal at any time.