Our highly qualified staff are experienced, caring educators.

As a signatory to the NZ Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, Columba College is focused on ensuring we provide the utmost care to all our International Students and offer the best quality education we can.

The quality of pastoral care is a strength of the International Department. We have a dedicated International team that understands that in addition to the normal issues of being a young woman, International students have the added pressures of living in a different culture, missing friends and family, and excelling academically in a foreign language.

Upon arrival new girls are met and welcomed by the Principal, Mrs Charissa Nicol.

Each student is given a comprehensive handbook explaining all school systems and procedures, followed by a tour of the campus with opportunities to meet teachers and other students. A ‘buddy’ is also assigned to new students as part of the induction.

The Assistant Principal and Deans work out subject choices and timetables, and assist with IT compatibility, explain insurance entitlements, help with the purchasing of school uniforms, opening a bank account, buying a cell phone or SIM card, and becoming familiar with the city and its facilities.

During this process, the Assistant Principal comes to know each international student personally, to better effect close evaluation, goal setting and ESOL assistance.

Each student is given a dedicated International department cell phone number to ensure help is available 24/7.

International students have ready access to the School Counsellor, the Careers Adviser, the School Chaplain, the year level Deans, their form teachers and boarding house staff or homestay parents.

To view guidelines for the Pastoral Care of International Students. The Code is administered and monitored by the NZ Ministry of Education.

Meet Our International Team