We believe orientation for students, and their parents where relevant, is a key process that begins before a student arrives, is very important in the first few weeks, and continues throughout the student's time in New Zealand in the form of ongoing advice and support.

Enrolment Orientation

• An initial orientation will be done with the prospective student and parents before or during the enrolment interview.
  

First-day Support

• On the international learner's first day, they will be met by the Principal and International Student Coordinator and shown to the classroom.  All international learners are mainstreamed immediately upon arrival, with a small group withdrawn for further orientation, English testing, and teaching as required.
• The classroom teacher is responsible for ensuring the new international learner has a buddy group consisting of two or more other students whose role is to help the new learner with daily routines, timetables, and activities during the breaks. The teacher also ensures that the learner knows where to find the toilets, sick bay, etc.

First Few Weeks

• The International Student Coordinator continues to monitor international learners during the first few weeks while they settle into the class and the school.
• The classroom teacher is also available to support the learner and the parents/caregivers.

Ongoing Support

• Once the initial period is over, the International Student Coordinator continues to monitor the international learner's progress through informal meetings, ESOL teaching times, and (where necessary) formal meetings with the learner, the classroom teacher, and the parents/caregivers.
• Translators are available if necessary. A translator may be another learner or an adult, depending upon the situation and the requirements.
• We emphasise to international learners and parents/caregivers that they can talk with the classroom teacher, or the International Student Coordinator, to discuss any queries or concerns at any time.

We take care not to overload students with information: we use a planned approach, repeat key information, and try to make sure students understand the information they receive.

Parents/caregivers and students need to know that Cotswold Mātāhae School has an 'Open Door' policy. You can make an appointment to see the classroom teacher, or the International Student Coordinator to discuss any queries or concerns at any time.