St John's College (Hamilton)

St John's College is a Catholic Integrated College established in 1960, upon relocation of Marist High School (1922-1959) and until 1988 was partially staffed by the Marist Brothers for boys Years 9 - 13 (aged 12 to 18yrs). Our 450 young men receive targeted individual care. Every year we warmly welcome around 20 International students to experience our first class all-round education. The safety and well being of all of our students is of prime importance to the teachers at our school.

As a Catholic College we pride ourselves on high academic achievement, consistent discipline and genuine pastoral care. Our retention rate of students through to the senior academic level is well ahead of national rates because we strive to cater for individuals' specific academic, pastoral and co-curricular needs.

St John's College is located in the clean, safe and beautiful City of Hamilton. Close by in the wider Waikato are green farmlands and a number of lucrative horse studs. It is a wonderful environment and only 1 ½ hours from Auckland International Airport, Rotorua and the scenic attractions in Taupo.

The school is sited upon prime land with spacious sports grounds. Situated next to the University of Waikato means our students can access the wonderful resources there. The students care for our school and are proud to belong. The College boasts : a magnificent gymnasium, a music and language suite, a computerised library, brand new technology blocks and the most modern and up-to-date Science laboratories of any school in NZ (opened 2001).

Academic Programme / Subjects Offered

St John's College is fully accredited to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.

A full academic programme is provided, successfully preparing students for University and other tertiary institutions. We aim to ensure that all our students are well equipped to face the future with the necessary academic and life skills required. We give them the confidence to stand tall.


Extracurricular Programmes

Students are encouraged to participate fully in the life of the College because sport and culture are both considered to be major aspects in the development of well balanced adults. We employ sports coaches as well as a Sports and Arts Co-ordinator to ensure varied and effective programmes are available.

Major sports offered include : rugby, soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, softball, waterpolo and cricket. The school's sports grounds field many teams in the weekends. Students are encouraged to support and cheer for each other.

In the Arts area there are many opportunities for a wide variety of : musical groups/bands, choirs, debating, public speaking and drama productions. The school has various cultural performance evenings throughout the year.

Student Welfare

The prime role of the Dean of International Students is to care for students from overseas. It is well recognised that these boys are away from family and need extra support and nurturing. Therefore, the Dean of International Students has regular face to face contact with these students on a daily basis to ensure their individual needs are met. If any concerns or worries arise, the student is able to sort these out within a couple of hours. The College also has a separate fully qualified, highly experienced Guidance Counsellor if more extensive counselling is required.

Specialist language ESOL classes are available at no extra cost. These are offered for one hour a day by a trained qualified English language teacher.
The ESOL classes are at two levels :

a) Elementary level where the student prepares for and sits both Elementary and Intermediate Pitmans exams.
or b) IELTS level for more advanced students (usually Yr 12 and Yr 13)
who are preparing to go to University.

Assistance is also available from the Dean of International Students where required for obtaining visas, banking concerns and travel arrangements.

Accommodation

Homestays are arranged by the Dean of International Students as close as possible to the school. This means the students can walk to school or bike if they wish. Homestay families are closely vetted by both the school and the police. Very careful attention is given to the students' wishes in selection of a suitable family.

Regular contact is maintained between the Dean and the homestay family and two homestay visits are arranged for each term. Homestay accommodation is priced at NZ$180 per week. For this the student can be assured of a fresh, clean bedroom on arrival including a bed, a desk and a wardrobe for his clothes. This amount also includes three meals a day and an assurance that his clothes will be laundered at least once a week.

Tuition Fees 2002 / 2003.

Annual tuition fees are NZ$10,000.00 including GST plus a $200 administration fee. Homestay fees are NZ$180.00 per week.
Uniform cost is approx $300.
Pitman exams are $72.00 each. IELTS examination cost is approx. $240.00

Parents must ensure that their son has full medical and travel insurance cover during his time in New Zealand. (this is essential for the student's well-being, safety and peace of mind). Medical insurance can be obtained from a NZ Company called 'UNICARE' if required for NZ$614.00 per annum.

Contact

Mrs Wendy Consedine (Dean of International Students)
P.O. Box 11.086,
Hillcrest
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND

Tel : 64 - 7 - 856 7091
Fax : 64 - 7 - 856 3880

E-mail : [email protected]
or : [email protected]