Welcome to St Heliers School
St Heliers is a school that strives for excellence. Our aim is to guide and nurture each student to reach their potential in all areas of school life. Integral to achieving this aim is having a close partnership between home and school.
Being a full primary (Years 1 to 8) we are in a unique position to see the development of the students from young bright-eyed 5 year olds to young adolescents. From the earliest stages of their schooling, students are encouraged to be independent, responsible learners.
Older students are expected to look out for younger students. At the start of the year senior classes are buddied up with a junior class to support the children in various aspects of their schooling. This also helps to create the family atmosphere we want at St Heliers.
Sean Valvoi
Principal
International Enrolment
St Heliers School is a Signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.
St Heliers School enrols the following categories of international students:
1. Long term students:
- We accept students in Years 1 to 8 (aged 5 to 13 years).
- Students in Years 1 to 8 (aged 5 to 10 years) must live with a parent.
- We accept applicants for full-year enrolments or at least two terms within the academic year.
- Students enrolled for more than one term will need to apply for a Student Visa.
Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
St Heliers School has NZQA certification that our school meets the quality standards of pastoral care as set out in the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021. A copy of this document can be found below.
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021
Immigration
Full details of immigration requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available from Immigration New Zealand and can be viewed on their website at http://www.immigration.govt.nz
Eligibility for Health Services
Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If you receive medical treatment during your visit, you may be liable for the full cost of that treatment. Full details on entitlements to publicly funded health servies are available through the Ministry of Health, and can be viewed on ther website at http://www.moh.govt.nz
Accident Insurance
The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents, and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but you may still be liable for all other medical and related costs. Further information can be viewed on the ACC website at http://www.acc.co.nz
Medical and Travel Insurance
All international students must have appropriate medical and travel insurance from when they leave their home country until they return to their home country. For more information about Medical and Travel Insurance Click here.
Learning Programmes
Our comprehensive teaching programmes are based on the New Zealand Curriculum as prescribed by the New Zealand Ministry of Education.
The New Zealand Curriculum is highly regarded internationally.
Information about the New Zealand Curriculum Levels
Reading, Writing and Mathematics - Curriculum Year Levels
Core Curriculum — Educating for Excellence
The school curriculum is made up of eight essential learning areas:
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English
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Mathematics & Statistics
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Science
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Technology
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Social Science
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Health & Physical Education
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The Arts
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Learning Languages
Year 6 international students working on a classroom project. |
Underpinning the curriculum areas are five key competencies:
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Thinking
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Understanding language, symbols and texts
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Relating to others
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Managing self
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Participating & contributing.
Enrichment Programmes
In addition to the core curriculum, St Heliers School provides a wide range of experiences
and resources to foster student learning.
For information about our Enrichment Programmes Click here
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Second Language Programme
Mandarin is offered to Year 5 to Year 8 students.
A Mandarin Learning Assistant is employed to assist with the delivery of the programme.
Cultural Learning
Māori
Te Reo Māori and New Zealand Sign Language are official languages in New Zealand. English is the medium for teaching in most schools.
Aotearoa New Zealand has a proud bi-cultural history. At St Heliers School our students are exposed to a range of cultural experiences relating to Tikanga, Te Reo and Te Ao Māori (Māori language, customs and the Māori view of the world).
We aim to uphold all of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi ( the Treaty of Waitangi).
During their time at our school, students gain an understanding of Māori culture and language and how that strengthens our bicultural relationship.
Students have a diverse range of experiences, including a visit to a Marae in Auckland, powhiri practices, Kapa Haka (cultural performance group) and Māori culture sessions within the classrooms. Foundation level of Te Reo (Māori language) is used daily.
Why St Heliers School
Location
St Heliers School is a decile 10 school, located in the seaside area of St Heliers Bay, one of Auckland's most beautiful, safe, and desirable suburbs.
Our school is located just 20 minutes from the city centre of Auckland.
We are a Full Primary School (Years 1 to 8)
We provide continuous education for students from Years 1 to 8 (5 to 13 years old).
International students are well-integrated into the life of the school and are enrolled in mainstream classroom programmes.
![]() Our International students are part of everyday school life and enjoy friendships along the way. |
Excellent Academic Achievement
We stand for excellence in all areas of school life and provide high quality teaching and learning programmes.
Our school is measured against New Zealand Curriculum Levels. The latest available results are for December 2019 and are as follows:
Mathematics
89% of all students are working at or above the New Zealand Curriculum expectation for their age group
Reading
93,4% of all students are working at or above the New Zealand Curriculum expectation for their age group
Writing
89% of all students are working at or above the New Zealand Curriculum expectation for their age group
Information about New Zealand's Curriculum Levels
St Heliers School Vision
The School Vision relates to the connection with our community, the vision for our students, the school values, and the school's commitment to cultural diversity, equity, and respect for all cultures.
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School Values
The school values of honesty, responsibility, diligence, self-discipline, respect and care are integral to the school curriculum and are very evident in our day-to-day school community.
Excellent Support for International Students
St Heliers School has been hosting international students since 2006 and has experience in hosting international students from all over the world.
We have a dedicated team of staff to care for our international students.
An orientation programme on arrival helps students to quickly settle into school life.
International students receive high quality pastoral care from an experienced, well-qualified specialist team.
The social and academic progress of each student is monitored carefully to ensure students are working to their potential and are happy at school and at home.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
International students are placed in mainstream classes at their appropriate year level and receive specialised ESOL support, in small groups, from qualified teachers.
![]() A specialist ESOL class in our purpose-designed Language Centre. |