Garin College

Care and Support

We believe this is one of the most important parts of our programme. If our students are to be successful at school they must be feeling cared about and supported both in school and at home.
We have a team of five staff in our International Office who help our students in all areas of their lives.

All our international students are cared for in a safe family environment in one of our modern hostels, or with one of our experienced homestay families. They are all given an emergency card which has a 24 hour emergency contact number.

Our Hostel and Homestay programmes focus on our international students quickly feeling part of a family environment.

We organise regular activities for our students and we go on a trip together twice a year in the school holidays.

We know all our homestay families personally.

ESOL

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) is a service we provide for all our students who need additional English Language classes in their regular school timetable.

We teach English Language in small classes where the individual needs of each student are met. This ensures that advanced students are extended and elementary students learn the basics of English. Our Garin College ESOL programme Level 3 is one of the few in New Zealand which has been granted NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) accreditation. This means it has been assessed and is approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

Jenn Arai is our dedicated English Language teacher. Fluent in Japanese, and with close to thirty years experience in education, Jenn’s student-focused and innovative teaching style helps to ensure that all our international students receive as much opportunity to improve their language skills as possible.

Our Team

We have a very experienced international team. Our Director of International Students, Kerri Haggart, takes responsibility for the overall leadership of the programme and is responsible for the pastoral care of all our international students. Our team also consists of:

  • A specialised ESOL/English Language Teacher
  • A Homestay Coordinator
  • An International Teacher Aide, who works with students in mainstream classes
  • An Administrator who helps with visas, finances, enrolment and general questions