International Handbook
From the Headmaster
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome to Medbury School. We are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment for boys to learn, lead and succeed.
At Medbury, we take pride in our heritage and the notable achievements of our students as they progress through primary education to high school. As a strong values-based school, we believe that cultivating essential life skills and values is essential for success in today’s dynamic world. Our educational approach emphasises acquiring knowledge and academic proficiency and fostering positive relationships, collaboration, effective communication, empathy, personal well-being, and accountability. These principles empower our boys to make meaningful contributions to society.
We prioritise the well-being of our students, providing a supportive framework where healthy relationships thrive and students feel safe to take risks and grow. Our dedicated teachers are skilled professionals committed to staying ahead of the latest educational practices through continuous professional development, ensuring our students receive a world-class education.
Welcome to Medbury School, where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to learn, lead and succeed.
Yours sincerely
Dave Scott Headmaster
Map of the School
Creyke Road
Creyke Road Car Park
Clyde Road Visitor Car Park
Key staff
Wellbeing and support
It is important that you feel welcomed, comfortable, safe and part of the Medbury community. There are a number of people in the school that can support you.
• Your homeroom teacher
• The International Director, Jayne Foster
• Your ESOL Teacher, Tracy Curry or Kathryn Pride
• The Team Leader for your teacher
• The School Counsellor, Jenelle Hooson
• The Deputy Headmaster, Warren Durant.
Mr Dave Scott Headmaster
Mrs Jayne Foster Registrar and Director of International Students
Mrs Jenelle Hooson Counsellor
Mrs Tracy Curry ESOL Support
Mrs Kathryn Pride ESOL Support
Mr Warren Durant Deputy Headmaster
Term dates 2025
Term 1, 2025 - 10 weeks
Term 1 begins on Monday 27 January with a Connect Day and concludes on Friday, 4 April
Staff Professional Development Days:
Thursday 23 and Friday 24 January (pre-Term 1 Start)
Friday 7 February
Observed Public Holidays in Term 1:
Thursday 6 February - Waitangi Day
Friday 18 April - Good Friday (takes place in term break)
Monday 21 April - Easter Monday (takes place in term break)
3 week Term Break
Term 2, 2025 - 9 weeks
Term 2 begins on Monday 28 April and concludes on Friday 27 June
Staff Professional Development Days:
Friday 30 May
Observed Public Holidays in Term 2:
Monday 2 June - King’s Birthday
Friday 20 June - Matariki Holiday
2 week Term Break
Term 3, 2025 - 9 weeks
Term 3 begins on Monday 14 July and concludes on Friday 12 September
3 week Term Break
Term 4, 2025 - 9 weeks
Term 4 begins on Monday 6 October and ends on Tuesday 9 December
Observed Public Holidays in Term 4:
Monday 27 October - Labour Day
Friday 14 November - Canterbury Anniversary
Daily timetable
The times of teaching periods are as follows: 8.25am – 8.35am Home Room 8.35am – 9:30am Period 1 9:30am –10.30am Period 2 10:30 – 10:50am Break 10:50am – 11:40am Period 3 11:40am – 12:30pm Period 4
12.30pm – 1:20pm Lunch 1.20pm – 1.30pm Home Room 1:30pm – 2.20pm Period 5 2.20pm – 3:10am Period 6 3.10pm – 3.20pm Home Room
(Years 1 and 2 finish at 3.00pm, Years 3 and 4 finish at 3.10pm. Older brothers are released at the same time as their younger siblings)
The School Office hours are from 8.00am to 4.30pm.
Living and studying in New Zealand
Christchurch
Christchurch is a revitalised city in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island.
It is a city in perfect balance; home to a diverse natural playground, wide open spaces, modern architecture and heritage buildings.
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island and home to spectacular experiences. Make some time to play and discover hidden gems around every corner.
This is a city with a thriving tech sector, world-class universities, and an innovation eco-system like none other. A city with a revitalised centre buzzing with energy, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature.
Read more at christchurchnz.com
Global Citizenship Group
Learning about global perspectives
2022 saw the formation of the Global Citizenship Group (GCG) at Medbury School.
The GCG meets fortnightly for students to form connections, and to share experiences and knowledge of different cultures and countries. In doing so, students can support each other and learn about global perspectives and how this can positively impact our world.
So far this year students have shared presentations on different cultures and countries, have learned greetings in different languages and have tried different foods from New Zealand. A common theme all of the students in the group have identified is the importance of sharing food together. To build on this, the group made dumplings on Friday 12 August. It was a wonderful
experience for students, parents and staff to come together and share their expertise, learn new skills, have a lot of fun and then finally sit down together to eat the tasty dumplings we had made as a group. Whilst the dumplings were cooking the students reflected on their experiences in the GCG to date:
Ni Hao, or , my name is Newman Hao.
I have lived in China prior to living in New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because I meet new people and share new foods.
I have enjoyed being a part of the GCG as I have met people I have never met before.
Hai, my name is Samuel Moggie.
I have lived in Malaysia prior to living in New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because it helps me to give new foods a chance and respect different foods.
I have enjoyed being a part of the GCG as we all have fun and eat yummy food!
Bonjour, my name is Cohen Wildermoth.
I have always lived in New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because it is a way for me to eat new foods.
I have enjoyed being a part of the GCG as I am learning about other cultures and foods.
Jayne Foster Registrar and Director of International Students
Jenelle Hooson Counsellor
Hello, my name is Soko Selan.
I have lived in Papua New Guinea prior to living in New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because I enjoy eating!
I have enjoyed everything about being a part of the GCG!
Hi, my name is Carter Paul.
I have always lived in New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because it is fun.
I have enjoyed being a part of the GCG as I have tried lots of different foods.
Ni Hao, or , my name is James Dou.
I have lived in China prior to living in New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because I get to be with friends.
I have enjoyed everything about being a part of the GCG!
Hi, my name is Beau.
I have lived in eight different countries, including New Zealand.
I enjoy sharing food with others because I get to learn a lot.
I have enjoyed being a part of the GCG as I enjoyed learning how to fold dumplings.
All students are welcome to join the GCG. We eat lunch together every second Monday in The Foundation Building.
Jenelle Hooson, Counsellor and Jayne Foster, Registrar
Extra-curricular activities
We would like you to make the most of the opportunities Medbury has to offer. extracurricular activities and sport are a great way to get involved in the Medbury Community and to make friends.
Chess Club
Drama Troupe
Hip Hop
Robprogers
Spanish Speech & Drama
Kapa Haka Models Club Basketball Cricket Cycling Fencing Football Hockey
Karate Polo
Rugby
Summer Hockey
Tennis Coaching
Touch Rugby
Water polo
Choir
Instrumental and Vocal lessons
Jazz Band
Orchestra
Percussion Group
Ukulele Group
Rock Bands
Complaints Process
If you are having any issues with other boys, teachers or staff members, please see your homeroom teacher or the International Director, Jayne Foster. If you don’t feel heard, please talk to the Headmaster, Dave Scott.
If the School is not helping contact NZQA via email: qadrisk@nzqa.govt.nz or phone 0800 697 296.
If your complaint is about fees, contact iStudent Complaints: www.istudent.org.nz or phone 0800 00 66 75.
Independent School for Boys
