International Students
St Mary’s Catholic School warmly welcomes international students and their families from around the world to our caring community in beautiful Tauranga Moana. As a signatory to the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, we are able to enrol a limited number of students (Years 1–6) who are living in New Zealand with their parent(s).
We provide a high standard of pastoral care to ensure every international student feels safe, happy, and well supported as they transition into a new country and school environment. Students are encouraged to embrace New Zealand culture while continuing to value and celebrate their own cultural identity.
Throughout your time at St Mary’s School, we are committed to walking alongside you and your child, offering care, guidance, and ongoing support as you become part of our welcoming school community. Our school is strengthened by a highly professional and dedicated team of staff,
supported by a committed School Board and an engaged parent community, all working together to provide the very best learning opportunities for every student.
Situated on the edge of Tauranga Harbour, our school offers a unique and beautiful learning environment—an inspiring place for children to learn and grow, and a rewarding place for teachers to teach. We value the richness that students from different cultures bring to our school and are proud to provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all learners.
Our Team
Fay Warnock
Natasha Parry
Theresa Dunston
Pastoral care
Pastoral Care (Wellbeing & Safety)
Guided by the NZQA (Pastoral Care of International Students) Code of Practice, pastoral care focuses on you as a person, not just as a student.
We have very strong relationships with our Agents and with their support our pastoral care includes:
Living & Safety
- Help with accommodation
- Making sure you are safe and treated fairly
- Emergency support
Emotional & Mental Wellbeing
- Support if you’re homesick
- Help dealing with cultural adjustment
- Key staff and our agents are always available to talk to
Practical Life Support
- Visa guidance
- Health and travel insurance information
- Help understanding your rights
- Help understanding everyday life at St Mary’s School
Complaints & Protection
- Support if you experience bullying, harassment, or exploitation
- Help making a complaint
Pastoral care = “Are you safe, okay, and supported in New Zealand?”
Academic Support (Study & Learning)
This focuses on helping you succeed in your learning.
It includes:
Learning Help
- Orientation to set you up for success
- Access to International Teacher 4 days a week
- English language support
Academic support = “Are you happy and learning well?”
