PASTORAL CARE AND SUPPORT NETWORKS
The International Team
The International Team at Western Heights High School is dedicated to one thing – safe and enjoyable experiences for all of our students. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that right from the moment of application, our students are placed in the best possible home stays, classes and extracurricular activities to ensure their life in New Zealand begins in the best possible way. Our students, their families and our agencies regularly comment on our high levels of professionalism and passion for our students. We care deeply about the success of each and everyone of our students and will go the extra mile to ensure their happiness and success.
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Ms Renée Millner Director of International Students
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Miss Kris Haines Accommodation Coordinator
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Mrs Feray Aydogmus ESOL/English Teacher
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Mr Ben Prangnell Deputy Principal/Line Manager of International
Heads of House
The heads of house specifically support the students within their house. They can provide personal support for you regarding all matters relating to school. They are very helpful, empathetic and kind people who are always here to support you..
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Mr C Hemana Head of Te Motutapu-ā-Tinirau House
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Mrs W Hague Head of Te Motutapu-ā-Tinirau House
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Mr S Wrigley Head of Ngongotahā House
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Mrs R Hohneck Head of Ngongotahā House
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Mr E Bogun Head of Waiariki House
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Mrs J Bowman Head of Waiariki House
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Mrs C James Head of Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe House
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Mr R Lane Head of Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe House
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Mr N Lynch Head of Ngā Pumanawa e waru o Te Arawa House
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Mrs T Moke Head of Ngā Pumanawa e waru o Te Arawa House
Finance
Mrs Hadlow is in charge of International finance and will assist you with all school related finances. She is friendly, very professional and is more than willing to answer many questions you may have.
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Mrs C Hadlow Finance
Health and Wellbeing
Our Health and Wellbeing team have a wealth of knowledge and experience to support you and your physical and mental health. Students are able to access our Health and Wellness center by walking in or by making an appointment. This is a free service to all of our student body.
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Mr Guy Ngatai Guidance Counselor
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Ms Kim Devereaux Guidance Counselor
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Mrs Rachelle Smith School Nurse
Careers
Mrs Chesterman is a highly experienced careers advisor. She has a wealth of knowledge and resources to help you design and nurture your future career pathway. She is located adjacent to the Health and Wellness center and is available via making an appointment.
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Mrs Jody Chesterman Careers
Extra-Curricular Activities
Mrs Leona Kaye-Ivitu is our school’s sports coordinator. She can assist you with your co-curricular and sporting needs whilst at Western Heights High School. She is highly experienced, professional and is in fact a New Zealand tennis representative!
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Mrs Leona Kaye-Ivitu Sports Coordinator
House Tutor Group Teachers
Your house tutor group is a smaller group within your house that you meet with daily. The group is made up of students in your house from years 9 to 13. During this time your house tutor group teacher will take your attendance, share with you the daily notices and issue you any other important school wide information that you will need for the day. You will have the same house tutor group teacher for the duration of your time at Western Heights so students develop strong relationships within this class. Your house tutor group teacher can also provide you with academic and pastoral support as needed.
English Language Support
Upon your arrival at Western Heights you will be tested on your English abilities and placed into the appropriate class.
If you are a beginning to intermediate speaker of English, you will then be placed into our ESOL class with Mrs Feray Aydogmus. She is an experienced ESOL and English teacher who consistently goes above and beyond to develop your English skills. She can assist you with ESOL qualifications such as IELTS, TOEFL and TOEIC
Contact Information
Regarding International at Western Heights, these two people will be the most important school contacts you will have. Your first point of contact is Mr Sam Dunn, the Director of International Students who will assist you with any questions you may have. Ms Kris Haines will attend to any accommodation queries. Once you arrive to Western Heights you will be invited to join the International ‘WhatsApp’ group for blanket messaging and also the International Google Classroom where documents and other resources are shared. School wide messages are also sent via our school app and emailed to our parents and caregivers.
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Ms Renée Millner Director of International Students
For all school related matters
Office Phone – +64 7 349 5940 Ext. 278
Mobile Phone – +64 27 210 9544
Email – rmillner@whhs.school.nz
EMERGENCY ONLY – +64 800 944 700
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Miss Kris Haines Accommodation Coordinator
For all homestay related matters
Office Phone – +64 7 349 5940 Ext. 247
Mobile Phone – +64 21 967 966
Email – khaines@whhs.school.nz