Guide for International Students 1



Contents 1

Important contacts

2

Before starting school 2.1 Application for student pass 2.2 Purchase of uniform and school books 2.3 Accommodation matters 2.4 Guardianship matters 2.5 Transport 2.6 Opening bank account 2.7 Insurance matters

3

Orientation to school and settling in

4

Orientation to Singapore

5

Important notes about student pass



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1.

Important contacts for international students

Principal:

Mr Rob Burrough

Vice Principal (Pastoral):

Mr Richard MacLean

Vice Principal (Staff and Student Development) Mrs Tan Siew Hoon

No. Name 1 Mr Joseph Ng

Designation Director, Marketing and Admissions International students pastoral care coordinator (ISPCC) Admissions officer Data Management Assistant Head of IT

Room School office

In charge of Admissions

SB 4-1 (ISPCC office)

Guardianship Accommodation Special activities

School office

2

Ms Stacey Low Loon (Hp: 97551918)

3

Mrs Stephanie Hanrahan

4

Ms Rosdiawati bte Hamdan

5

Mr Chia Choong Kiat

6

Ms Lincy B. L.

IT administrator

IT office

7

Ms Jelin Tan

Christian Ministry Staff

Church office

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Oldham hall boarding

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- 62528513

Student pass application ACS student pass ISAM Managebac account Student email and wifi password Singapore Experience Programme and Alpha course -

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ACS (Independent) Boarding School

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- 68700906

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School office IT office



Curriculum coordinators (CCOs) Each CCO is in charge of each year group and responsible for timetable and academic matters of the level CCO Year 1 CCO Year 2

Mrs. Lim-Tan Lay Pian Mdm. Jennifer Wang

[email protected] [email protected]

CCO Year 3

Ms. Pamela Ng

[email protected]

CCO Year 4

Ms. Hilda Toh

[email protected]

CCO Year 5

Mdm. Koh Leng Leng

[email protected]

CCO Year 6

Ms. Cheryl Seah

[email protected]

Housemasters and Housemistresses (HSMs) Each HSM is in charge of the pastoral welfare of the students under him/her House CKS

Name of HSM Mr. S. Sivarajan

Email Contact number S.Sivarajan@ 8262 1173 acsinternational.com.sg

GHK

Ms. Gaye H. Kirby

gaye.kirby@ 9721 5002 acsinternational.com.sg

LSG

Mr. Damien Chiang

damien.chiang@ 9721 5001 acsinternational.com.sg

Oldham

Mr. B. Praeman

praemanb@ 9825 6521 acsinternational.com.sg

SVM

Ms. Divya Jesudoss

divya.jesudoss@ 9721 5009 acsinternational.com.sg

Thoburn

Mr. Charles Lee

charles.lee@ 9721 9104 acsinternational.com.sg

TCT

Mdm Chin Siew Lin

siewlin.chin@ 9721 5008 acsinternational.com.sg

TKK

Mr. Peter Talbot

Peter.Talbot@ 9721 9103 acsinternational.com.sg

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2.1 Application for student pass from ICA The agent or school recommended guardian would be familiar with the process. Should it be done independently, this gives a brief outline of the application process: Go to www.ica.gov.sg à eservices and forms à student’s pass à SOLAR+ à ‘click here if you wish to access FSS à apply and pay insurance fee à applicant to wait for email from ICA regarding In-Principal Approval (IPA)à call up Ms Stephanie from Admission and school will email over the IPA letter to the applicant à applicant to bring along relevant documents as stated in IPA letter to ICA for collection of student pass *should the student not hear from ICA, the student should take the initiative to check on status

2.2 Purchase of uniforms and books

Venue to purchase uniform:

Bibi & Baba Private Limited 545 Orchard Road, #02-28, Far East Shopping Centre Singapore 238882 Tel: 6732 7022 Fax: 6835 4979 Opening Hours Mon - Sat : 10am to 7.30pm Sun : 10am to 6pm

Venue to purchase school books: (Booklist can be obtained from school reception) Popular Bookshop ACS (International) school canteen Opening Hours Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 4:00 pm



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2.3 Accommodation matters ACS (International) requires all our international students who are residing here without their parents to be in approved accommodation. 1. Types of approved accommodation The approved accommodation are: (a) Oldham Hall http://www.oldhamhall.org/ (b) ACS(Independent Boarding) http://www.acsindep.moe.edu.sg/about-acs-independent/boarding-school/ Students applying to stay at Oldham Hall or ACS(Independent) Boarding are to fill up the respective application form and submit it according to the boarding regulations. (c) School approved hostels

(d) School approved homestay providers The school screens potential homestay providers and conducts periodic checks on our approved homestay providers. The price for homestay ranges from an average of $1600/month for double sharing to $2500 for single room. Homestay providers provide meals, laundry and cleaning services, wifi and supervision of school work within a home setting.

For enquiry on available vacancies and locations of hostels and homestays, please contact the International Student Pastoral Care coordinator at [email protected]

Important note: From 2017 onwards, all new international students who are residing without their parents are to commit to staying in either Oldham Hall or ACS(Independent) Boarding for a minimum period of ONE year in order that they enjoy the rich benefits that come from boarding experience while studying in an overseas country.

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2. Duties expected of hostel and homestay providers a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) l)

Alert the school on medical issues/absences/late-coming of wards Provision of meals Assist with ward’s overseas travel arrangements Liaise with the school on ward’s discipline matters Ensure that the ward is properly attired and reports to the school on time Keep communication lines open through email, SMS or telephone Monitor ward’s progress in school: both in academic and co-curricular activities Monitor ward’s computer and internet usage Monitor ward’s weekend activities Monitor ward’s expenditure Acknowledge receipt of communications from school through email Update address and contact information when there are changes

3. What you need to have -

A homestay contract that states the terms and conditions clearly.

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It must include:

a) time period for notice of termination b) contact details of homestay provider c) amount of deposit to be paid, monthly amount and mode and timing of payment c) agreement on issues such as frequency of laundry, air-con usage, curfew time, wifi

4. Other important notes on homestay a) It is important to ensure that your homestay providers have your parents’ and guardian’s contact details as well. (if homestay provider is not your guardian) b) Alert your homestay providers to allergies e.g. food or medical that you might have before the start of the stay. c) Be courteous and inform your homestay provider on the time you would be home daily and let them know in advance if you would not be having the meal. d) Alert Ms Stacey (ISPCC) if you need the school to intervene in a homestay matter.

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*Students are reminded that for reasons of child protection safety, they are NOT allowed to look for their own homestay without the school’s knowledge. There is a list of approved homestay by the school.

5. Important notes on boarding halls 1. ACS (Independent) Boarding School a. Person to contact: Mrs Jasmin Tan, [email protected], DID :68700906 b. Curfew time: Curfew Hours are before 11pm everyday irrespective of weekends, school holidays or Public Holidays. Students seeking to return late at night are to obtain permission from their respective Hallmasters/Tutors at least 3 days before or disciplinary action will be taken & explusion if offence is repeated. c. Withdrawal: For refund of Deposits after withdrawal, local cheques will be issued. All boarders must provide a name for the local cheque to be deposited into a local bank with a local forwarding address.

2. Oldham Hall a. Person to contact: House Mistress/Deputy House Mistress if it is related to pastoral care matters. For finance matters to contact Finance Executive. For application for boarding to contact Business Development Executive. Contact number : 62528513 b. Curfew time: 7.30 pm (Mondays to Thursdays); 10.30 pm (Fridays, Saturdays, Eve of PH); Sundays 6pm if they want dinner or 7.30 pm if they do not want dinner. Boarders seeking to return past curfew time must have their parent/guardian send in email 3 working days to obtain permission. C. Withdrawal: For refund of deposit Withdrawal Form to be submitted giving one month’s notice. Boarders who have left must come to OH to collect the cheque. If TT is to be done, bank details (account and swiss code must be given) and beneficiary must be indicated

*All students who wish to withdraw from the 2 boarding halls are to get a notification form of withdrawal from the ISPCC at least 1 month before withdrawal. They are to let the ISPCC know of their intended new place before they sign any contract with the homestay provider or hostel.

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2.4 Guardianship matters

ACS(International) requires all international students enrolled at the school, regardless of age, and not residing with a parent, to have a guardian for the duration of their enrolment. The guardian is to act on behalf of the student’s parent and to assist with all aspects of the welfare of the student. 1. Guardianship Criteria 1.1. Must be 30 years old and above 1.2. Must be Singapore citizen/Singapore Permanent Resident OR adult family member (21 years and above) of the international student and who is working/staying in Singapore 1.3

Must not have exceeded the cap of 15 ACS(International) students as wards

1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7

Must be willing to comply with school expectations Must not have current or history of criminal or mental illness record Must be willing to be subject to criminal background check by the school by submitting official document of proof Must not be a member of the staff of ACS(International)

2. Appointment of guardianship 3.1 Request submitted via country agent or parents when overseas a) Agent or parents to fill in guardianship request form b) ISPCC to match according to language request and availability of guardian from guardian pool. Same gender guardian will be matched with prospective student 3.2 Request by existing international students or/and parents who are physically in Singapore a) ISPCC to arrange for meeting of at least 2 guardians for student or/and parents to interview. b) ISPCC would be present at the interviews

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3.3 Guardians who are appointed by parents directly a) In cases where guardians are appointed by parents directly, the guardian would fill in the school’s guardianship registration form and submit to the school upon enrolment of the student 4. Duties expected of guardians a) b) c) d) e) f)

Assist with student pass matters Alert the school on medical issues/absences/late-coming of wards Touch base with ward at least once a week Assist with ward’s overseas travel arrangements Liaise with the school on ward’s discipline matters Ensure that the ward is properly attired and reports to the school on time g) Keep communication lines open through email, SMS or telephone h) Monitor ward’s progress in school: both in academic and c-curricular activities i) Monitor ward’s computer and internet usage j) Monitor ward’s weekend activities k) Monitor ward’s expenditure l) Acknowledge receipt of communications from school through email m) Read the newsletters n) Attend all Parent-Teacher Meetings with their wards o) Update address and contact information when there are changes 5. Other important notes on guardianship a. Guardians are expected to have in black and white, a contract with the parent that states that the parent has agreed to grant guardianship of their child/children to the guardian concerned for a commonly agreed period of time. b. The guardian, parent and the student should each have an individual copy of the guardianship contract. c. Starting July 2016, every ACS(International) student who has a guardian must furnish the school with a copy of the guardianship contract in the English Language.

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2.5 Transport 1. Transport to school For students from ACS(Independent) boarding school and Oldham Hall, one way transport is available from the boarding hall to the school every morning. For ACS(Independent) boarding, please let Ms Stacey know if you are taking the bus. 2. MRT stations Nearest MRT station to the school is Holland Village MRT station or Commonwealth MRT station (entrance to school via the back school gate) 3. Rates of public transport International students are not eligible for student concession passes and the most convenient way to travel via public transport of MRT and buses is to buy the adult stored value card. More details at: http://www.transitlink.com.sg/PSdetail.aspx?ty=art&Id=37 2.6 Opening bank account To open a bank account, you have to visit the bank in person with your guardian/parent. You will also need the following documents if you are opening account with your guardian: • Valid passport •

Student Pass

•

Address in the form of bill or certification of address from hostel

•

Guardianship contract (for those with guardian)

•

Initial deposit (amount varies according to bank)

You will also need the following documents if you are opening account with your parent: • Valid passport •

Student Pass

•

Address in the form of bill or certification of address from hostel

•

Birth certificate and relevant identification document of parent

•

Initial deposit (amount varies according to bank) 11





2.7 Insurance matters As health costs in Singapore is rising and among the highest in the region, it is now part of our school admission process that all international students in the school should have their own personal health insurance. While the school has a Student Protection Plan in place for all students in the school, it applies only for school related activities and has limited coverage. As such, should there be health issues that arise during your child’s stay in Singapore that are independent of school activities or should the coverage be more than what is being covered by the Student Protection Plan, the cost can be very costly. The school does not handle insurance matter and should you need assistance in this, you may any other agents of your choice. If you require assistance in this, you can approach Ms Stacey for more information.

3.

Orientation to school and settling in

1. Orientation The school organises Orientation programmes for new students to settle in the school when they come in for the January or July intake. For students who come in at other times, the following arrangements are made for them: a) Tour of campus by appointed buddies from their respective houses and introduction by HSMs and house tutors b) The ISPCC would meet them on the first morning and after school on the first day to ensure that all is well c) Students are encouraged to look for their house tutors, HSMs or the ISPCC if they need assistance

2. Alpha Course As part of the introduction to the Christian culture and community in ACS(International), and for structured support of new students over a 2 month period, the school has introduced Alpha Course for July 2016 intake of students. The weekly sessions offers an open environment for new students to better understand the Christian faith and to ask questions about it. It also serves as a support group for the new students and for the ISPCC to follow up on them on a weekly basis. 12



4.

Orientation to Singapore

1. Singapore Orientation Programme The school organises 2 Singapore Orientation outings per year, once in January and once in July for new international students. The one-day programme takes place on a Saturday and visits include places of cultural interests e.g. Chinatown, Arab street, Little India to familiarise students with the cultures of the main races in Singapore.

2. Singapore Experience Progamme International students, especially those staying in boarding halls, are encouraged to join the Singapore Experience Programme, a joint programme between the school and Holland Village Methodist Church. The purpose of the Singaporean Host programme is to provide ACS(International) international students staying at boarding hostels with authentic Singaporean experience and if and where possible, socio-emotional support in their stint here in Singapore. Depending on the interest shown in the programme and availability of Singaporean host, a number of international students may be attached to one Singaporean host and activities such as meal be done in a group basis. Some of the activities include going out for meals, visits to places of interests such as the Botanical Gardens, movies. Costs of the programme are usually borne by the Singapore hosts who are volunteers from Holland Village Methodist Church.

Interested students are to contact Ms Stacey or Ms Jelin for details 5

Important notes on student pass

All international students are reminded that it is their own responsibilities to ensure that they are aware of the conditions that govern the student pass. (See attached)

For any queries related to international students’ after hours welfare, international students can get in touch with Ms Stacey, the International Students’ Pastoral Care coordinator at 97551918 or see her in her room at SB 4-1.

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