Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions:
What group/class will my child be in?
Our policy is to put children in with their peers according to their dates of birth for their social/emotional development. Their learning goals are set according to the child's ability within the classroom. When they join the school (or at the beginning of the year) the children are assessed and placed in the appropriate level (within the classroom).
The detailed information on group placement is below:
GROUP PLACEMENT school year 2020/2021
Group Date of birth of the child
Reception (1JM) 1th May 2016 - 30th April 2017
1(1E) 1st Oct 2015 - 30th April 2016
2 1st Oct 2014 - 30th Sept. 2015
3 1st Oct 2013 - 30th Sept. 2014
4 1st Oct 2012 - 30th Sept. 2013
5 1st Oct 2011 - 30th Sept. 2012
6 1st Oct 2010 - 30th Sept. 2011
7 1st Oct 2009 - 30th Sept. 2010
8* 1st Oct 2008 - 30th Sept. 2009
*(only children who were in our school in group 7 can move to group 8. New applicants in this age group can apply to the RISS (Rotterdam International Secondary School).
Do you have open days and/or when I can come and visit the school?
We do not organise any open days. However, you are most welcome to come and visit our school. In order to make an appointment please contact our admission officer via email or/and telephone (Veronique veroniquez@harbouribsr.nl or tel 010 448 2266).
My situation is a bit different and I am not sure whether my child fits the admission criteria. What can I do to verify this?
We understand that some family situations are a bit unusual. If you are unsure whether you fit the admission criteria, you are most welcome to call the admission officer or to send her an email to discuss this.
Do you keep long waiting lists and how early should I apply for a start in September?
We do not accept applications too early in advance and for a September start, you can contact us in January of the same year (for example, for a start in September for the school year 2020-2021, we start the application in January 2020). You may make an appointment to visit our school any time. We also accept new students and applications throughout the year (provided we have space in the particular group your child should be in).
When will I find out that my child has a place at your school?
A lot depends on when you apply and for which class. Our admission officer will keep you informed and will let you know if we have space for your child or if your child will need to be placed on a waiting list. You will receive regular updates and our school will contact you as soon as there is space for your child.
What is the procedure for enrolment and what does the school need?
Once our school has established that your child fits the admission criteria, you may send the documents required (see list below). You will then receive a link to our application form.
The application process will be complete once:
We have received all the documentation required.
You have filled in an application form.
The (non- refundable) application fee of 150 euro per child has been paid.
You have visited the school and we have met your child/ren. We understand that this is not always possible (if for example you arrive during the summer holidays). In this case, the school reserves the right to request additional information (such as the authorisation to contact your child’s previous school and/or receive from them a letter of recommendation, etc...).
What documents do you require to start the application process?
Copy of passport (of the child/ren).
Copy of employment contract or letter from employer showing the family is here on a temporary contract or that the family has been relocated for work or study purposes (for ex, relocation package on contract). If your contract is not showing an end date, an alternative is for you to provide us with proof you are an expatriate such as a letter from your employer/University stating you will be here for a few years only.
Full copy of recent school reports (from the last two years). Please also provide us with the copies of any other assessments, reports or evaluations you might have (if applicable, for example, if your child received learning support, EAL...
We understand that parents of preschool children cannot provide us with school reports. You will therefore need to fill a few extra forms (intakes) and we will invite you to come to our school with your child as part of the admission process.
Practicalities:
What is the language of instruction?
Our department focuses on the English language and we only give 2 hours of Dutch lessons to the children who are either fluent in English or who have gained sufficient command of the English language to start studying another language. With only two hours of Dutch per week (and only starting from age 6 onwards) we cannot guarantee that your child will master the Dutch language and it is important to remember that a transition to a Dutch or bilingual school later might prove difficult.
How much are the school fees and can I pay in monthly instalments.
The school fees are € 3750 per child per year for the school year 2020 2021
In addition, an application fee of € 150 per child is required to cover administration costs and reserve a place for your child. The application fee is not refundable and covers administration costs in addition to reserving a place for your child.
Our school fees are used to pay class teachers, extra teachers (EAL, Dutch, PE) ,field trips cleaning costs, resources such as books, furniture, etc.
The school fees cannot be paid in monthly instalments but it is possible to pay either in one instalment in September or in two instalments (one in September, the other in January). If the school fees are paid by a company, they can only be paid in one instalment.
For children starting during the school year, the school fees are calculated pro-rata. The same applies to children who leave during the school year and if you leave earlier than expected, you can request a refund for overpaid fees (please refer to our Terms and Conditions for details)..
Do you accept credit card payments?
No, we don’t. You can pay via internet banking to the following school account.
Bank account name : Stg BOOR inz Harbour International
RABOBANK
IBAN: NL 36 RABO 0112898289 BIC: RABO NL 2U
What time does school start and what time does it finish?
School times
Monday 8.30 - 15.00
Tuesday 8.30 - 15.00
Wednesday 8.30 - 12.30
Thursday 8.30 - 15.00
Friday 8.30 - 15.00
Do children wear a uniform?
Our children do not wear a uniform and they can wear what they wish (as long as it is appropriate for the weather).
Do you have school transport?
Our school does not organise school transport and it is the parents responsibility to bring and collect their children mornings and afternoons.
Do you offer and after school care? How much does it cost?
We do not have onsite after school care service. You may contact the following 4 after schools for costs and availability. They are familiar with our school and can pick up your children from our premises:
https://www.kinderdam.nl/binnenstebuiten
What do I do if my child is sick and cannot come to school?
The Dutch laws of attendance are very strict and our school is required to keep records of absences. It is therefore imperative that you communicate with our school if your child cannot come to school. If your child is unwell, we kindly ask that you contact your teacher on the day before 8:45 am.
