Eligibility

Mt. Zaagkam International School desires all of its students to be successful and enrollment into the school is the first step of this success. Ensuring that a child is placed properly is key to this success and MZIS uses the following criteria for Grade Placement:

1.    All students are placed in their age appropriate grade according to the cut-off birth date. The cut-off date established by the School Advisory Council and endorsed by the School Executive and PTFI is September 1st.  For example, students must be three years old by September 1st to enter the pre-school program, four years old by September 1st to enter the pre - 4 programme, and so on.  

2.    A student whose birthday falls after the September 1st deadline will be placed as per policy guidelines in the appropriate grade level. Only in exception circumstances will this policy be reviewd.

The subject of “which grade” is always a concern for parents, especially for in-coming Southern Hemisphere parents. It is important that comparisons with the USA grade system at MZIS not be made with that from home countries as systems all over the world differ.

Students will be allotted a grade that compliments their age appropriate peers and meets the above requirement. The MZIS policy, approved by the School Advisory Council has demonstrated success since its inception in 1993.

Another understandable concern for parents is: what happens when the family returns to their home country? Will my child be sufficiently prepared? Past history has shown that students returning to their home countries and placed in classes with their peers were usually at grade (or chronological age equivalent) level and, in the majority of cases, far ahead in skills. MZIS has proven time and time again that students are very well prepared to return to their home country’s school system.

Acceptance for enrolment into the school is contingent upon the following:

1.    Only children of a PTFI employee or approved PTFI contractor who hold a passport from a country other than Indonesia, will be eligible for enrolment and therefore attend Mt Zaagkam International School. If a child is adopted by personnel meeting the above criteria, all relevant documentation (including the non-Indonesian passport) must be submitted before acceptance can be given.

2.    Students must have proficiency in the English language appropriate for their chronological age level. "English as a Second Language" classes are not available at the school. It is, therefore, the expectation that students will be able to read, write, and speak English at the grade (or chronological equivalent age) level they are entering.

3.   Due to the school's isolation and the unavailability of specialist service providers, the school is unable to accept students for enrolment who have serious learning, physical or emotional disabilities.

Procedure for Enrollment into MZIS

In the Parent Information section of this webpage, download the enrolment form ; either in paper copy or in soft file copy format.

Please return the enrolment form to the school prior to your child attending their first day. This can be completed by fax, emailed attachment to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it , or through the HRD offices in either NOLA or Cairns. MZIS will also require current achievement information (reports) from your child’s current school.

The earlier MZIS can receive this information, the more effective the transition process will become.

This enrolment form MUST be accompanied with a photocopy or scanned copy of page 1 and 2 of the student’s current passport. (Note the requirement in Number 1 of  “Acceptance for enrolment…” section)

Bring a current immunisation documentation to be sighted by the Principal on arrival.

Please note that the guidelines listed above and in the Parent and Student Handbook will be strictly adhered to and all relating policies of PTFI apply without exception.