Welcome to Helensvale SHS International Student Program

Homestay Orientation

Welcome to Helensvale SHS

Introduction to HSHS International School Staff and Programs

Homestay responsibilities Emergency Contacts Questions & Feedback

Management Team

Executive PrincipalExecutive Principal

Mr Mark BlackshawMr Mark Blackshaw

ISP Manager ISP Manager Study Tours CoordinatorStudy Tours Coordinator

Mrs Narelle GibsonMrs Narelle Gibson

Our School

Founded in 1990Founded in 1990 Co-educational years 8-12Co-educational years 8-12 Approximately 2000 StudentsApproximately 2000 Students Renowned and respected for its excellent resources Renowned and respected for its excellent resources

and modern facilitiesand modern facilities Academic, Cultural and Sporting Excellence Academic, Cultural and Sporting Excellence

ProgramsPrograms 2008 was our first year operating as an International 2008 was our first year operating as an International

SchoolSchool

Responsibilities of Homestay

Understand Homestay Code of Conduct Read Homestay guidelines booklet Orientate student to your home

- introduce family members (and pets)- discuss house rules

Include student in family activities Inform school if there is any change in;

- address, phone number, - status of blue cards- hosting of other students

Complete all forms & return to school Any problems – CALL US!

FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Homestay is a family, Australian way of life experience. Students are a guest in your home but also should be made to feel as part of your family

Students need to be home for dinner each night Curfew Juniors - Fri & Sat 9pm

Seniors- Sun – Thurs 10pm, Fri & Sat 12pm (with parental permission and knowledge of whereabouts)

Meal times – sit down at the table for a family dinner. Meal should be substantial -Remember they are growing teenagers, it is very important that they have a nutritious and hearty meal each day

Lunch should be packed for them to bring to school. Fruit, juice, two sandwiches check with them what they would like

FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Transport – drive students when possible as you would your own children. Make sure that they arrive safely if catching public transport

Take students on family outings and show them around the Gold Coast

Take them on a holiday with you and your family. The Homestay family’s main focus is to give the

student a happy and memorable family experience

Accommodation

Provide student with their own room. They should have privacy.

Comfortable bed Desk to study at with lamp or sufficient

lighting Wardrobe and a place for personal items Good ventilation Bathroom own or shared

HOME RULES AND CHORES

Explain carefully any rules that you want the student to follow. Make sure they understand but keep in mind the cultural differences.

Phone and internet rules. Show them where they can obtain extra towels or

linen. Explain laundry procedures Give them small chores that are quickly and easily

attended to eg. Tidy own room, empty dishwasher, set table.

STUDENTS OUT AND ABOUT

Students are not to be in cars driven by ‘P’ plate drivers.

If student is staying over night at another house Homestay parents need to ring and make sure that this is agreed to by the other family. A Travel 2 form needs to be complete the first time staying at each house. Study Tour Students are not to stay overnight anywhere but homestay provider.

Travel 3 forms needs to be complete when travelling outside of the local area/holidays.

ON STUDENTS DEPARTURE

AT THE END OF STUDENT’S STAY IT IS THE HOMESTAY FAMILY’S REPONSIBILITY TO DRIVE THEM TO THE AIRPORT – Give them a family goodbye!

The most important aspect of the program is that the student and our homestay families

enjoy the experience.

Study Tours

Study Tours Officer –Narelle Gibson

Usually 1- 3 weeks Most from Japan, Taiwan and China at this stage Focus on cultural experience School program includes English Lessons and

cultural activities and outings Student needs to be driven to school and picked up

each day

Cultural Awareness

There are some differences in cultures that can often lead to misunderstandings

We can provide cultural handbooks for different countries.