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.