Welcome to Helensvale SHS International Student Program

1. Welcome to Helensvale SHS International Student Program Homestay Orientation

2. Welcome to Helensvale SHS • Introduction to HSHS International School Staff and Programs • Homestay responsibilities • Emergency Contacts • Questions & Feedback

3. Management Team • Executive Principal Mr Mark Blackshaw • ISP Manager • Study Tours Coordinator Mrs Narelle Gibson

4. Our School • Founded in 1990 • Co-educational years 8-12 • Approximately 2000 Students • Renowned and respected for its excellent resources and modern facilities • Academic, Cultural and Sporting Excellence Programs • 2008 was our first year operating as an International School

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Cultural Awareness • There are some differences in cultures that can often lead to misunderstandings • We can provide cultural handbooks for different countries.