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 Principal Executive Principal Mr Mark Blackshaw ISP Manager ISP Manager Study Tours Coordinator Study Tours Coordinator Mrs Narelle Gibson Mrs Narelle Gibson

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

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.