Welcome to Helensvale SHS
International Student Program
Homestay Orientation
Welcome to Helensvale SHS
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Introduction to HSHS International School
Staff and Programs
Homestay responsibilities
Emergency Contacts
Questions & Feedback
Management Team
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Executive Principal
Mr Mark Blackshaw
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ISP Manager
Study Tours Coordinator
Mrs Narelle Gibson
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Our School
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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
Responsibilities of Homestay
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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
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FAMILY EXPERIENCE
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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There are some differences in cultures that
can often lead to misunderstandings
We can provide cultural handbooks for
different countries.