Homes in our local community are nearly all built within the last ten years of modern construction.  Most families in the area live in detached houses, while some live in semi-attached homes and low-rise apartment blocks. 

 

Ormiston Senior College has a rigorous selection criteria for choosing host families.  A folder is held at the school office with details of all current Homestays.  Evaluation and feedback forms are completed regularly and these are held for each family.  The International Students Homestay Manager visits homestays regularly to ensure all is well and that all compliance matters are being met.

International students complete feedback forms on all aspects of their Homestay and College life.  Should any complaints come to light from these or through other avenues, International Students Manager would deal with them in the first instance.  The Homestay Manager may need to contact the Homestay family or refer the student to the Learning Advisor.  In some cases they may need to go back to the agent responsible for the student coming to the college.  If the complaint is about the International Students Manager or the way they have handled the initial complaint, the student can take their concerns to the International Education Appeal Authority (IEAA). (These processes are covered under Student Welfare).

 

Homestay costs are $240 per week and host families are expected to; 

• Provide a safe and friendly living and studying environment.

• Provide day to day care including:

  • 3 meals a day and access to snacks

  • own room or shared by negotiation

  • bed and bedding

  • access to a bathroom with showering facilities

  • laundry facilities

  • study desk, chair and reading light

  • adequate bedroom furniture to store clothes, books etc.

  • adequate heating

  • assistance with transport arrangements to and from school as appropriate

• Treat the student with respect.

• Make the student feel a part of the family.

• Advise the college of any changes or additions to the household.

• Advise the college immediately of any concerns or problems with the student. e.g. behaviour or illness.

• Advise the college immediately if the student seems very homesick or depressed.

Host families are not obliged to:

• Provide an internet connection.

• Pay for toll or mobile phone calls.

• Cook special food.

• Insure the student’s goods or pay for property the student damages or loses.

• Offer accommodation to visiting friends or relatives.