Riccarton High School

Homestay is organised by the Homestay Coordinator. All prospective homestays are inspected, host families interviewed and references checked. The students are met by the host family at the airport on their arrival.

The International Student Director meets with the students regularly and when any student wishes to discuss any matters in an emergency. The Homestay Coordinator also keeps in regular contact with the host family and student to ensure the students are as settled and as happy as possible.

The homestay fee is paid in consultation with the host family, by the student, fortnightly in advance.

Students must not change homestay without prior permission from the International Student Director and a minimum of two weeks notice is required otherwise the student will lose homestay fees. Students who wish to retain their room at their homestay while they are absent during the holiday must pay a retaining fee in advance.

For their homestay fees, students will receive a fully furnished room, complete with study table and lamp, all their meals, linen and laundry. We hope the student will join in family activities of the host family.

Students may not make national or international phone calls or access the internet, unless they have prior permission from the host family, or reverse the charges to their parents. Local calls from private phones are free.

Parents who have concerns about their children's welfare may contact the Homestay Coordinator, Mrs Janet Bisley, during school hours

(phone   03-348 5073  ext.855;   fax 03-343 3354).

Pastoral care and counselling services from the International Student Director, Guidance Counsellors and the level deans are also available to students with school and/or study concerns