International Students Accommodation and Welfare Policy
15 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW 2500 TEL 61 2 4228 6011 FAX 61 2 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au EMAIL stmarys@stmarys.nsw.edu.au ABN 70 309 539 954 Temporary CRICOS PROVIDER NO 01369C CEC
ACCOMMODATION & WELFARE POLICY St Mary’s is a nurturing, Catholic educational community where students and staff continually strive for excellence and act for social justice, aspiring to the motto, “I am born for higher things.” We are committed to the ideal of inclusive education, which values the uniqueness of each student and caters to differing needs. 1. Accommodation International students, junior and senior, enrolled at St Mary Star of the Sea College must live with a parent (unless living with a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) approved adult relative). 2. Change in Address and Accommodation Welfare Arrangements The School must be notified of any change in address and all accommodation and welfare arrangements, must be approved by the College. If a student changes their accommodation or welfare arrangements without school approval, DIAC will be informed that the College no longer approves the accommodation and welfare of the student and this may affect the student’s visa. 3. Other Arrangements Parents may wish to nominate a close relative to be the primary carer of the student. Such nomination must be indicated in the Guardianship section of the student’s International Application for Enrolment form. • • • • • • •
The School requires that the primary carer must: be over 25 years of age provide an appropriate family situation for the student to reside in present for interview with the Principal or his/her delegate complete guardianship declarations as required by the School provide evidence of their right to remain in Australia for the period that the student is enrolled at the School
A representative from St Mary Star of the Sea College will visit the house to establish that it is suitable for the student and to discuss the school’s Accommodation and Welfare Policy and expectations. All adults 18 years and over living in the guardian’s home are required to apply for a Working with Children Check. 4. DIAC Approved Guardianship The College will keep on the student’s file evidence from a passport that a parent of the student is in Australia on a guardianship visa, or evidence from a passport that the student is a child of a full fee paying overseas student, or a letter from the parent(s) of the student addressed to the Principal in which approval is given for the child to live with other DIAC approved family members in Australia. A College representative will visit the home annually to monitor the ongoing suitability of the approved accommodation and welfare arrangements for the student. 5. Contact with Parents Should matters arise concerning the personal safety or wellbeing of a student, the parent/legal guardian will be notified according to the Welfare Policy of the College.
15 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW 2500 TEL 61 2 4228 6011 FAX 61 2 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au EMAIL stmarys@stmarys.nsw.edu.au ABN 70 309 539 954 Temporary CRICOS PROVIDER NO 01369C CEC
GUARDIANSHIP POLICY International students enrolled at St Mary Star of the Sea College must have an adult guardian for the duration of their enrolment regardless of the student’s age. If the family wishes to appoint a relative to act as guardian, the relative must gain Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) approval. Copies of documentation used to apply for guardianship through the DIAC system together with a copy of the letter from DIAC approving the relative as a guardian must be forwarded to the School. The College must be notified of any change in address or guardianship arrangements and all accommodation and welfare arrangements must be approved by the College. If a student changes their accommodation or welfare arrangements without College approval, DIAC will be informed that the College no longer approves the accommodation and welfare of the student and this may affect the student’s visa. Guardian Suitability • Guardians must be persons of good character, acceptable to the College and must be over the age of 25. • Guardians must be residents of NSW and provide evidence of their right to remain in Australia for the period that the student is enrolled at the College. • A guardian must be a close relative of the student and over the age of 25. • In the case of a relative being nominated as the guardian of the student, the Guardianship Section of the Application for Enrolment (International) must be completed by the parent and forwarded to St Mary’s College. • The guardian should present for interview with the Principal or his/her delegate Guardian Responsibilities • The College requires guardians to assume responsibility for the long term welfare of the student while the student is in Australia. • The Guardian agrees that he/she will be available to attend interviews and events at St Mary Star of the Sea College and be available at short notice to attend to the welfare of his/her student and attend in person when the student or the College requests. • Guardians must sign on behalf of the parents all forms and notifications requiring parental permission. • Guardians agree to make a regular report to the parents of the student. • Guardians will maintain a liaison role between the parents and the College. • Guardians agree to support and assist the student with social, domestic and living arrangements. • Guardians will inform the College of any aspect of the student’s home life which may impact upon their study or academic progress. • The Guardian’s full contact details will be kept current and the College, parents and student are to be immediately informed of any changes of contact data.
15 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW 2500 TEL 61 2 4228 6011 FAX 61 2 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au EMAIL stmarys@stmarys.nsw.edu.au ABN 70 309 539 954 Temporary CRICOS PROVIDER NO 01369C CEC
WELFARE POLICY
International students at St Mary’s are supported in their social, emotional, spiritual and academic growth through the Tutor Group teachers, classroom teachers, the Dean of Pastoral Care, Dean of Studies, Dean of Mission and Innovation, Pastoral Care Team and the Director of Admissions, Marketing and Development. • Enquiries concerning a student should be directed initially to the student’s classroom teacher or the Tutor Group teacher • Following this, enquiries of a pastoral nature should be made to the Year Coordinator who will follow up any concerns with the Dean of Pastoral Care • Enquiries of an academic nature should be made to the relevant KLA Coordinator who will follow up any concerns with the Dean of Studies
Students of Concern:
It is the policy of St Mary’s that student welfare if of utmost importance. In the case of a student of concern or a student in danger, the following procedure occurs: Student in danger: • Immediate notification must be made to the relevant Year Coordinator and College Executive of a student in danger of harm and action taken to minimize any risks. • Counselling and relevant support agencies may be accessed to support the student • Parents/guardians will be notified Student of concern: • Students of concern are regularly discussed at staff Year Team meetings. These concerns are passed on to the Year Coordinator and/or the relevant Subject Coordinator • The Year Coordinator will follow up by interviewing the student to ascertain the nature of the area of concern and put into place any strategies necessary to ensure the well being of the student • The Year Coordinator will report to the Dean of Pastoral care and notify him/her of the concerns and action taken • Access to Kulilla Counselling Centre and other support agencies may be used to support the student and to ensure her personal safety • Parents/guardians will be notified of the concerns in an appropriate manner ie phone conversation or interview • The Year coordinator will advise the Tutor Group teacher and other members of staff, if it is deemed necessary, of action taken regarding the concerns reported, while always maintaining the dignity and privacy of the family. Detailed policies and procedures are avilable in the Student Diary.
15 Harbour Street Wollongong NSW 2500 TEL 61 2 4228 6011 FAX 61 2 4229 8555 www.stmarys.nsw.edu.au EMAIL stmarys@stmarys.nsw.edu.au ABN 70 309 539 954 Temporary CRICOS PROVIDER NO 01369C CEC