Accommodation

Homestay & Pastoral Care

Where will your daughter stay?

St Mary's College takes great care in placing students in Homestays and each Homestay is Police vetted. It is well known that St Mary's College Homestays are of the highest standard, and in some cases students may have their own bathroom and access to their own television. A student profile is given to each International Student to complete, and this information is used to try and match hobbies, sports or other interests to that of the Host Family.

Wherever possible, the student is placed close to public transport. Our expectation of our Homestays is that if the student does not have access to public transport during a weekend, the Host Family will provide transportation to the nearest train or bus.

The Host Family are expected to treat the student as their "daughter", and involve them in all activities that the family does such as travel in New Zealand. Most Host Families will assist the student with homework and encourage the use of English at all times. The Host Parents are encouraged to participate in parent/teacher interviews at St Mary's College.

Great care is given to the safety of all International Students whilst they are attending St Mary's College. We arrange for the New Zealand Police to come and talk about safety issues, and we also have a Public Health Nurse visiting to inform the students about health issues. She is also available for private consultations during the school week. Also on site, is a qualified Counsellor who can advise the students how to deal with confidential issues as well. If required, translators can be brought in to assist students.

We allocate each new International Student with a "buddy or friend" to make their orientation into the College much easier. Throughout the year social functions are arranged so that the students can have the opportunity to visit tourist attractions around the Wellington area.

Our Host Families are monitored regularly by phone and visits by our Homestay Manager. The Homestay Manager is on call 24 hours per day, students and Homestays have access to her private telephone and cell phone number. The Homestay Manager is available, at the College, on a regular basis if students need to discuss any personal issues.