Sacred Heart College oversees the provision and management of homestays. All homestay host families are interviewed, police vetted, and have been approved in line with the requirements set out in the  Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021.

Sacred Heart College Responsibility 

• Ensure that the homestay family is suitable and all requirements are met, including the police vetting is completed for all residents over the age of 18.
• Provide a profile of the host family.
• Provide all students a 24/7 contact person for emergencies.
• Provide care and on-going support to students while they are in homestay.
• Keep the student family informed of any issues relating to students and homestays.

International Students can expect to have:

• A friendly, safe living environment where the student is well cared for;
• Three meals a day with access to snacks;
• A properly lit, private bedroom with bed, bedding, desk, chair, lamp, adequate heating and clothes storage; 
• Organisation of either private or public transport to and from the College;
• Adequate access to bathroom and laundry facilities;
• Internet access and support to connect their devices
• A respectful and inclusive home environment;
• Support for a student’s faith practice if required.

Sacred Heart College Host Families are not expected to:

• Cook special food, or comply with unreasonable requests;
• Insure the student’s property or pay for property that the student damages; v
• Offer accommodation to visiting family members, friends or relatives.

International Student Homestay Contract

• I will always act with respect of New Zealand laws and Sacred Heart College rules and conditions;
• I will not bring Sacred Heart College’s name or reputation into disrepute by my actions;
• I will not use illegal substances, drink or drive a vehicle while attending Sacred Heart College. I understand that doing so it may result in termination of my enrolment from the College and being sent home;
• I will not smoke cigarettes in my homestay or in school uniform or if under the age of 18 years old;
• I will attend school on time as required by the College, unless I am sick and I understand I will be required to provide a doctor’s reference;
• I will respect my host family’s curfew times and home rules. If I do not agree with host family’s rules I will discuss this with the Sacred Heart College Homestay Coordinator.
• I will help in the home with small chores, such as clearing the dinner table, doing some dishes;
• I will be responsible for keeping my bedroom clean and free from rubbish. I will not keep food in my bedroom. I will change my bed linen and towels as requested by my host parent;
• I will ensure I maintain a high standard of personal cleanliness and grooming e.g. daily showers, shampoo and shave if necessary. My hair cut and style will be within the school regulations: short, tidy, no spikes and not coloured. My uniform and shoes will be regularly cleaned;
• I agree that I will not be online after 10pm on school nights, or 11pm weekends; I understand that after 10pm I should be quiet in my bedroom and not use the kitchen or have loud phone calls. I will not disturb my host family;
• I will make sure all homework assigned by teachers is completed;
• I understand that if I breach any restrictions and rules set out by my homestay family, they may terminate the accommodation agreement with me;
• I understand that if my behaviour at homestay causes serious concern, I may face discipline action by the College, my accommodation agreement with the homestay may be terminated, and I may be required to return immediately to my home country and my parents’ care. Alternatively, my parents will be required to make alternative accommodation arrangements. If emergency accommodation is required for me before my parents come, I agree to cover the costs of such arrangement arranged by the College for me.

Terms and Conditions

• The College will endeavour to place the student in a family where English is the first language;
• The College will endeavour to match the student with a homestay family that meets the preferences expressed on the application form but cannot guarantee that it will be possible to meet all these preferences;
• International Students at Sacred Heart College are required to live with homestay families registered and approved by the College for the duration of their study, or arranged by the College approved agency;
• Exceptions are only made for students who are staying with close family friends/relatives who reside in Auckland regularly.  Any such arrangement must be approved by the Director of International Students;
• International Students under 18 who live with a parent/designated caregiver are required to have their accommodation arrangements approved by the College. The Accommodation Compliance Fee will apply;
• Transport to and from the College is not included in the homestay fees paid by students;
• There is a $90 per week homestay holding fee if the student requires the College to keep the room for him or leave his luggage/personal belongs in the home during the end of year school holiday;
• The fees for homestay or other accommodation paid to Sacred Heart College will be held in the College for the student and released as required for payment of accommodation expenses.

Refund Policy

• All cancellations must be in writing to the Director of International Students;
• A minimum of two weeks’ notice is required to request a homestay change or to cancel homestay;
• If homestay is cancelled after the arrival of the student, the unused portion of the homestay fees will be refunded;
• Unused homestay funds can be used by the College to compensate a host family on the damage of their property if it’s deemed to be the student’s fault.