HOMESTAY & CAREGIVERS

Our number one priority is the safety and wellbeing of all students.

Mentone Grammar requires enrolled international students in Years 10 – 12 to obtain Homestay accommodation approved by the School or live with a parent.

Students are not permitted to live independently or without adult supervision and are required to have a caregiver for the duration of their enrolment. Younger international students must live with parent(s).

Mentone Grammar requires all international students who are not being cared for in Australia by a parent or suitable relative, to have a caregiver, living in Melbourne, to provide support additional to, but not in place of, the support and counselling that Mentone Grammar normally provides to all students.

These support services may include translation services to assist with communication to students and parent(s)/legal guardian(s).

This requirement for additional paid support services is not a government or student visa requirement but is a requirement of Mentone Grammar for the duration of a student’s enrolment.

Approved Caregiving Services

School-approved welfare and caregiving services:

A nomination and acceptance of caregiver form must be signed by the parents/legal guardians and caregiver provider accepting this responsibility.

Homestay Providers

Mentone Grammar does not provide Boarding facilities. School-approved Homestay provider:

A nomination and acceptance of Homestay form must be signed by the parents/legal guardians and Homestay provider accepting this responsibility.

Supporting the Welfare of International Students

Mentone Grammar welcomes overseas CAAW students from Years 10 - 12 (we do not enrol any overseas CAAW students aged 13 or younger).

  • Year 10: Students studying in Year 10 are usually about 15 - 16 years of age
  • Year 11: Students studying in Year 11 are usually about 16 - 17 years of age
  • Year 12: Students studying in Year 12 are usually about 17 - 18 years of age

A CAAW is a Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare letter provided to students under 18 by their institution. It will be needed for your visa application if you are under 18.

Students are not permitted to arrive before the welfare commencement date detailed on the CAAW letter. International students must provide Mentone Grammar with arrival details at least two weeks prior to the welfare commencement date specified on the CAAW letter.

All host families undergo a comprehensive process of screening and briefing to ensure students are matched with the best Homestay for their needs.

Students and their host receive ongoing support from the Homestay provider, Mentone Grammar, the student’s caregiver, and Education Agent. A nomination and acceptance of Homestay form must be signed by the parents/legal guardians and Homestay provider accepting this responsibility. The School does not provide boarding facilities.

NOTE: THE HOMESTAY HOST AND CAREGIVER CANNOT BE THE SAME PERSON.

No change to a student’s accommodation or caregiver arrangements can be made without the written approval of the School.

It is the responsibility of the parent/student to advise Mentone Grammar of any change of address or phone number – the School must have the student’s current address and contact details on record at all times.

Students and parents are required to advise the School within 7 days if their contact details change, including who to contact in emergency situations. This information is maintained and updated in the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS) and the Schools Student Management System (TASS).

The cost associated with the Homestay and caregiving support services must be met by the student’s family.

Homestay and Care giver providers are not responsible for the student’s overall welfare and any welfare issues concerning the student should be immediately raised with the School.