International Students Australia

As of 2006, new legislation in Australia requires that all secondary students sign an enrolment agreement that details the rights, responsibilities and requirements of students before they are granted enrolment. 

AA Education Network has created a Code of Behaviour that students must follow, and while the details and techniques may differ from school to school, the Code works on the belief that all schools should be a safe, supportive and disciplined environment; furthermore, the school must respect the rights of all students to learn, the rights of all teachers to teach and the rights of all members of the school community to be safe.

The Code of Behaviour follows a set of principles related to creating a safe and conductive school environment.  Students should uphold high standards for their behaviour as well as their personal success, and these standards are allied with fair and transparent practices that hold the student responsible for their own behaviour.  Good behaviour is encouraged by effectual school organisation and a whole school approach that gives teachers, parents and carers, and the wider school community (such as Education employees) opportunities to promote good behaviour.

The enrolment agreement strives to produce PRIDE in the classroom.  PRIDE stands for;

• Professionalism,
• Respect,
• Innovation,
• Creativity, and
• Excellence.

In order to achieve this goal, all members of the school environment (from students to the principal) are expected to act in a lawful, moral and conscientious manner.  Every member of the school community must recognise and respect the rights of others.  Students are not just required to participate in the school program; they must also take responsibility for their actions, exhibit respect for themselves and others and cooperate with all authority figures.

The consequences of bad behaviour will consider the circumstances of the misbehaving individual, but must also contemplate the safety of the school environment.  Those who disrupt learning or the safety of any member of the school community will be faced with the consequences of their actions.  If other methods are unsuccessful, the student may be suspended, excluded or have their enrolment cancelled.

The enrolment agreement ensures that students are learning in a safe environment.  While students have the right to learn and to be safe, they are also given the responsibility of ensuring that the school remains and secure and conductive environment.

AA Education Network has a set of guidelines that all international secondary students in home stay arrangements in Australia must follow.  These guidelines detail a list of responsibilities and behaviour for students to remain eligible for the program.

Students must maintain a satisfactory academic performance.  This is not just a requirement of your enrolment; it is also a visa requirement.   Students must receive appropriate grades to continue with the program and if their grades drop, schools may inform the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).  In the event that a student is required to undertake a High School Preparation program, they are required to complete this before they can continue with secondary schooling.  Students and their parents/caregivers will receive a written school report every term, informing them of their progress.

Students must also abide by the rules and regulations of the school, including the Code of Behaviour and any policies pertaining to Internet and Technology use.  They are required to wear the correct school uniform at all times, including school excursions, and independent travel is not allowed unless with permission from the host school and with someone over the age of twenty one.

Students are obliged to meet attendance conditions.  If a student is unable to attend due to injury or illness, they must present a valid medical certificate.  If attendance drops below eighty per cent, the school will inform the DIAC; if students are absent for more than five consecutive days without a valid reason, their enrolment may be cancelled, which could lead to a cancellation of their student visa.  

Students must meet the financial obligations of the Overseas Student Health Cover program, which allows students to receive basic medical care whilst in the country.  By signing up for the Australian school program, the student’s parents gives permission to the school or the host school to seek medical assistance in the event of injury or illness, and agrees to pay any related costs.

Students will stay with an approved homestay family for the duration of their time in Australia.  All homestay family members over the age of eighteen must possess a Blue Card, which submits them to a criminal and background check.  Students will be treated like a respected member of the homestay family and will be expected to treat their host family in a similar manner; this means following the rules of the family (which includes curfew and bed times), helping with chores, attending family outings and asking the families permission before having visitors at the house or taking any outings.  They must also follow all rules regarding telephone, internet and computers, and under no circumstances visit inappropriate websites or download pornographic material.  Students must also advise the homestay family of their emergency contacts.  If students wish to travel during the school holidays, they require written permission from their host school.

Students are required to stay with their homestay family for at least four weeks, and may only change accommodation in exceptional circumstances.  They must give two weeks notice prior to doing so.  The school reserves the right to move students without notice.  If a student wishes to change families, they must first receive permission from the International School Coordinator or, if the school doesn’t have one, the school principal.  Any changes to contact details must be brought to the school’s attention within seven days.

Students must at all times follow Australian law and regulations.  This includes prohibition of smoking, alcohol consumption and taking illegal or non-prescription drugs.  Students in the Australian school program are not allowed to act in a sexually explicit manner at any time.

Students on a variation of conditions student visa may seek permission from their school to take a job.  If they are under eighteen, they will require a signed permission form from their parents.  Students seventeen years and under may work for up to sixteen hours, while student over seventeen may work up to twenty hours.

High school students may only drive if they have obtained an Australian drivers license.  Driving lessons must be undertaking by a professional instructor.
These guidelines ensure the safety of students enrolled in the Australan school program as well as the host schools and families.  Failure to comply with these guidelines could lead to a student being removed from the program.  Students wishing to study at an Australian high school can have a fun and safe experience by complying with the student guidelines.