There are strict laws around accommodation for international students in all NZ schools, these affect the rules for overnight sleepovers.

We also understand that students often don't know what their parents/they have agreed to when they sign the Trinity enrolment contract. There are two points in the accommodation contract that are essential:

"The student agrees...

To keep the Homestay parents informed of their whereabouts at all times.

To stay at the Homestay residence daily and not to stay overnight at any other residence or location or travel overnight outside of the town or city (as defined by the School) where the student is living without prior written consent of the School. This clause shall not prevent the Student travelling between the Homestay and the School."

This does not make a sleepover with friends impossible, but it does mean that there is a strict process that both students and the school must follow. This is for student safety and wellbeing.

Note 1: Students must give more than 1 week's warning before asking for permission to have a sleepover with friends.

Note 2: Staying with another international student (whose homestay are already police vetted) is more likely to be approved!

The International Director needs to know:

• Who intends to stay and when

• The contact details of the supervising parent

• The address students will be staying at

• The names of the friend/s and what school/s they attend

• Student's birth parents need to email the Director to say that they approve of the plan (this is not a homestay responsibility)

Permission will depend on in-school behavior and how you follow the rest of the Student Code of Conduct. Approval is the school's decision, is not guaranteed and takes time.

So don't text us on a Friday, expecting us to say Yes for that night!