Transportation and Travel

General:

Unless the student is happy to take public transport, it is expected that you provide your student with transport to and from extra-curricular activities and school events. Some students will find it difficult to ask for this help, so discussion initiated by host parents is essential. Safety issues are also an important consideration here.

Independent travel within NZ:

Students are not permitted to travel independently outside Dunedin under the terms of the Code of Practice (and their enrolment), unless they are over the age of 18 years old and have the Principal's permission. This is not flexible and is also unpopular with students. So if your student informs you that they are planning a trip, they almost certainly do NOT have the school's approval and we need to know ASAP.

Independent travel to their home country:

Students may travel home with parental/school approval during end of term breaks, but the homestay accommodation in NZ is still paid for the whole period. 

Homestay Family Holidays:

If you are planning a family holiday, it would be appreciated if you are able to take your student with you. Parental permission has been given for students to travel with their host families for up to 7 nights, any trip longer that this does need home country approval. For outdoor activities that you participate in, parental permission may be required if there is an element of risk (and insurance doesn't cover everything either). If unsure, please contact the school.

Where taking your student on a holiday is not possible, please contact the Homestay Coordinator in advance. She can then arrange alternate accommodation for your student for those days, either with another homestay family or with a police vetted responsible caregiver. Your payment for that period would continue, so payment for short term stays need to be negotiated by those involved. 

You are required to inform the school when you are away, even for students over the age of 18.