Guidelines for Host Families and Students

Rockway is not a residential school. However some students require a host family because they come to us from overseas or from outside of the Waterloo region. Students pay $800/month (2010/2011) with the following expectations:

• Rockway expects host families to:
  • Provide a secure and comfortable home environment for students by modeling high spiritual moral and ethical standards understanding the basic philosophy and ground rules of the school.
  • Meet Rockway's approval through a visit with the Homestay Coordinator and references if required.
  • Offer 3 meals per day (including a lunch for school). Food is very important to international students and where possible adjustments should be made.
  • Live within reasonable proximity of the school and/or a bus stop. If transportation is required the host family will help to make arrangements. Any costs will be covered by the student.
  • Have student accommodation that provides an area for study and an opportunity for privacy. one furnished bedroom (including a bed dresser desk) should be provided per student.Families should also have internet access available for students.
  • Have a desire and/or experience in relating to teens.
  • Create a positive cross-cultural experience for international students.
  • Accommodate the extra curricular activities by having a somewhat flexible schedule.
  • Consider the student a member of the family by acting as surrogate parents especially for younger students and integrating international students into a Canadian home.
• Rockway expects that the host family will commit to keeping the student until the end of the school year in June. If the student wants to stay over the summer this will need to be negotiated separately.
• Host families expect students to:
  • Be good ambassadors and make an effort to create a positive cross-cultural experience.
  • Know and respect the house rules set by the host family (these will vary somewhat according to each family).
  • Inform hosts in advance about plans - e.g. absences inviting friends return times.
  • Phone calls should be kept to a maximum of 10 minutes allowing for occasional long distance calls from home. Phone bills need to be paid to Host Families on time.
  • Do some household chores as other family members are expected to do and keep rooms reasonably tidy.
  • Integrate into the household as much as possible and adjust to eating Canadian food.
• Points for discussion:
  
  • Moving: It is assumed that students live with the host family for the school year.
  • Getting Along: Each Host Family will have special house rules and should be discussed with the student. These should include:
    • bed time
    • appropriate use of internet including night time use
    • household chores
    • use of laundry facilities
    • decorating the students bedroom etc.
    • Students are NOT allowed to smoke in the Host Family's home.
  • Host Families should monitor (but not strictly enforce) the following:
    • school attendance
    • homework and study hours
    • number of nights out and places to go or not to go
    • when and where entertaining guests in the home is permitted (e.g.. are bedroom guests OK).
  • Host Families meeting these expectations can expect the affirmation and support of the school administration if difficulties arise.
• Communication:
  • Kristen Mathies  (519-342-0007x 3505) is the International Student Advisor and she will help with student concerns.
  • Tom Bileski is the Director of Community Relations (519-342-0007 x 3029) responsible for the homestay program
  • Rockway hosts 1 -  2 meetings with Host Families each school year.
  • Report Cards will be mailed to the Students parents.
  • Host Families will receive our monthly in-school newsletter, the UPDATE, which notes school activities and schedules.
  • Students receive financial statements which note expenses charged to their account.
  • Host Families will be contacted by the school if a student is absent.

Rockway cannot guarantee a boarding student for host families but will keep a list of approved host families and match students to potential homes. Both the Host Family and boarding student will be informed of match arrangements by phone and memo.