Pastoral Care

Taking great care of our students

The wellbeing and safety of our students is very important to Yarra Valley Grammar. A dedicated team of teaching and support staff assist our overseas students in the transition to life in Australia and monitor their time at Yarra Valley Grammar. In addition, there is a strong support network provided by people within the community of Yarra Valley Grammar including Homestay Hosts, Designated Caregivers and Parent nominated Guardians. They understand how important it is for every student to feel safe and valued within the School community as well as instil a sense of independence and resilience in each student. Yarra Valley Grammar is fully responsible for the welfare of overseas students and does not delegate, outsource or contract out this responsibility.

Support Network

The International Student Coordinator along with the Director of Marketing and Admissions are the first points of contact for overseas students at Yarra Valley Grammar from their first day of orientation until they complete their VCE studies. In addition, the School also has bilingual administration and teaching staff trained in wellbeing of overseas students to provide extra support and assistance as required. Both Director of Marketing and Admissions and International Student Coordinator closely monitor the welfare arrangements of overseas students in coordination with relevant staff members of the School. This includes but not limited to, communicating on an ongoing basis regularly with Homestay Hosts, Parents, Designated Caregivers and Parent nominated Guardians as approved be the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA).

The International Student Coordinator also works closely with Tutors, Year Level Coordinators, Heads of School and the Head of Student Wellbeing to ensure students are achieving their personal best and when needed, develops collaborative support teams with parents, Designated Caregivers and Parent nominated Guardians as approved by DOHA to support students. Confidential personal counselling is available to students when needed.

Orientation and Transition

A preparation day is conducted on the first day of the school year which allows new overseas students to meet staff and fellow students and participate in activities that assist them in a smooth transition into Yarra Valley Grammar. All new overseas students are assigned a buddy or an Australian friend on their first day at Yarra Valley Grammar to assist in the everyday activities of the School, such as finding their way to class, accessing facilities as well as being on hand to answer any questions they may have. The orientation program for overseas students takes place during the first month of the School. The program is designed to make students aware of School’s expectations, relevant safety and wellbeing information and key people within the School.

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