Student Services
Arriving in Australia
Arriving in a new country for the first time is always strange. We can arrange to have someone meet students when they arrive at the airport and transfer them to their accommodation.
Orientation Program
We have a specially designed program covering general information about living in Australia, legal services, emergency and health services, complaint and appeal processes, student visa conditions relating to attendance and course progress, banking, shopping, social customs, Australian study methods and a tour of the local area. We give each student a placement test and monitor homestay placement.
After School Study
After School Study is available in the College Library from 4.00 pm until 6.00 pm Monday to Thursday. This program is available to any student at no cost and is supervised by a qualified teacher and a teacher librarian who are on duty to help with homework, assignments and research. The Library is also open during the school holidays for senior students who wish to do private study.
Student Welfare
Student Advisors provide pastoral care and support for accommodation and various academic, financial or personal issues. Personal welfare counselling and assistance with transfer to university programs are also available where needed. These services are free and confidential. As well as the Student Advisors, the College has a full time counsellor who is a registered psychologist.
Additional Academic Support
Free small group or individual sessions are arranged for any students who are in need of ongoing academic assistance.
Recreation Activities
A program of cultural and sporting activities is organised by staff. Some activities are free but other activities incur entrance fees or other costs which the student is expected to pay. Activities include debating club, photography club, movies, concerts, beach volleyball, tennis, swimming, yoga, basketball, barbecues and jogging.
Care Arrangements for Students Under 18 Years of Age
Students under 18 years of age must have a guardian appointed by the College. Stella Maris is committed to the pastoral care of adolescents who are away from home. The College arranges guardians who are members of the College Staff. The guardian’s role is to supervise students, liaise with the school and report to parents on their daughter’s progress and any matters of concern.
Accommodation
Secondary school students must arrange to live either with a relative or in homestay accommodation approved by Stella Maris College. Stella Maris uses a homestay agency to secure homestay accommodation. The College takes responsibility for ensuring that accommodation arrangements meet your daughter’s requirements as indicated on the Homestay Application form. Monitoring of her satisfaction with the homestay takes place soon after she moves in.
Homestay
Homestay families provide students with the opportunity to experience Australian culture and to practise their English. Families offer a room in their house, meals and a welcoming environment where your daughter can feel comfortable and secure. The cost of homestay is approximately A$300 per week.
Recommended English Language Centres
The following ELICOS Program providers are recommended by Stella Maris College:
1. Times Academy
CRICOS No: 03457J
Address: Level 4, 338 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 8316 6688
Email: info@times.nsw.edu.au
Website: www.times.nsw.edu.au
2. Sydney College of English
CRICOS No: 00050A
Address: Level 3, 579 Harris Street, Ultimo Sydney, 2007
Tel: +61 2 9281 5211
Email: info@sce.edu.au
Website: www.sce.edu.au
3. ELS Universal English College
CRICOS No: 00053J
Address: Level 1, 17 O’Connell Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9283 1088
Email: info@els.edu
Website: www.Sydney.els.edu