Carer Responsibilities

Welfare Arrangements

What are the Responsibilities of a Carer?

  • Attend Enrolment day/interview with the student to assist them with their enrolment.
  • Attend school meetings such as parent/teacher interviews, subject selection meetings and other school meetings deemed necessary by the principal on behalf of the parents.
  • Ensure the student has regular and punctual school attendance. Student visa regulations require a minimum of 80% attendance and failure to meet attendance requirements can lead to the cancellation of the student visa.
  • Notify the school coordinator, the International Students Centre, and Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) of any changes in address or living arrangements, in writing within 7 days. The carer must sign the notification and provide full details of the new arrangements. If the student is under 18 and attending a Department of Education school, permission must be sought from the International Student Centre prior to the move.
  • Contact the parents and school coordinator in case of an accident, serious illness or medical emergency.
  • Assist the student to seek necessary medical attention and obtain proper medical certificates in case of absence. Medical certificates obtained must show a provider number.
  • Inform the parents promptly in the event of any problems, discuss solutions with parents and act promptly on their advice.
  • Telephone or write to the school coordinator requesting leave for the student for medical, dental or any other appointments, specifying the dates and times of their absence.
  • Liaise with the school coordinator concerning behaviour, conduct or any issues that may affect the student’s progress.
  • Assist the student to understand school and visa requirements and abide by them.
  • Assist the student with any cultural problems or difficulties in settling in to life in Australia.
  • Ensure that the student behaves acceptably for a young person under 18 in Australia, is home on weekday evenings by an agreed and reasonable time and later on weekends.
  • Ensure that the student informs them of where the student will be when away from the home and what time the student expects to be home.
  • There should always be a responsible adult at home during the night.
  • The family should provide meals for the student and treat the student as one of the family.
  • It is not considered appropriate for a student under 18 years to live with a single male.