A Letter from the Dean
A very warm welcome to Ivanhoe Grammar School! Our School has welcomed international students from a number of countries for many years and I am very pleased that you have chosen to complete your secondary schooling here with us. This is a new stage in your life, possibly more challenging than anything you have ever decided to do before. Living and studying in another country can be a little difficult at times but also exciting, and the rewards are very worthwhile. An international education can help you to work, travel or do business in many parts of the world and also better understand the world. You will also have the opportunity to make friends from many interesting backgrounds and learn to make decisions and manage your own life.
You will have many questions about your new country, city and school, such as how to find your way around Melbourne on public transport, what subjects and university courses you can study or places to go to relax on the weekends. I hope you find the information in this manual helpful. There is also a list of people at the School who can help you with particular questions. Please feel free to ask for help or support at any time and be assured there is always help available to you. I look forward to getting to know you and wish you a very happy and rewarding experience studying at Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Ms Leisl Bruhn Dean of International Students
My firm belief is that all students have the capacity to succeed...
– Mr Foley, Principal.
Welcome from the Principal
Welcome to Ivanhoe Grammar School! I am sure your time here will be challenging, exciting and rewarding.
Ivanhoe Grammar School has a strong and proud history and has been welcoming International Students since 1941.
My firm belief is that all students have the capacity to succeed, that community and caring for others are paramount and that education can provide outstanding opportunities to all who embrace it.
Our aim is to assist students to develop their unique potential by providing a range of rich experiences through academic opportunities, the creative and performing arts, sport, outdoor education, intercultural understanding, leadership and service to others.
As you start your journey, I encourage you to embrace the opportunities you are given with the knowledge that we are here to support and guide you.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
Mr Gerard Foley Principal
People who can help you
Who can help you?
If you experience problems there are a number of people who can help:
• Dean of International Students: Ms Bruhn is your main contact when you arrive at School. She can help answer most of your questions or direct you to someone who can.
• Head of Senior Years: Mrs Di Ciocco is here to support you as the leader of the Senior Years.
• Homestay Coordinators can assist you with homestay issues. Please contact Ms Bruhn initially if you have homestay concerns and she will arrange for a coordinator to meet with you.
• International Admissions Coordinator: Will assist you with administration matters. This includes, enrolment, passport or visa issues and Overseas Student Health Cover.
• Mentor Group: If you are in mainstream classes you will be placed in a Mentor Group with a Head of House or Deputy Head of House. This group meets regularly and Ms Bruhn and your Mentor Teacher will care for you throughout your journey.
• EAL and Classroom Teachers: These teachers will often be the people who know you best in the School and can help you with many day-to-day issues, especially those related to language and study.
• School Psychologists are available in the Wellbeing Centre: The School will refer you to a school psychologist when required.
• Senior International Students, Prefects and International Student Council members: Your peers and students from your home country can be a great source of support.
• Health Centre: The Health Centre is open 8am5pm, Monday-Thursday and 8am-4.30pm on Fridays if you need medical assistance.
• International Mentor Program: International students meet meet regularly with their peers to share and learn from each other’s cultures and experiences.
Michelle Taylor Nurse in Charge
Kathy Li School Psychologist
Anna Nikolaou School Psychologist Laura Punaro School Psychologist
Mr Gerard Foley Principal
Ms Leisl Bruhn Dean of International Students
Mr Paul Walsh Head of Advancement
Ms Amber Sowden Deputy Principal/ Head of The Ridgeway Campus
Mrs Angela Di Ciocco Head of Senior Years
Introducing... Melbourne
WELCOME TO MELBOURNE – THE CAPITAL CITY OF VICTORIA
Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is the home, workplace and leisure centre of one of the world’s most harmonious and culturally diverse communities. It is a leading education destination for international students.
Melburnians love the city’s vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café-filled laneways, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne is a young city and as such it never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing.
Melbourne and its inhabitants are said to be sports mad. We can’t get enough sport; we play it, we watch it, we love it. Australian Rules Football, Cricket and Basketball are some of the games that you will see. Watching a game of Australian Rules Football with up to 100,000 other spectators is an experience that you must not miss. In your first week in Melbourne you will be required to choose a football team to support as those you meet will often ask you, “What team do you barrack for?”
For more information on events, dining, shopping and much more in Melbourne, go to the following websites for everything to see and do in the city.
Melbourne Resources
The following information and resources will help you make the most of your time in Melbourne:
ENTERING OR LEAVING AUSTRALIA
Visit the website below to read about what to expect at the border and what you can bring into Australia. homeaffairs.gov.au
ARRIVING AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT
Airport pickups are arranged with your Homestay Provider, unless you have a pre-arranged pick up which has been approved by the School. Your homestay provider will send you the details about your pick up. Please follow the link below for details about the Melbourne Airport. melbourneairport.com.au
TELEPHONE
All international students are expected to have a mobile phone in Australia and are required to advise the School of their local mobile number as soon as available.
ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE
Australia’s electricity voltage for domestic use is AC 240 volts and we use a distinctive three pronged pin. Adaptors can be bought at the airport or at hardware stores.
BANKING
Banks are open from approximately 9.30am till 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and until 5.00pm on Friday. Some banks also open on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm. You will find branches of all major Australian banks in the main shopping centre near the School. ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are available 24 hours a day and can be accessed via your ATM Card. Your designated carer will help you open an account.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are several options available for travel around Melbourne. Myki is Melbourne’s ticket to travel on the city’s trains, trams and buses. Visit the website below to find out about purchasing a Myki Card or download the app.
ptv.vic.gov.au
WEATHER
Melbourne’s weather can vary greatly and it is often said that you can experience four seasons in one day. In the summer months (December-February) temperatures can range from 15 to 40 degrees Celsius. Hot days are usually bearable because the heat is dry rather than humid. In winter (June-August) temperatures can range from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius with the nights as low as 3. You can get a 7 day forecast by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology website or download the app.
bom.gov.au
UNLOCK
MELBOURNE, THE STUDY MELBOURNE APP
Unlock all that Melbourne has to offer! Created by Study Melbourne, a Victorian Government initiative, and it was designed specifically for international students arriving in Melbourne. Complete daily tasks, unlock information about the world’s most liveable city and soon you’ll be living like a local! Search for it in the App Store or Google Play or visit the website below for more information.
studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
You can visit the City of Melbourne website for more information. melbourne.vic.gov.au/international-students
Ivanhoe Grammar School
Ivanhoe Grammar School is a leading private school in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. A co-educational School with a diverse population, Ivanhoe Grammar School has been welcoming International Students since 1941. We are a multi-campus school with the Ridgeway Campus in Ivanhoe and the Plenty Campus in Doreen.
Ridgeway Campus was established in 1915, approximately 10 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD
Plenty Campus was established in 1990, approximately 32 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD
University Campus was established in 2019 and is located in Macleod, approximately 12 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD
Information about campus locations, facilities, equipment and learning and library resources is available on the website: ivanhoe.com.au/ourcampuses
HOLIDAYS
All students must attend school on the first day of each term and remain at school up to, and including, the last day of each term.
All students are required to return home for the duration of the three week Term 2 holidays and the summer holidays (December – January). The School is not able to provide supervision during these periods and designated carers and homestays are not expected to be available at these times. If a family wishes a student to remain in Melbourne during these vacation periods, a parent must come to Melbourne to take responsibility for the supervision and welfare of their son or daughter.
We encourage you to check the school term dates and make travel arrangements well in advance.
TERM DATES 2025
Term 1 2025:
Friday 31 January – Friday 4 April
Term 1 Holidays: Saturday 5 April – Monday 21 April
Term 2 2025:
Tuesday 22 April – Saturday 28 June
Term 2 Holidays: Sunday 29 June – Sunday 20 July
Term 3 2025:
Monday 21 July – Friday 19 September
Term 3 Holidays: Saturday 20 September – Sunday 5 October
Term 4 2025:
Monday 6 October – Wednesday 10 December
Term 4 Holidays: from Wednesday 10 December
Ivanhoe Campus Map
School Resources
SCHOOL DIARY
All students will be issued with a school diary on arrival. The diary includes the School Rules and Guidelines, Term Dates, Dress Code and important School Policies.
FEELING UNWELL OR SICK?
If you are unwell at school you can visit the School Nurse, at the Health Centre.
OVERSEAS STUDENT HEALTH COVER
All students are required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their studies. The School will arrange the cover with Medibank Private up to, and including, three months past the visa expiry date. The fee is charged to the School account. Students will be given instructions on arrival to help them register and receive their membership card.
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM
International Students commencing at the Ridgeway Campus in our intensive English Program are not required to bring text books with them. Students enrolled in this unique program will only transfer to mainstream classes after attaining the required English language skill level. The transfer to mainstream studies will be determined by the Dean of International Students and Head of Senior Years.
MAINSTREAM ENTRY
Prior to Students commencing their mainstream course International Students will receive their subject selections, booklists and uniform information.
BOOKLIST
Ivanhoe Grammar School uses Campion to supply textbooks and stationery items; ordering is completed online. Students in mainstream receive booklist information prior to their commencement. Students commencing in the Intensive English Program do not need to order books.
UNIFORM
Students must adhere to the Uniform Code at all times. The uniform is purchased from the School’s Uniform Shop. It is essential that new students requiring uniforms make an appointment at the Uniform Shop to avoid long delays. Ridgeway Campus Uniform Shop is located at 43 Lower Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe. You can walk to the shop from campus.
To arrange an appointment please contact the shop on 03 9497 4877 or email ivanhoe.ridgeway@midford.com.au
LAPTOP
Details regarding the International Students Notebook Program are sent with the Enrolment Documents Information.
IVANHOE CONNECT
Ivanhoe Connect is an online information system designed to provide communication and make it easier to find out what’s going on at Ivanhoe Grammar School. It’s the place where you will find the letters and newsletters from the School, the calendar of events for the week, month or even the whole year. It’s easy to use, simply login for news stories, events, term dates and sporting commitments. You can also update your personal details at any time. You will receive an email with login details when you start. Ivanhoe Connect is also a forum for your parent(s)/ legal guardian to receive and approve important information including Student Reports, Parent/Teacher Interviews, Annual Record Checks and to give consent for your child to attend an event or excursion.
IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY PHONE
KEEPING SAFE
How to report an incident or allegation of sexual, physical or other abuse
Phone 000 if you are in immediate Danger
Text STOP IT to 0499 455 455, or call 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance.
If something is happening to you or others that is making you feel unsafe, uncomfortable or unhappy, such as bullying, harassment, discrimination, sexual, physical or any other abuse, you need to ask for help from the Dean of International Students, a teacher or your designated carer. You can speak to them directly, call them, send a text or email, or write a letter. They will listen to you and help you. You will be supported to make sure you are safe.
SAFETY CARD
On arrival you will receive an International Student Safety Card. Please keep this with you at all times. The card has the emergency contact numbers for:
• Police, Fire, Ambulance (000)
• The School after hours helpline
• The Dean of International Students
• Your current homestay’s name address and phone number
• Your current designated carer’s phone number
• OSHC membership number
• The VRQA email address
All students will learn about safety during their orientation program and more important safety information can be found here studymelbourne.vic. gov.au/living-here/your-health-and-safety/your-safety
International Centre
Ridgeway Campus
School Resources
HOMESTAY
Ivanhoe Grammar School requires all International Students enrolled at the School, not accompanied by a parent, to obtain homestay accommodation approved by the School. Students are not permitted to live independently or without adult supervision. The Dean of International Students and the Homestay Coordinator will regularly monitor your homestay arrangement. We encourage you to respect your homestay and work together to discuss household rules, customs and expectations. If you are having problems with your homestay please contact the Dean of International Students and your designated carer.
Your homestay has an obligation to ensure your Student Wellbeing by:
• Providing a level of care and supervision appropriate to the age of the student
• Being aware of the needs of the international students and have processes in place to support and assist them
• Having a willingness to embrace people of different cultures
• Being flexible and a good communicator
• Providing a stable and nurturing environment
• Negotiating and clarifying house rules with the student including curfew times
• Internet access and rules, use of household facilities, making and receiving international calls, household chores
• Understand students are not used to a western diet and discuss options including religious beliefs (if you are not able to eat certain foods due to health or religious reasons, let someone know beforehand and they will be happy to make other arrangements for you)
• Privacy, personal possessions and personal space of students should be respected
• Putting the best learning interests of individual students above all other financial and organisational needs; without this focus the impact on the homestay experience can be extremely negative
• Ensuring that in the event of an illness, the student receives the best possible medical attention.
Your homestay will meet the following accommodation standards:
• Housing must be located within 30 minutes travel time to school via public transport
• Housing must be located near public transport
• No additional costs will be requested for utilities and home insurance claims
• Provide full board, including three meals per day (breakfast and lunch may be self-serve)
• Accommodate only two homestay students at one time of the same gender
• Provide clean and tidy accommodation
• Provide a single furnished room (bed and study desk are non-negotiable)
• Reside at the nominated homestay’s premises at all times
• Provide students with a key to the home or arrangements made so that the student can gain access to the home at any time
• Provide adequate lighting for study purposes
• Provide adequate heating in winter and cooling in summer
• Provide access to shared lockable bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities and the use of shared living areas of the home.
HOMESTAY RULES
You are expected to behave as a contributing member of the household. This means taking responsibility for your room and belongings and treating other members of the household with respect. You should be home each evening for dinner and should check with your homestay provider if you want to make different arrangements on any evening. In general, outings after the evening meal should be limited to Friday and Saturday nights.
International Students receive the School Homestay Rules on arrival. International Students regardless of their age must stay in their approved homestay every night, and are not allowed to stay overnight with a friend or relative. If parents are visiting Melbourne they can apply directly to the Dean of International Students to ask permission for you to stay with them. You may only stay with your parents if this is approved by the school.
CURFEW
All International students should be home as follows:
• Sunday to Thursday - all students: 8.30pm
• Friday and Saturday - Year 10 students: 8.30pm
• Friday and Saturday - Year 11 and Year 12 students: 10.00pm
In certain circumstance, for example, a special occasion or family visit, the homestay may allow a different curfew time. This must be discussed prior to the day and may require permission from the Dean of International Students. You should plan on two to three hours of homework most week nights. Smoking or Vaping is not permitted at homestays, at school, or in school uniform at any time. You should ask if you wish to use extra electrical appliances in your room, for reasons of both cost and safety. Fan heaters should not be left running all night. If heating is a problem, you should discuss this with your homestay.
If you are living with your family or a homestay nominated by your family, they will need to remain at the nominated address at all times. You may not remain there on your own under any circumstances. You will need to advise the Dean of International Students immediately if there is any change to your homestay arrangement.
Ivanhoe Grammar School recommends additional costs for transport and entertainment should be a maximum of AUD $200.00 per week.
For further information please see the International Student Homestay Requirements on the School’s website: ivanhoe.com.au/international
DESIGNATED CARER
The School requires all International Students enrolled at the School, irrespective of age, to have a designated carer for the duration of their enrolment. Designated carer’s are required to oversee all aspects of the student’s welfare while at school in Australia. A change of designated carer must be approved by the Dean of International Students. If you are living with your family they will need to remain at the nominated address at all times. If you have a designated carer nominated by your family, they will need to be available to support you at all times and cannot leave the country. You will need to advise the Dean of International Students if there is any change to your designated carer arrangement.
For Further information please see the International Student Designated Carer Requirements on the School’s website: ivanhoe.com.au/international
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
You are responsible for ensuring that your passport and visa are up to date. You must advise your designated carer at least six months before your visa or passport expires.
You are reminded that you need to continue to abide by the conditions of your student visa, including maintaining enrolment in a registered course and maintaining satisfactory attendance and course progress for your visa to remain valid.
Further information can be found on the following website: homeaffairs.gov.au
CONTACT DETAILS
It is your responsibility to keep the School fully informed of all your contact details (address, telephone numbers and email address). Any changes must be reported immediately. An International Student Record check is sent in July and December each year to parents. This must be completed and returned to the School.
SCHOOL FEES
The Schedule of Fees for International Students and Business Notice for International Students is available on the School’s website under ‘Enrolment Procedures’: ivanhoe.com.au/international
ATTENDANCE
Ivanhoe Grammar School requires all students to attend 100% of their classes, assemblies and activities, as a condition of enrolment. Absences are to be satisfactorily explained, by email or phone call from the student’s designated carer or homestay for a short absence, or by a medical certificate for an absence of more than two (2) consecutive days. Any absences longer than five (5) consecutive days without approval will be investigated by the School. For further information please see the International Student Admissions Handbook: ivanhoe.com.au/international
COURSE PROGRESS
Ivanhoe Grammar School will monitor, record and assess the progress of each student for the course in which the student is currently enrolled. Part of the assessment of course progress at the end of each assessment period will determine that the student will be able to complete the course within the expected duration. This review will be undertaken by the Dean of International Students, Head of House and/or the Head of Senior Years/Deputy Head of Campus, and assisted by appropriate academic staff.
Complaints and appeals
The purpose of Ivanhoe Grammar School’s International Student Complaints and Appeals Requirements is to provide a student or parent(s)/legal guardian with the opportunity to access procedures to facilitate the resolution of a dispute or complaint involving Ivanhoe Grammar School, or an education agent or third party engaged by Ivanhoe Grammar School to deliver a service on behalf of Ivanhoe Grammar School. The internal complaints and appeals processes are conciliatory and non-legal.
Informal Complaints Resolution:
• In the first instance, Ivanhoe Grammar School requests there is an attempt to informally resolve the issue through mediation/informal resolution of the complaint.
• Students should contact the Dean of International Students in the first instance to attempt mediation/informal resolution of the complaint.
• If the matter cannot be resolved through mediation, the matter will be referred to the Head of Campus and Ivanhoe Grammar School’s internal formal complaints and appeals handling procedure will be followed.
Formal Internal Complaints Handling and Appeals Process
• The process of this grievance procedure is confidential and any complaints or appeals are a matter between the parties concerned and those directly involved in the complaints handling process.
• The student must notify the School in writing of the nature and details of the complaint or appeal.
• Written complaints or appeals are to be lodged with the Head of Campus
• Where the internal complaints and appeals process is being accessed because the student has received notice by the School that the School intends to report him/her for unsatisfactory course attendance, unsatisfactory course progress or suspension or cancellation of enrolment, the student has 20 working days from the date of receipt of notification in which to lodge a written appeal.
• Complaints and appeals processes are available to students at no cost.
• Each complainant has the opportunity to present his/her case to the Head of Campus.
• Students and/or the School may be accompanied and assisted by a support person at all relevant meetings.
• The formal internal complaints and appeals process will commence within 10 working days of lodgement of the complaint or appeal with the Head of Campus and will be finalised as soon as practicable.
• For the duration of the internal complaints and appeals process the student’s enrolment will be maintained, as required under the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 and the student must continue to attend classes.
• However, if the Head of Campus deems that the student’s health or wellbeing, or the wellbeing of others is at risk he/she may decide to suspend or cancel the student’s enrolment before the complaints and appeals process has been accessed or fully completed. In such cases, the student may still lodge a complaint or appeal, even if the student is offshore.
• Once the Head of Campus has come to a decision regarding the complaint or appeal, the student will be informed in writing of the outcome and the reasons for the outcome, and a copy will be retained on the student’s file.
• If the complaints and appeals procedure finds in favour of the student, Ivanhoe Grammar School will immediately implement the decision and any corrective and preventative action required, and advise the student of the outcome and action taken.
• Where the outcome of a complaint or appeal is not in the student’s favour, the School will advise the student within 10 working days of concluding the internal review of the student’s right to access the external appeals process.
• However, the School is only obliged to await the outcome of an external appeal if the matter relates to a breach of course progress or attendance requirements. For all other issues, the School may take action (including making changes to the student’s enrolment status in PRISMS) in accordance with the outcome of the internal appeal.
External Appeals Processes
• If the student is dissatisfied with the conduct or result of the internal complaints and appeals procedure, he/she may contact and/or seek redress through the Overseas Students Ombudsman at no cost.
• Please see: ombudsman.gov.au/contact or phone 1300 362 072 for more information.
• If the student wishes to appeal a decision made by Ivanhoe Grammar School that relates to being reported for a breach of course progress or attendance requirement (under Standard 8), the student must lodge this appeal with the Overseas Student Ombudsman’s office within 10 working days of being notified of the outcome of his/her internal appeal.
• If the student wishes to appeal a decision made by Ivanhoe Grammar School that relates to refusal to approve a transfer application (under Standard 7), suspension or cancellation of the student’s enrolment (under Standard 9) or any choice to lodge an external appeal with the Overseas Student Ombudsman, it is at the student’s discretion. The School need not await the outcome of any external appeal lodged, before implementing the outcome of the internal appeal.
Ivanhoe Grammar School International Student Complaints and appeals requirements
Other legal redress
Nothing in the School’s Complaints and Appeals Policy negates the right of an overseas student to pursue other legal remedies.
Definitions
Working Day – any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday during term time.
Student – a student enrolled at Ivanhoe Grammar School or the parent(s)/legal guardian of a student where that student is under 18 years of age.
Support person – for example, a friend/teacher/relative not involved in the grievance.
Further Information
THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS OMBUDSMAN
The Overseas Students Ombudsman is a specialist role of the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman can investigate complaints about problems that current or former international students may have with private schools, colleges or universities (education providers) in Australia.
The Commonwealth Ombudsman provides a free service, is independent and impartial, and does not advocate for the student or the provider - that means the Ombudsman does not take sides, can investigate your dispute and may recommend that your provider change a decision or action. Visit ombudsman.gov.au/ contact for more information.
STUDY IN AUSTRALIA
For information about living and studying in Australia visit studyaustralia.gov.au
STUDY MELBOURNE
The Study Melbourne Student Centre (SMSC) is where international students in Victoria can access a range of free support, information and welfare services: studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
CRICOS
Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) - all the education providers who are registered to teach overseas students in Australia. Visit cricos.education.gov.au for more information.
ESOS
Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) framework - fact sheets about the Education Services for Overseas Students framework. Visit education.gov. au/esos-framework for more information.
TUITION PROTECTION SERVICE
Assists international students whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study. education.gov.au/tps
DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
Student visa information: homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Stud
FAIR WORK OMBUDSMAN
Takes complaints about work rights and breaches of workplace laws: fairwork.gov.au
VICTORIAN REGISTRATION AND QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY (VRQA)
Ivanhoe Grammar School is regulated by the VRQA. For more information, visit: www2.vrqa.vic.gov.au/schooleducation
VICTORIA POLICE
Crime prevention and community safety can be found at: police.vic.gov.au