Host Family Screening

Argentina has Police Checks in place for the legal requirements for working with children and criminal background checks. We work closely with our school partner to ensure that, legally, we comply with these requirements, this includes helping families make and maintain contact and communication throughout the overseas stays in Argentina and Australia. Additionally, St Philip the Apostle College has strict safeguarding policies and procedures, with their host family checking requirements, which are based on the selection of their son being a part of a reciprocal arrangement.  At Waverley, we will ensure that we implement the same safety requirements when hosting any students in their family home. 

Safety and Risk Information

We understand that managing international programs like this involves inherent risks, both real and perceived. Participation in the Argentina Immersion Program involves inherent risks which, while mitigated through planning, may still result in personal injury, illness, or worse. Parents should understand and accept the nature of these potential hazards. 

Students may be exposed to risks, including: 

• Physical injuries

• Emotional distress or psychological discomfort from physical strain, peer interaction or cultural differences

• Exposure to environmental hazards, such as extreme heat, cold or natural disasters

• Spread of infection or illness, including from waterborne or airborne pathogens

• Exacerbation of existing medical or psychological conditions

These risks may arise from the nature of the activity, environmental conditions, or the behaviour of others. While we have a sound understanding of the St Philip the Apostle School, we have carried out detailed inquiries in depth as part of our process of vetting. We have a strong understanding of their policies, procedures and practices, but some level of risk remains inherent. The laws and regulations will be different to those applicable in Australia, including those relating to the safeguarding of children and young people. The policies, procedures and practices of St Philip the Apostle will not be the same as the College’s. 

However, we want to ensure that safety is the foundation of all our initiatives. Through the meticulous implementation of well-considered and established policies, procedures, and practices, we can deliver this program safely and effectively, ensuring the well-being of our students remains our top priority.   

We conduct thorough risk assessments and contingency planning, ensuring we are prepared to handle emergencies and provide appropriate support. Our staff maintain constant communication channels with our students abroad.   

We also collaborate with school partners to align our practices with regional safety standards and guidelines. 

This multi-layered approach helps mitigate risks and ensures that our students are well-supported throughout their journey.  

Furthermore, we provide pre-departure orientation and "ready to host" sessions for students and their families, covering cultural adaptation, health precautions, and personal safety. These sessions aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to navigate their new environments confidently and responsibly.  

In addition, we want to emphasise that we continuously monitor global and domestic developments that might impact student travel, such as geopolitical changes, natural disasters, and public health concerns. Our dynamic risk management framework allows us to make informed decisions and adapt our plans accordingly, ensuring the wellbeing of our students remains a top priority at all times.  

This comprehensive approach ensures that, notwithstanding the usual accidents, incidents, and illnesses associated with school programs, our student exchange initiatives provide enriching and safe experiences for all participants.

Strategies for mitigating risk with your son whilst he is overseas

The following strategies and resources have been tried and tested over many years from staff, students and parents at Pymble Ladies College and St Catherine's School that Waverley students will be taking part in the immersion with. Although there is always risk inherent in overseas activities, these action drastically reduce risk where possible. 

Waverley College

• Students and parents receive information booklets with key information covering possible scenarios and suggested actions

• Student and parent preparedness pre-departure sessions at school

• Communication lines facilitated and organised between host families and host schools

• One on one weekly student calls and one on one weekly parent calls during the Immersion Program 

• Daily WhatsApp traffic light wellbeing check ins between staff and students and clear direct communication access to senior staff at Waverley College if required during the Immersion

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance coverage provided through the school

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St Philip the Apostle College

• Students have direct daily check ins with the Principal for wellbeing and additional support

• Students provided with bespoke cultural classes for Immersion students (with St Caths and PLC students)

• Principal is in weekly communication with host families and is contactable 24/7