Pastoral Care Policy

RATIONAL

Our Pastoral Care Policy is a plan for promoting the wellbeing and mental health of all members of the school community. Ensuring behaviour is maintained at a high level within the school, with the parents and teachers working together for the benefit of all students.

Students deserve to learn in a positive environment and teachers deserve to be able to teach effectively without behavioural disruptions.

This policy encourages respect, responsibility, concern and acceptance of others, self-esteem and spiritual growth.

STATEMENT OF PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral Care is expressed through a network of relationships involving and including every person. Parents, students and staff members are all involved in building our school community by:

Having a sense of belonging
Welcoming each other
Being known and respected
Recognising, appreciating and affirming the giftedness of each person

It is our goal to provide a positive, open atmosphere where we welcome all and provide a safe, caring environment that nurtures growth.

The class is the central focus for pastoral care enabling children to belong to a significant group. Effective teaching which employs a variety of strategies and integrates the academic, spiritual, social and physical aspects of the curriculum, caters for the needs and development of all students and is integral to pastoral care.

THE AIMS OF PASTORAL CARE

The aims of Pastoral Care at Sacred Heart School are:

To enable all to grow to their full potential
To acknowledge everyone, develop quality relationships and establish networks of care
To foster personal and mutual respect among and between all members of our school community; children, teachers, parents and other members of our school and wider community
To provide satisfying learning experiences and enable each one to develop confidence in his / her ability
To foster a sense of self-worth as individuals created and loved by God, with a sense of hope for themselves and for their world
To develop an appreciation of and respect for cultural and family differences
To provide staff and students with counselling for a range of emotional experiences through Diocesan agencies such as Centacare and the Seasons for Growth Program

IMPLEMENTATION OF PASTORAL CARE POLICY

To facilitate the growth of Pastoral Care at Sacred Heart School Boggabri the following occur:

Fostering School Spirit:

Buddy system between Kindergarten to Year 6
Whole school assemblies
Whole school celebrations
Liturgy and prayer celebrations for special times

Structures for Communication with Parents:

Fortnightly newsletter
Formal interview
Written student report – Semester 1 and Semester 2
Parent information night early in the year
Parents are encouraged to come in and be involved in the school
Reports of school activities at PTF/PAC Meetings
Sacramental programmes and parent information nights
Informal social occasions
Support for families in need
Parish Bulletin and Catholic Viewpoint

Student Involvement and Leadership

Whole school assemblies
Participation in Buddy Programme
Community involvement Eg. ANZAC Day Celebrations
School Seniors attend Impact Leadership Conferences
Student representation in Student Representative Council (SRC)
Participation in Mini Vinnies Group

Affirmation of Students:

In class acknowledgment and awards in recognition of student’s efforts and achievements
Recognition of contributions to class and school community
Awards at whole school assemblies
Recognition in school and local media

Pastoral Care of Staff:

Support provided by colleagues
Recognition of contributions through staff meetings and newsletters
Informal social interactions
Recognising and celebrating special events and supporting one another in crisis
Access to Centacare

The School as Part of the Parish

The school is seen as an important part of the Sacred Heart Parish Community
Priests and other parish members are welcomed
Involvement in Sacramental programmes
Families are encouraged to become involved in Parish activities and celebrations