The aim of the Pastoral Care program is to address the wellbeing of all students at Catholic Regional College Sydenham. Using the SPICES model, it aims to provide knowledge, skills, understanding and growth around the spheres of Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional and Social, which are seen as vital to the development of students.
The Pastoral Care program takes place on a daily basis within the homegroup period, with an extended session on a fortnightly basis. Students participate in the program within their home groups and cover a range of topics including Social Justice and Inclusion, Reconciliation, Physical and Mental health and Wellbeing, Positive Relationships and Life Skills.
Quality pastoral care involves staff, students and the wider school community designing and implementing initiatives that focus on addressing the wellbeing of each student. This approach embeds qualities of productive and respectful relationships and a strong sense of community and individual responsibility. It recognises that school communities consist of representatives from all groups in society and that a shared positive culture of inclusivity is essential.
Pastoral care is underpinned by an ethos of care and respect for all, with the ultimate goal to build the capacity of the school community to support each student to grow and develop and engage in meaningful and successful learning. Research indicates that relationships between students and staff are critical factors in the development and maintenance of healthy school cultures and academic achievement.
