Being a Catholic College, student wellbeing is a priority and pastoral care is provided to students by all staff members. We are committed to the personalisation of learning and we aim to get to know all students, notice changing needs and adapt teaching styles accordingly.
This also applies to the social and emotional development of students.
To assist each student, there is a homeroom/classroom teacher appointed for each group of students. This teacher is responsible for looking after the daily needs of the students in her/his care, and this includes each child’s spiritual, social, physical and academic development.
Positive Behaviour School
St Mary’s College is a Positive Behaviour School that places an emphasis on building strong positive relationships with both students and parents. This approach aims to teach and develop the expected behaviours. Our College Tag and Student Expectations were borne out of the pillars of this School Wide Positive Behaviour Program. St Mary’s has gradually embraced ‘The Berry Street Education Model’. This model provides our college with the training, curriculum and strategies to engage all students. This education initiative is different as it is based on proven positive education, trauma-informed and wellbeing practices that enable student’s academic and personal growth. The model is unique because it educates schools and their leaders to reinforce and sustain cognitive and behavioural change, thereby re-engaging young people in learning and progressing their academic achievement.
Wellbeing Team and Level Co-ordinators
The Wellbeing Team consists of Deputy Principal (Wellbeing) and three Level Coordinators. Each Level (F-4, 5-7 and 8-10) within the College contains a Level Coordinator. The Coordinators work closely with all staff and students within the level to maximise both wellbeing and learning opportunities. When issues arise with an individual student, parents/guardians are encouraged to make contact with class/homeroom teacher or the appropriate Level Coordinator.
St Mary’s College Tag
St Mary’s TAG was developed across the College to enhance student wellbeing. The TAG: Act Justly, Show Respect & Do Our Best captures the three important pillars for maintaining good relationships.
Student Expectations
The College expectations provide students with knowledge and understanding of their rights and responsibilities and are the foundation for expected behaviour in all aspects of school life:
• to wear our College uniform with pride;
• be punctual and prepared for learning;
• to care for our environment and resources;
• be respectful of each other in our community with both voice and actions;
• to interact in a safe and inclusive manner;
• to challenge yourself to achieve your best;
• to support our Catholic Ethos which is at the heart of everything we do.