Pastoral Care
‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this sums up the law and the prophets’. Matthew 7.12
Rationale
Pastoral Care is central to the total school environment at Bishop Druitt College. Therefore, Pastoral Care at Bishop Druitt College addresses the diverse needs of the community - emotionally, physically and spiritually.
Pastoral care is integral to the Bishop Druitt College community where everyone has the right to be safe, to learn and to be respected and treated with dignity.
Pastoral care is the practical expression of the Gospel message within the school community. It provides for a nurturing and secure environment.
Belief Statements
View our Vision and Values Statement
We believe that Pastoral Care:
- Embraces the example of Jesus and the teaching of the Gospel, especially in relation to faith, hope, love, forgiveness, justice and freedom.
- Promotes the dignity of the human person and the value of human life within a harmonious multicultural society.
- Provides opportunities for positive relationships and interactions within the school community, through both the formal and informal curriculum.
- Promotes a holistic approach to quality teaching and learning, in ways that foster dignity, self-esteem and integrity of each person.
- Reflects the love of God by caring for those within the school community, especially those experiencing disadvantage.
- Makes provision for positive teaching/learning management policies, school rules and sanctions that will promote the good order of the school community, with a positive attitude to just and fair treatment for all members of the community.
- Maintains a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where members of the school community are recognised and affirmed.
- Is the shared responsibility of every person in the community.
- Contributes to students recognising that their fundamental freedoms and rights are reciprocated by responsibilities.
- Aims to ensure that students’ needs are responded to with increasing sensitivity. That they are not prohibited by differences brought about by factors such as socio-economic status, gender, ethnic origin, race or disability.
- Provides for celebration and affirmation of individual qualities and differences. It promotes an awareness of the individual needs and learning styles of community members.
Staff Involved in Pastoral Care
- The Principal is responsible for staff and student Pastoral Care in the College and is the Child Protection Officer.
- There is an Assistant Principal (Head of Primary) and Assistant Principal (Head of Secondary).
- There is Director of Pastoral Care in Secondary and the Stage Coordinators are responsible for Pastoral Care in Primary.
- The Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain, together with the Principal, have oversight of the spiritual development and sacramental care in the College.
- There are three Counsellors.
The College House System in Secondary
The House System is the primary way that students receive this support. It is designed to provide equal opportunities through a caring environment. The individual is valued and supported through mutual respect and encouragement by direct contact on a regular basis with a tutor. This tutor is a point of contact, support and encouragement during the students’ time in the Secondary school. Tutors are in turn supported by Heads of House.
In Stages 4 and 6, Stage Coordinators are also appointed to monitor academic progress and pastoral care.
- The Heads of House have delegated responsibility for students in the Colleges’ six Houses in Years 7-12 and have a special focus on Stage 5.They meet regularly with their tutor teams.
- The Stage Coordinators in Stage 4 and 6 meet regularly with the Heads of House, the Chaplain and the Counselling team.
- The majority of teaching staff are tutors and liaise with parents when required.
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