Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Approach

Our value system at St Patrick’s College is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who is the example the school community follows through its commitment to the values of compassion, tolerance, forgiveness and reconciliation. Pastoral Care is central to the whole endeavour of education.

Positive Behaviour Support

The goal of School Wide Positive Behaviour Support at St Patrick’s College is to create and maintain a positive and safe learning environment that enhances our school culture where we maximise individual academic and social growth.

The Whole Student

Pastoral Care is based on a deep respect for the dignity and uniqueness of the individual person as we are all made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The Pastoral Care system at St Patrick’s College aims to affirm students in their dignity and worth and ensure that the needs of the whole student, including physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual, are met. We emphasise participation and involvement of all members of the College community. Because we all depend on one another for our wellbeing and development, we aim to build a community environment where students learn cooperatively and where they are encouraged to make good choices for themselves, and for the good of the whole school community. Common and agreed goals provide a basis from which programs, policies and practices can be developed and implemented. Discipline, rules and consequences are intended to promote good order and harmonious and respectful relationships. They provide a structure to encourage self-discipline and responsibility. Such guidelines help students to recognise that their rights are reciprocated by responsibilities.

House & Tutor Structure

In daily College life, the ways in which people interact with each other significantly affect each person’s sense of self-worth, belonging and wellbeing. Pastoral Care occurs when a personal interest is taken in each student. To enable this, when a student is enrolled at St Patrick’s College, they are placed in a House, each one of which is named after a founder from one of the three religious orders that are part of the history of Catholic education in Launceston, Tasmania. All students are allocated to a Tutor group within that House, which is made up of students from Years 7 to 8 and 10-12. Tutor groups meet each day for prayer and for information dissemination and for one period per week during which a formal pastoral program is delivered. Students remain in the same Tutor group during their time at the College so a strong and lasting relationship develops between students, Tutor and parents/guardians. Matters such as care for students’ wellbeing, absence from school, uniform, general behaviour and student progress are referred in the first instance to the Tutor. Each Tutor is supported by a House Head, a person who is in charge of the overall wellbeing of students in a specific House. For the majority of students, the family unit and the College are among the most formative influences in their lives. It is, therefore, essential that relationships of trust, cooperation and partnership are developed between the College and family members.

The four Houses are:

• MacKillop
• Nagle
• Rice
• Tenison

Pastoral Care at Croagh Patrick (Year 9)

Home Group is an integral part of the Croagh Patrick focus of building and valuing relationships. Students meet in their Home Group each morning where they work with their Home Group teacher to ensure they are organised for the day.

The 10 Home Groups at Croagh Patrick are:

• South Esk
• North Esk
• Tamar
• Meander
• Chocolate Lilies
• Yellowstars
• Ben Lomond
• Barrow
• Masked Owls
• Wedge-tailed Eagles

Student Leadership Opportunities 

Motivated by a strong sense of social justice, each of the spiritual founders of the College committed themselves to serving others. St Patrick’s College students have a duty and responsibility to serve both the local and international communities by working to assist others. There are many opportunities within the College to experience leadership with all Year 12 students forming the senior leadership group of the school. St Patrick’s College is concerned with the development of the whole person and encourages each student to discover his or her special interests and talents. The Student Executive is formed by two College Captains, elected by staff and students and appointed by the Principal, along with a team of House Captains and Community Captains. These students have a vital role in participating in community service, representing the broader student community and assisting in the planning and running of special events, assemblies and other functions. Students in Years 7-9 are encouraged to nominate for a position as Core Captain while Years 10-11 students may nominate as House Leaders. These students are elected by the members of their respective Core group or House. Students also have the opportunity to participate in College committees such as the Environment Committee, the Social Justice Committee and the Magazine Committee. These groups actively work in and promote these areas of College life. All Senior students of the College have a vital role in modelling appropriate behaviour and leading by example. They are required to act as role models with respect to College regulations and expectations of student behaviour.

Resources

Student Wellbeing Support Services
Tips on Promoting Resilience in Children
eSafety Commissioner - The site of the Australian Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides expert advice on managing social media issues including mechanisms to report inappropriate online behaviour.
CyberSafety Solutions - Website created by Susan MacLean, one of the world's leading experts on cybersafety. Also follow Susan MacLean on Facebook for regular cybersafety updates and advice.
Raising Children - Website providing information to parents across all stages of child development.
The Resilience Project - The College delivers The Resilience Project to students, an emotionally engaging program providing practical, evidence-based mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness. This site offers simple ideas to help parents/guardians practise gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy daily.