We commit to providing safe and supportive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community, and hold firmly to the belief that they have a right to be safe, respected and valued in an inclusive environment. We know that when students are happy, they are more engaged with their learning.

Schools benefit from wellbeing initiatives and pastoral care support through Sydney Catholic Schools – in areas such as anti-bullying, positive behaviour, student counselling, refugee support and child protection – which range from universal support for all students, to targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.

At Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Hoxton Park, our pastoral care and wellbeing programs are an integral part of our positive school environment. We aim to provide outstanding social and emotional learning in partnership with parents to assist each student to develop positive and respectful relationships.

Some of the special programs we offer to promote student wellbeing and health are the U R STRONG Program (Friendology 101), Restorative Justice Practices and Positive Behaviours for Learning program – to provide a safe and supportive framework for students.

We have an onsite school counsellor who is available to attend to students’ individual needs. We also have counsellor-conducted programs that take place throughout the school year such as regular parent workshops.

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Our Family Educator has been holding SPaR (Stop, Pray and Reflect), Little Shepherd’s and Grade Family Masses on the weekend. This has been an opportunity for parents to have a special prayer service, connect with other families and to raise awareness of refugee children.

Anti-bullying policy

Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.

If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.

Support services: