Positive wellbeing is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, develop and thrive at school.

We know that when students feel supported, they are more engaged with their learning.

At Sydney Catholic Schools, we commit to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community.

Our student wellbeing policy is underpinned by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. The framework recognises five elements that are key to supporting the whole school community to build and maintain safe, positive relationships and wellbeing: leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support.

This is complemented by the Be You Framework, a national initiative for educators aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. The integration of both frameworks supports our school communities to provide every student with the strongest foundation possible for them to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.

We have a systemic approach to wellbeing and positive behaviour with tiers of support to meet the diverse needs of staff, students and families. The offerings range from whole school initiatives, actively seeking student voice, system policies on anti-bullying, student counselling, staff training in student wellbeing, along with 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: