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 Mary MacKillop Catholic College, we value compassion, respect and justice which are the basis for our extensive pastoral care and wellbeing program. This program provides all of our students with age appropriate resources, focusing on building supportive connections, making positive choices, growing partnerships and community, building opportunities, embracing challenges and becoming informed citizens. Our students are strong advocates for justice and support many initiatives including National Day of Action Against Bullying, White Ribbon Day and Reconciliation Week.
Spiritual based programs including adoration, meditation, prayer and reflection help to build faith, inner strength and resilience, all essential to promoting student wellbeing. Participation in evangelisation events with like-minded students from schools within the Archdiocese of Sydney builds confidence, independence and friendships which enhance wellbeing.
The college works in partnership with CatholicCare to provide a school based counselling service to students. Our full-time counsellor works onsite supporting families and connecting them with external agencies as required.
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.
School Contact Information
- College (Catholic Care) Counsellor: Ms Ashley Villar – (02) 9725 4322
- NSW School Police Liaison, Fairfield PAC: S/C Glenn Clark – (02) 9728 8399
Support services:
- Kids Helpline
- Student Wellbeing Hub – Department of Education
- Anti Bullying – Department of Education
- Be You
- Parent Line NSW
- Department of Communities and Justice – 133 627
- NSW Health – (02) 9391 9000