Pastoral Care
Our students are encouraged to develop as Christian people through a systematic program of pastoral care in an environment that fosters in each student a sense of unique value, self-esteem and importance to society.
We are dedicated to educational excellence, encouraging students to reach their full potential in a nurturing environment to help them become productive Australian citizens reflecting the Christian faith of the Assyrian Church of the East, Assyrian Language and Assyrian culture.
The College takes seriously its responsibility to identify, nurture, and develop each student’s talents.
For our College to be able to do this successfully, students need to know that they are always respected and supported.
College staff work together to meet the pastoral care needs of students. Pastoral Care teachers, supported by Year Coordinators are able to support students through daily interactions and regular dialogue.
Empowering and connecting students through a holistic approach to education
St. Narsai Assyrian Christian College ensures the wellbeing of our students by making sure the environment they are surrounded in is organised, safe and secure, where positive and good learning can take place.
Pastoral Care at St. Narsai Assyrian Christian College is the concern that the College has for each individual to develop academically, socially and spiritually. It is reflected in the Christian ethos of the community and individuals caring for and respecting each other. It includes a structure where teachers and other professionals are responsible for the spiritual and emotional wellbeing of all.
At St. Narsai Assyrian Christian College our understanding of Pastoral Care is displayed through:
- Christ’s teaching, and strong pastoral principles being evident in the College’s wellbeing Policy.
- An open and welcoming atmosphere being genuinely promoted within the school by all.
- A focus on individual rights and responsibilities.
- A positive and supportive College climate that enables each student to reach their full potential – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and socially.
- Understanding, acknowledging and responding to the needs of all students.
- Students and their families who require special support being readily assisted by the College’s personnel, resources and professional contacts.
Pastoral Care Team
The Pastoral Care Team involves every teacher at the school, specifically consisting of the Pastoral Care Coordinator, Year Coordinators, Pastoral Care Teachers, School Counsellor, Principal and Deputy Principals.
The Pastoral Care Team meets weekly and is responsible for developing student wellbeing programs, policies management and procedures in accordance with the College’s Strategic Plan.
Pastoral Care Coordinator:
The Pastoral Care Coordinator, alongside the Year Coordinator and their team, has a crucial role in developing, implementing and leading pastoral care/wellbeing programs in conjunction with students, staff and parents. The Pastoral Care Coordinator collaborates with the Deputy Principal, Learning Support Coordinator, Career Advisor, School Counsellor and other support staff who have the skills, training and commitment to provide pastoral care/ wellbeing guidance and support to students.
Year Coordinator:
The main objective of the Year Coordinator is to look after the wellbeing of all students in their year group. They are essential in developing, fostering and maintaining positive relationships with students and caregivers. They may refer students, or issues regarding students, to the appropriate Head of Department, Pastoral Care Coordinator or Deputy Principal.
Pastoral Care Teacher:
Each Pastoral Care group is led by a Pastoral Care Teacher who is directly responsible for the wellbeing of all the students in that group. Pastoral Care Teachers have a number of responsibilities including being the first point of contact within the College for any pastoral/personal matters and referring them to the Year Coordinator, proactively monitoring and managing student behaviour, attitude and standards and ensuring they are constantly liaising with their Year Coordinator.
Counsellor:
Our College Counsellor is accredited with the ACA and works with students facing social and emotional issues. This support is provided to the students at the school setting with peers and teachers, along with support at home with family members. Issues may include:
- anxiety and depression
- behavioural management
- social skills
- family relationships
- grief and loss
- personal development
- conflict resolution
Referrals to the Counsellor can be via the teacher or other staff personnel, the student themselves or the parent/caregiver through the College Office.
Pastoral Care Programs and Initiatives
St. Narsai Assyrian Christian College’s Pastoral Care Program caters to every stage in the life of our students. At every year level, a special program is fully integrated throughout the school to ensure holistic and complete support for each student.
Pastoral Care also teaches students how to build respectful and meaningful relationships. Initiatives such as our Restorative Justice Program enable students to restore broken friendships and mature into respected and respectful young citizens.
Our students set goals for their learning, as well as for their mental, spiritual, physical and emotional wellbeing. St. Narsai’s Year Coordinators, together with our Pastoral Carers, strive to ensure that all students feel safe and supported as they work towards their educational and personal goals.
Topics covered in each year group’s Pastoral Care program include:
St. Narsai Assyrian Christian College is involved in several Pastoral Care initiatives and programs to enable students to feel a sense of belonging. These initiatives include:
- Yearly College Camps for selected cohorts
- Peer Support Program
- Student Wellbeing Leaders
- House-based competitions – School Sports Carnivals, recognition of academic achievements and College expectations
- Secondary School Transition Program
- Peer Mentor Program
- School Clubs – Chess Club, Book Club, Music and Choir, Ceramics Workshops, Writing Club
- Community initiatives
–Clean Up Australia Day, Anti Bullying Workshops, Mental Health, Resilience Programs and more - Student Voice Program
- Student Breakfast with the Principal
- Morning Drop-in Study Centre
- Prayer Box
- Spiritual Picnic Days for every year group
- Mental Health Workshops for Stage 6 students
