As a Catholic school, St Mary’s shares in the mission of the Catholic Church. Christ’s commandment, “love one another as I have loved you” is the basis of all faith communities. Pastoral care gathers all the qualities and practices within a community that seek to make this commandment real.
Wellbeing is the concept which underpins pastoral care. St Mary’s is focused on the wellbeing of the whole school community. We are conscious of the need to promote healthy wellbeing in all areas of the human person.
Pastoral Care is expressed through a network of relationships involving and including every person. The Parish, parents, students and staff are all involved in building our school community – having a sense of belonging; welcoming each other; being known and respected; and recognising, appreciating and affirming the giftedness of each person. Through our positive, open atmosphere, we welcome all and provide a safe, caring environment, which nurtures growth.
THE AIMS OF PASTORAL CARE AT ST MARY’S
- To enable all to grow to their full potential
- To acknowledge everyone, develop quality relationships, and establish networks of care
- To foster personal and mutual respect among and between all members of our school community – students, teachers, parents and other members of our school and the wider community
- To provide satisfying learning experiences and enable each one to develop confidence in his/her abilities
- To foster a sense of self-worth as individuals created and loved by God, with a sense of hope for themselves and for their world
- To develop an appreciation of and respect for cultural and family differences.
St Mary’s Primary School bases its Pastoral Care Policy on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Pastoral Care Policy.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS, PARENTS AND STAFF
We believe that all members of the school community have rights and responsibilities to ensure that learning and teaching take place in a supportive and cooperative environment. A right is something that belongs to a person and cannot be taken away. A responsibility is something a person should do to make sure the rights of others are respected.
At St Mary’s we are responsible and respectful learners.
We respect ourselves and others.
We respect the environment.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
St Mary’s has the services of a psychologist, provided through the Catholic Schools Office, working at the school. The psychologist provides support with academic and social assessments. Recommendations are made to assist parents and teachers to cater for the ongoing educational needs of the students.