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.
Pastoral Care program
Bethany College places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing and therefore provides students with the opportunity to engage and participate in college’s pastoral care program. The pastoral care program has at its center the specific value of each year group; relationships, acceptance, justice, welcome, service and wholeness. The pastoral care program focuses on providing students with opportunities to participate in pastoral activities, as well as having guest speakers present to educate and develop student wellbeing and personal growth.
Bethany students are also encouraged to participate in and promote key significant events throughout the year. This provides students with an opportunity to hold wellbeing events to raise awareness and education on the importance of wellbeing.
School Counsellor
Students at Bethany College have access to a trained psychologist and a school counsellor.
Big Sister, Little Sister Program
Starting secondary school can be an exciting yet daunting experience. Year 7 can seem far away from a new student’s previous school. New buildings, subjects, class groups, travel arrangements, teachers and timetables. Young students face many challenges in the transition from primary to high school.
At Bethany, our college community has successfully addressed the needs of our new community members through our “Big Sister, Little Sister Program”. At the commencement of each year, Year 10 students, as the newest members of our senior school, take on the role of “Big Sister” to our new Year 7 students. This is a personal way of introducing Year 7 to the school community with someone who can act as a mentor for them in their first year at Bethany.
Year 7 are formally introduced to their Big Sisters during the first week of transition. The Big Sisters are provided with the opportunity to continue to interact, mentor and support their Year 7 sisters throughout the year. The benefit to each girl is reciprocal, with a support network in place for Year 7 students and an opportunity for Year 10 students to demonstrate their leadership skills.