| St Philip Neri Catholic School provides a Christ-centered Catholic educational environment that nurtures, encourages and challenges all children to achieve their full potential. In order to do this it is necessary to provide a safe and secure environment for each person, where they can satisfy their needs in a way that respects the rights of others, and where they can learn to take responsibility for their actions.
1. Purpose
As a Catholic school we seek to proclaim the Good News in words and actions, treat each person in a respectful manner and live with each other in the love of Christ. This Pastoral Care policy provides a framework in which students, staff and parents are aware of the expectations, responsibilities, consequences and support structures in place to ensure all members of the school community are treated with equality, respect and fairness.
2. Beliefs
At St Philip Neri Catholic School we believe that Pastoral Care in the school draws its expression and strength from the life of Jesus. Jesus' life was an expression of the values of love, compassion, reconciliation and justice. We believe that pastoral care is based on the vision of each individual growing into a fully human person in the image and likeness of God. We acknowledge the commitment to lived expression of this belief in our school motto “Deeds not Words.” We believe that pastoral care and discipline are interrelated. Discipline is leading, guiding, encouraging and instructing children within a framework of rights, rules, responsibilities, routines and consequences. We acknowledge the importance of parents in providing a safe, secure and supportive environment for the students at St Philip Neri Catholic School.
3. Outcomes
| 3.1 |
To create a school environment where there is ongoing formation in faith, self discipline and responsibility. |
| 3.2 |
To integrate pastoral care into all aspects of the daily life of the school. |
| 3.3 |
To create a school environment where the rights of all are preserved and respected at all times. |
| 3.4 |
To assist children to become responsible members of our society through the development of self esteem, self discipline and respect for the rights of others. |
| 3.5 |
To provide guidelines for staff and students on procedures in the management of appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. |
| 3.6 |
To inform parents of the Pastoral Care and Behaviour Management Policy and support parents in the task of guiding their children in becoming responsible members of society. |
4. References
Pastoral Care Policy for Diocesan Systemic Schools.
IMPLEMENTATION
CHILDREN
Support Networks
At St Philip Neri Catholic School all staff members provide a support network for the students in their class. When and where appropriate the Assistant Principal or Principal will work with and support individual children. Outside agencies may be engaged to assist an individual child if it is considered necessary by the school administration or parents.
Children with Special Needs
St Philip Neri Catholic School has a 'whole school' approach to meeting the special needs of children. This is co-ordinated by the Principal in consultation with the Special Needs teacher and the class teacher. This approach involves parents, teachers, children, C.S.O. Advisers and support agencies working together to meet the child's present and future needs. It includes:
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identification of students at risk |
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assessment of child's needs |
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application for funding support |
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meetings between Class teacher, Special Needs teacher and C.S.O. Adviser to develop I.E.P. (Individual Education Program) |
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classroom support |
School Enrolment Policy
This is based on the Diocesan Enrolment Policy.
Student Leadership
Student leadership is encouraged, particularly in Year 6. There are a variety of leadership positions that children are elected to:-
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School Captains and Vice Captains |
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Sport Team Captains- 2 for each of four colour teams |
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SRC Committee |
| There are additional leadership opportunities offered in the following areas: |
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Environment committee |
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Technology Team |
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Library Monitors |
Buddy System
Year 6 children have a Kindergarten buddy for the year.
Orientation of New Students
Enrolment of Kindergarten students begins in May. Individual parents and students attend an Enrolment meeting with the Principal and Special Needs staff for screening and assessment of specific needs. Where appropriate, pre-schools are contacted. In the case of children with specific needs outside agencies are contacted. An orientation morning is held in Term 4 for all new students.
Children Enrolling during the School Year
Children are enrolled throughout the year. Appointments are made with the Principal and Parish Priest. The Principal, child and parents meet and an on-site tour is conducted.
Teaching/ Learning Groups
Children are grouped in parallel classes. Each year class compositions are changed to meet the needs of individual children and to assist in developing socialisation skills of children. Attention is given to a balance of gender, academic ability and social needs.
Specialist teachers are employed in the areas of Music, Physical Education, Japanese, Italian and Library. Children are given the opportunity to develop specific talents and skills through membership of the school orchestra, the school choir, and representative sporting teams. All students participate in a Public Speaking program in Term 2. Year 6 compete in a public speaking competition with other schools at the Cluster level.
Awards
Awards are an integral part of the weekly assembly. Teachers give two awards each week. A Principal’s Award is also given based upon outstanding merit. Awards, competition results and significant events are published in the Newsletter. A class takes responsibility for the organisation of each weekly Newsletter.
Child Protection
Staff have participated in Child Protection inservice training and have been informed of the legislation. Any issues in this area are reported to the Principal who will take appropriate action.
Student Health
Specific student health concerns are brought to the staffs attention. Appropriate staff inservice will be carried out to provide information and support to enable staff to deal with concerns about individual children
STAFF CARE
Mentoring
At a school level each first year out teacher has a mentor teacher they meet with regularly. The C.S.O. has a Mentor Program that supports teachers in this first year of service.
Orientation of New Staff
Selection and appointment are in accordance with C.S.O. process. New teachers are invited to visit the school and meet with their grade partner to familiarise themselves with school procedures and to plan class programs. New teachers are supported by their grade partners. The Principal and Assistant Principal provide ongoing support and supervision.
Teacher Professional Development
Staff is provided with ongoing staff development. School based staff development is part of the regular staff meeting agenda.
Each year a subject area is prioritised for whole staff development. Staff development days and release from face to face are budgeted for to allow staff to participate. This sometimes involves the attendance at after school sessions from 4pm - 6pm. Individual staff members are invited to attend C.S.O. sponsored staff development sessions. Each staff member meets with the Principal to share information on the children's progress and on their own professional successes and challenges.
Staff Support
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Birthdays are celebrated once a month |
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A social committee organises events and social drinks on a regular basis |
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Principal has an open-door policy |
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One staff meeting each term is a spirituality/reflective experience followed by refreshments |
Anti-Harassment Policy:
St Philip Neri Catholic School upholds the CSO Harassment Policy that proclaims the intrinsic dignity of all people, and promotes behaviours reflective of that dignity.
Harassment is any form of behaviour that is not wanted and not asked for which offends, humiliates or intimidates a person. For behaviour to constitute harassment it must be unwanted and uninvited. It may be one incident or a series of incidents and the behaviour may be intentional or unintentional.
For further information regarding the nature and definition of harassment see CSO Harassment Policy CSO701. |
