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.

The college promotes the wellbeing of each girl through an extensive pastoral care program, and opportunities abound for students to develop their leadership potential. The college welcomes and encourages an active partnership with parents in order to best support students’ learning and wellbeing.

To foster a culture of genuine interest and care for all, teachers and students are called to practice the six Ursuline values of accept, respect, unite, act, empower and serve.

At St Ursula’s College Kingsgrove, there is a strong focus on empowering our students to value themselves and take the steps needed to enjoy good mental health.

Our pastoral care approach:

  • Respects the dignity of each person
  • Is affirming and celebratory
  • Is built on Gospel values and the restorative practices of reconciliation, compassion and love.

Counselling
St Ursula’s offers a confidential counselling service to students. Areas that may be addressed in counselling include anxiety and fears, family changes, grief and loss, stress, depression, relationships with friends and adults and eating disorders.

The Pastoral Care Program at St Ursula’s integrates the academic, social, personal and religious dimensions of college life. Our goal is to support each member of our college community to realise their potential.

Each student is a member of a pastoral care class and is cared for daily by a pastoral care teacher. Each pastoral care class shares a wide range of nurturing, supportive experiences together.

Through the program, students are encouraged to:

  • Increase their resilience and coping skills
  • Set and achieve personal goals
  • Develop a deeper sense of respect for themselves and others
  • Collaborate to achieve shared objectives
  • Live out their values
  • Understand their emotions to help manage stress and anxiety
  • Develop their leadership capabilities
  • Learn responsible social behaviours.

The wide range of activities students participate in include:

  • Group work and self-reflection sessions
  • Workshops
  • Project-based learning
  • Guest speakers
  • Theatrical performances
  • Camps and retreats
  • Mentoring
  • Social justice activities
  • Wellbeing sessions
  • Special assemblies
  • Liturgies and masses
  • Community-based projects.

St Ursula’s Big Sister/Little Sister Peer Mentoring Program has been successfully building strong bonds of trust and friendship between Years 7 and 12 students for over 30 years. It is a critical part of our Pastoral Care Program, helping:

  • Year 7 students transition to secondary school with the ongoing encouragement and support of senior students
  • Year 12 students build their leadership skills.

Over the year, participants have opportunities to interact through informal and structured activities. They build friendships through shared participation in pastoral lessons, morning teas, playground activities, college masses, assemblies and sports carnivals.

St Ursula’s recognises our students’ effort and achievement with a variety of awards:

  • Pastoral Awards – given for a combination of classroom and academic achievement
  • Academic Awards – for overall academic achievement
  • Serviam Awards – recognising hours of community service achieved.

Wellbeing Support

Students can find additional wellbeing support through these national services.

St Ursula's College Kingsgrove - Angela Merici