CARE FOR THE WHOLE CHILD
At Oxley we want to be a place of welcome for all. We know that through a deep trust in our students and the power of positive role models we can achieve our aim to be the friendliest school in the world. Our students know that we might not be friends with everyone but we can always be friendly. Our teachers
know that wellbeing, engagement and expectation are all vital factors in the development of each child.
Pastoral Care has always been a strength at Oxley College. The size of the school enables students to become known and cared for by all members of staff. The focus of Pastoral Care within the Junior School
environment is with the classroom teacher. The classroom teacher is the adult with whom students most
closely connect and to whom parents speak as a first point of call for both academic and social matters.
Our leadership structure also provides an integrated approach to Pastoral Care; our Deputy Head of Junior School, Stage Coordinators and Class Teachers all contribute to our shared knowledge and team based
support of the social and emotional wellbeing of the students. Our Welfare Team, comprising of the Junior
School Leadership Team, K-12 Diverse Learning Team Leader and College Psychologist meet regularly as a team to monitor and support students with additional needs to be successful. Our support of the whole child ensures that we monitor and nurture the academic, social, emotional and self-management development of the students in our care through a range of evidence based programs and initiatives.
BUDDY PROGRAM
Our Junior School Buddy Program has provided a great sense of belonging for all. Our youngest students adore and admire their older buddies who in turn take great responsibility for the wellbeing of the younger buddies and friends. Throughout the year there are a number of ongoing activities and some special events that nurture and celebrate the buddy relationships.
Each year our Kindergarten students are allocated a Year 6 buddy who provides wonderful support as they settle into life and learning at Oxley. In addition, students in Years 1-3 are mentored with older buddies in Years 4-5 for buddy mentor sessions across the term for wellbeing, reading and service learning initiatives.
BEHAVIOUR EXPECTATIONS
All students and staff at Oxley College have the right to be treated fairly and with dignity in an environment free from physical and verbal disruption, intimidation, harassment and discrimination.
To achieve this, Oxley College will maintain high standards of student behaviour at all times. Respect for Self, Respect for Others and Respect for Oxley College replaces individual rules and acts as our guide in supporting students under our care.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS
RESPECT FOR SELF
I have a responsibility to be honest, kind, courteous and ethical.
I have a right to feel safe and valued at Oxley College.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
I have a responsibility to co-operate, be respectful, kind and not distract others from learning.
I have a right to be treated with kindness and compassion and free to learn.
RESPECT FOR OXLEY COLLEGE
I have a responsibility to be well dressed and be a positive role model within the school and community.
I have a right to be proud of my College.
The purpose of rules and guidelines is twofold: first, to educate students towards an understanding of the need for order and towards a desire to comply with reasonable regulation: second, to assist the smooth running of the school in all its operations. Discipline should therefore be caring, positive and educative rather than negative, uncaring and repressive. We recognise that mistakes are part of learning and growing up and therefore, when it is necessary to address a student’s behaviour, it is treated as a problem solving or learning opportunity. We expect that when appropriate, students will respond with humility, honesty and sincerity when reflecting on or apologising for the specific behaviour.
As in the Senior School, the principles of Restorative Justice form the basis for policies in this area. Restorative Justice is a model for resolving conflict, repairing relationships and building strong healthy communities.
Under the Pastoral Care umbrella our policies ensure a safe and caring environment with clear rules and responsibilities in place. Programs for wellbeing, mindfulness and relationships run by classroom teachers aim to help develop good self-esteem and relationship skills in our students.
The achievement of these aims is only possible with the full support and co-operation of parents. As our Year 12 students exit the school gates for the last time we want to develop the whole child who has academic rigour, compassion, integrity and true sense of who they are and where they are heading.
