Pastoral Care 2025
The secondary campus has been abuzz with excitement as the College warmly welcomed the Year 7 cohort, the Class of 2030. Their transition into secondary education was notably smooth, facilitated by a comprehensive three-day orientation program. This program enabled the Year 7 students to transition with greater ease to the new responsibilities and routines of secondary school life. They have adeptly learned to navigate their timetables and classrooms, and have embraced the use of lockers, which has contributed to their sense of maturity.
Their Year 11 buddies, along with the Student Leadership team, have played an instrumental role in supporting and mentoring the Year 7 students during this pivotal transition period. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable and will continue to be a cornerstone of the Year 7 experience.
The Year 7 Information Session and Welcome Drinks provided an opportunity for staff, particularly the Year 7 Homeroom Teachers, to engage with families. This event laid the foundation for strong, collaborative relationships and we eagerly anticipate future events that will further strengthen these connections.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Year 7 Outdoor Education Experience in Week 4 promises to be an exciting opportunity for students to deepen existing relationships, forge new friendships and challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.
TASS Pastoral Care entries
From Week 4, Years 7-12 parents will receive alerts in the Parent Lounge if their daughter receives a Pastoral Care entry for the following reasons:
- All positive commendations
- Non-completion of homework
- Lack of preparation for class
- Punctuality
- Technology mis-use
- Chewing gum
- Uniform infringement
- PDHPE Uniform (incorrect/no uniform).
Parents will be required to acknowledge each Pastoral Care entry on the Parent Lounge. The College values parental involvement and by informing families about minor infractions early on, we can work together to address and modify behaviors, promoting student growth and development. Furthermore, sharing positive commendations can signifcantly boost students self-esteem and motiviation, encouraging students to continue to strive for excellence.
Pastoral Care Themes Term 1 2025
The Santa Strong Pastoral Care Program is an all-encompassing wellbeing program, delivered in horizontal House groups by our dedicated Pastoral Care teachers on a fortnightly basis.
Each year, the program undergoes a comprehensive review, utilising student data collected through various survey tools such as the Resilient Youth Survey, Mission Australia Youth Survey, the Future Proofing Longitudinal study led by the Black Dog Institute and student evaluations. This data-driven approach ensures that the specific pastoral needs of each cohort are accurately identified and addressed.
The primary objective of the program is to cultivate mental fortitude, resilience and holistic wellbeing in all students, empowering them to thrive throughout their adolescence and into their future endeavours. Below, you will find the focus areas for each year group:
| 2025 Theme | Term 1 Focus | |
| Year 7 | Strong Relationships Lesson: Wednesday B | Being New, Making Friends: Developing communication skills (face to face and online), self-awareness, respect for self and others and understanding the inclusive culture at the College. |
| Year 8 | Strong Choices Lesson: Wednesday A | Supporting myself and others: Looking after yourself, your emotions and helping others. |
| Year 9 | Strong Community Lesson: Thursday B | Keeping it real: Skills and strategies to promote inclusivity, equality and respectful relationships. |
| Year 10 | Strong Voices Lesson: Monday A | I’ve got the power: Power in relationships, seeking help, setting boundaries and supporting others. |
| Year 11 | Strong Self Lesson: Friday A | Caring for myself as a learner: Understanding and appreciating the importance of caring for self in order to be the best version of themselves as a learner, friend, family member and member of the wider community. Strong focus on sleep, nutrition, movement and ways to manage stress. |
| Year 12 | Santa Strong Lesson: Monday B | How will I be Santa Strong this year? How to thrive, not just survive in Year 12. |
Elise Whiley
Director of Student Wellbeing 7-12
Head of Year 7
