St Michaels College

Pastoral Care and Restorative Practice

RATIONALE

The Vision Statement for catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, 2004 states that;

We believe that we are called to: Teach – Challenge - Transform – we educate in communion, by nurturing the gifts and potential of each person, enacting shared leadership, and exercising a preferential option for the poor and marginalised.

We recognise that St Michael’s as a Catholic School is founded on the person of Jesus Christ and is enlivened by the Gospel. We are committed to the development of embracing the example of Jesus and the teaching of the Gospel, especially in relation to faith, hope, love, forgiveness, justice, compassion, and freedom.

Therefore, quality Pastoral Care is central to the mission and philosophy of St Michael’s College.  While the school exists to prepare students academically and provide the best possible education, it is also seen that the school has a vital role to play in the development of the whole person, especially in their social, emotional, moral, artistic and spiritual development.

At the heart of the Pastoral Care of students at St Michael’s College is the fostering of a school climate where there is:

-          respect for the dignity of each person

-          the creation of a caring, safe and secure environment

-          the development of quality relationships with a commitment to restorative practice

-          support for the growth of the individual

-          the existence of an effective care network

-          good discipline

-          quality teaching and learning

-          high expectations of students.

Pastoral Care is also an expression of the ethos of St Michaels College in the way that the school especially endorses the Gospel values of justice, love, reconciliation, forgiveness, respect and hope in caring for each person. In all dealings with students when repairing harm that may have resulted from negative actions to community relationships, we promote the principles of Restorative Justice in our dealings and deliberations on welfare matters. (In accordance with Brisbane Catholic Education Guidelines for Student Behaviour Support)

Pastoral Care is therefore a comprehensive concept that embraces the whole life of the school. In co-operation with students, parents, community groups, the school seeks to be a partner in nurturing the growth and realising the potential of each person.

GUIDELINES

The underlying principles that guide and shape the policies and approaches to Pastoral Care at St Michael’s College are:

• Pastoral Care is the responsibility of all members of the school community including staff, students, parents and other family members.
• Pastoral Care is integral to all teaching and learning in the daily interaction that occurs between staff and students and is fundamental to maintaining a quality learning atmosphere.
• Professional development of staff is essential to assist and support staff in Pastoral Care.
• The Pastoral Coordinator and Pastoral team are responsible for the delivery of a Pastoral Program exists at each Pastoral Class to assist the growth and development of each student.
• Quality Pastoral Care is founded on quality Catholic relationship, not just the movement from teacher to student and parent but student to student , parent to teacher , student to teacher.
• College Centacare counsellor (4 days per. week) is available to provide personal counselling for students and staff.
• A network link exists with other Church and community support groups where specialist counselling is required.
• The confidentiality of student and family information is to be respected at all times.
• Students with special needs are to be always considered whether they be:

-          suffering from disability, ill health, abuse or neglect

-          of non-English speaking background

-          of aboriginal or native heritage

-          from dysfunctional or healing families

-          gifted students .

• Teachers will show interest and concern for their students in the quality of teaching and care that they display both within and outside the classroom.

Timetabled Pastoral time each week for delivery of our Pastoral Program as coordinated by the SMC Pastoral Support Coordinator.

Social Justice and Outreach Activities

Each Pastoral House takes responsibility for a least one Outreach program in the College year as a social justice and global awareness initiative.  The Pastoral Coordinator takes responsibility with the support of the APRE and the Pastoral Team to develop activities within the Pastoral House to raise funds for their particular charitable appeal or Outreach Program.