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.

St John Bosco College prides itself on its pastoral care. We provide a vertical system for pastoral and roll classes where a mixture of Year 7 through to 12 students meet each morning.

There are various activities that take place within the pastoral class promoting links to their House and providing a family atmosphere.

We have two college counsellors who provide support for students, staff and families of the college. 

View our wellbeing framework

Aims of Pastoral Care

  • To meet each student at his/her point of need.
  • To nurture an environment where each student ‘s full education, spiritual, physical and social potential might be realised.
  • To provide structures and opportunities which encourage students to realise their potential.
  • To encourage positive attitudes and behaviours whilst managing unacceptable behaviour by providing clearly defined consequences and encouragement for students to modify poor behaviour patterns.
  • To provide an environment which promotes a sense of belonging.
  • To encourage communication based on mutual trust between students, teachers, parents, ancillary staff and the wider community.
  • To foster a sense of “hope and joy” in students – “who will be able to leave school with inspiration from the incarnated Christ they have heard talked about and actually met in the persons of the school community.”

Anti-bullying policy

Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.

If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.

Support services: