Underpinned by the life of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, the founder of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, the Inter-relationships Pillar aims to nurture a caring, compassionate and connected community. In particular, the Inter-relationships Pillar, focuses on structures and processes that influence students’ health and wellbeing by fostering positive and sustainable characteristics that enable students to achieve their best with a sense of belonging and connectedness within the College.
Health
and well-being are inextricably linked to students’ motivation, engagement and academic
achievement. Therefore, it is essentially that students’ health and well-being needs
are strategically and overtly supported and nurtured.
The
delivery of Inter-relationship services is framed around four components:
Creating a positive school community, linked to our Catholic faith and Identity.
Building student skills for resilience.
Parent – family – school partnerships.
Support for students experiencing, or at risk of developing, mental health issues.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care at Holy Cross College is
defined as the intentional actions and processes that foster in students a
strong sense of well-being, belonging and security, where they are affirmed in
their dignity and worth. Pastoral care is not merely a complementary
practice but is integrated into the fabric
of all dimensions of the College; Learning, Inter-relationships, Faith and
Enrichment.
The four LIFE Pillars of Holy Cross College
that underpin the pastoral care programme include the following principles:
Challenging each student to
achieve their personal best in an environment that values the respect and
dignity of each person.
Nurturing a caring,
compassionate and connected community.
Celebrating a hope-filled
Christian faith, which grows from reflection and leads to justice and service.
Encouraging each person to
receive the gifts of God with gratitude, cultivate them responsibly and share
them lovingly with others.
Structurally, pastoral care is fostered
through the House system, where each student belongs to a particular House for
the duration of their time at Holy Cross College. Family members are assigned
to the same House. Here, students find a sense of belonging and support within
a smaller community, and are inspired by the faith and life of their House patron.
Students have the opportunity to represent their House in sports carnivals and
other extra-curricular pursuits, where they can contribute to the spirit and
identity of their House.
In the Junior School, students are supported
within their year-level class. Their classroom teacher is best placed to care
for the student, monitoring their progress socially, emotionally and
academically. They are active in ensuring a holistic approach to the growth and
development of each child and are the first point of contact for parents.
Students also develop a sense of connection and belonging to their House
through weekly Gospel reflections, as well as through House team-building
activities, which occur twice a term. Students in Year Three to Year Six are
provided with opportunities for leadership within their year level, as well as
within their House.
In the Middle and Senior Schools, each
student will belong to a vertical House Tutor Group. Implementing a small-team
approach contributes to students’ sense of belonging and connectedness within
our school. House Tutor Groups meet in the morning every day for prayer and
administrative tasks. House Tutors are responsible for the overall welfare of
students on a day-to-day basis. They will be the first point of contact with
parents for pastoral care and general behavioural issues. A House Tutor’s role
is central in both caring for students and, crucially, monitoring their
progress both academically and socially, encouraging involvement, commitment,
and high standards of work and behaviour. The House Tutor will be active in
looking after the interests of the ‘whole child’. Furthermore, students will
have the opportunity to develop leadership skills within their House and House
Tutor Group.
Pastoral care is most effective when there
is a strong partnership between home and school. Clear two-way communication,
reminders and reinforcement at home and at school of strategies to support engagement
and progress, and the early intervention in identifying and addressing problems
are vital to the effective exercise of pastoral care.
Pastoral care at Holy Cross College is also
reinforced through a number of relevant policies, which can be found under
Policies.
Specialised pastoral care is offered
through the Saint James Centre, in the form of social/emotional counselling and
mental and physical health, with the services of the College Social Worker,
Psychologist and Nurse.
Student Wellbeing
The
Saint James Centre offers students support in the areas of physical, social and
emotional well-being, and in mental health.
Saint
James was an Apostle of Jesus and, among other things, is the patron of pilgrims.
Saint James was one of the favoured three who had the
privilege of witnessing the Transfiguration of Jesus, the raising to life of
the daughter of Jairus, and the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. At one time,
other disciples became indignant at the ambition of James and his brother,
John. Seeing this, Jesus taught them all the lesson of humble service: the
purpose of authority is to serve. There is no better way to serve than to
empower people through education and in support of their health and wellbeing.
Thus, it is fitting that the College well-being centre
is called the Saint James Centre. The naming of the centre is strengthened by the
fact that it is located within the building called Santiago de Maria, named in
honour of our College patron, Saint Oscar Romero and the cathedral in the city
in which he was bishop, the Cathedral of Saint James the Apostle. Coincidently,
the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain is also called the Cathedral of
Saint James the Apostle, which is the final destination of the Camino
pilgrimage walks and the final resting place of Saint James.
Holy
Cross College aims to positively influence wellbeing by fostering positive and
sustainable characteristics that enable students to achieve their best.
Evidence supports the strong, mutual relationship between well-being and
learning.
Identifying
and reducing barriers to learning, including those linked to student well-being,
can help to maximise the educational and social outcomes for students. The
College works with parents in promoting the building of resilience in students.
Currently,
the Saint James Centre offers the services of a social worker, psychologist and
nurse. The facility boasts state-of-the-art first aid suites, offices and
meeting rooms.
The
College Social Worker focuses on the
relations and interactions between students and their school environment, and
is available for individual counselling to support students. Grant funding is
received annually from the National School Chaplaincy and Welfare Programme.
The
College Psychologist is available
for students to assist with developmental issues from learning difficulties,
stress, mental health and more.
The
College Nurse is available during
school hours to assist in the medical treatment of students and staff who become
unwell or need assistance with their daily medical needs.
Parents should familiarise themselves with the following documents and, where appropriate, complete and return the action and management plans to the College Nurse.
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Schools are called to be Christ-centred and child-focused
places of learning. Children and young people reach their God-given potential through
developing and flourishing in a safe environment. No child or young person can learn
and flourish if he or she feels unsafe.
Child safety continues to be a key priority for all Catholic
schools. The Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) Child Safe Framework, launched
in 2018, encourages and supports every member of Catholic school communities to
make good decisions that always keep the best interests of the child or young person
first.
This Framework comprises nine elements.
Support and Healing
Culture
Voice of the Child
Governance and Leadership
Policies and Procedures
Human Resources
Risk Management
Investigation and Reporting
Quality Assurance
The framework is based on the latest research in child
safety for institutions, is evidence based, best practice and consistent with Royal
Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommendations. It
highlights that we need to be driving a mindset in our schools of modelling healthy
and respectful relationships. We want to prevent problem behaviours and abuse from
occurring in the first place. The framework is founded on two primary concepts:
Situational
Prevention – involves enacting strategies to make it easier for good
practice to flourish. We promote professional behaviours, and increase the effort
to avoid the risks of engaging in problem behaviours. We set clear expectations,
as detailed in the College Code of Conduct, for staff, students, parents and visitors
to the College. We intentionally design various elements of our schools, staffing,
governance, leadership, physical and online environments, behaviours and culture
to prevent abuse.
Extended
Guardianship – leaders, staff and school community are well informed
and share a collective responsibility to take an active role in the safety and well-being
of children. It is creating a culture that normalises discussion and feedback no
matter who is involved, particularly of ambiguous situations.
As part of this framework, Holy Cross College has implemented
the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum from Pre-kindergarten to Year Twelve.
The programme is integrated into the curriculum and is presented in a developmentally,
age-appropriate manner and delivered within the teachings of our Catholic identity.
Like the Child Safe Framework, the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum is an
evidence based, best practice programme developed collaboratively with child protection
experts, teachers, educational leaders and other professionals. The programme aims
to empower students with the understanding that they have the right to be safe and
teaches lifelong skills that will help them to be safe by talking to people they
trust.
Developing
the leaders of tomorrow is an important part of the schooling process. There
are many ways students can offer leadership, often simply by showing initiative
and actively participating in the LIFE of the College is a good demonstration
of leadership. More formal opportunities for student leadership are offered
across the year levels through the appointment of Captains and House and LIFE
Leaders. Students in Year Twelve have the opportunity to nominate for one of
two positions as College Captain.
Qualities
Student
Leaders at Holy Cross College will be students who:
give witness
to Gospel values.
lead and
serve the College community through word and action.
are
trust-worthy, responsible and supportive of the College Vision and Mission.
contribute
to the life of the College and wider community.
honour what
has been established and explore and initiate new ways of enhancing the life of
the College.
encourage,
motivate and challenge other members of the College community to work together.
are positive
and enthusiastic.
are worthy
ambassadors for the College in the wider community.
Role of LIFE Leaders
LIFE
Leaders will play an active role in promoting one of the pillars of the
College:
represent
one of the pillars of the College.
promote the
Mission and Vision of their pillar.
represent
the College at whole-school and inter-school events.
take a lead
role in the organisation of events within their pillar.
mentor
younger students.
engage in
College activities as a role model to others.
encourage
others to be active members of the College community.
actively work
towards students in their House feeling welcomed and connected to the College
community.
promote the
College vision and particularly the charism and spirit of their House.
Role of House Representatives
House
Representatives will play an active role in promoting the values and spirit of
their House:
promote the
College vision and particularly the charism and spirit of their House.
actively
work towards students in their House feeling welcomed and connected to the
House and College community.
represent
the College at whole-school and inter-school events.
engage in
College activities as a role model to others.
assist in
the organisation of House liturgies.
play a lead
role in the organisation of House activities – e.g. fundraising, inter-House
competitions.
encourage
others to be active members of the House.
mentor
younger students.
College Advisory Council
The College Advisory Council, in representing the Catholic College community, actively promotes and supports the Catholic ethos of the school.
Council members are supported by Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA), and are given access to training and appropriate information courses.
The Council is responsible not only to the local school community, but also to the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) for the financial administration of the school. It is also entrusted with the duty of planning, on behalf of the school community, with the school staff (through the Principal) and with the CECWA to meet the present and future needs of students.
Taking on a position with the College Advisory Council is a wonderful way for parents to get involved and help shape their child’s school. In addition to the normal executive roles, the College Advisory Council may also appoint a range of sub-committees, giving parents a chance to leverage their business acumen or other specialisations.
CEWA is currently undertaking a review of the functions and mandate of school advisory councils.
Christina Davini – Deputy Principal – Inter-relationships
Aboriginal Partnerships
Holy
Cross College aims to improve the educational outcomes for Aboriginal students,
while acknowledging, respecting and reflecting Aboriginal people’s histories
and cultures, for the benefit of all.
Learning:
Aboriginal
Education Assistants work alongside students to support them in their learning
and regularly liaise with families to provide support as needed.
All
Aboriginal students have a Personalised Learning Plan outlining their
individual goals.
Inter-relationships:
Cultural
celebrations: NAIDOC Week, Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week are all
integral parts of the College calendar.
Welcome
to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are incorporated into all assemblies
and presentations.
Faith:
A
NATSI Mass is celebrated as part of the NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Aboriginal
Dreamtime Stories are explored through the curriculum and embedded into
learning experiences across the College.
Enrichment:
Students
have the opportunity to attend and participate in externally run Aboriginal
Leadership Programme. In previous years, students have participated in the West
Coast Eagles Aboriginal Leadership Programme, the Waalitj Cup as well as the
Djinda Ngardak Aboriginal Culinary Experience.
Aboriginal
Immersion Experiences are embedded in the College through Art Club, guest
presenters and excursions.
Friends of Holy Cross
Parent
participation in the life of the College is essential to enhance student
learning and well-being. There are numerous opportunities for parents to
contribute, from participating on classroom rosters to attending school events
and information evenings. The Friends of Holy Cross is the parent body that
oversees and organises many activities that build a strong sense of community
and raise much-needed funds.
The
Friends of Holy Cross operate at the direction the College Principal under the
guidelines and parameters of the Friends of Holy Cross Commission.
The
Friends of Holy Cross Council is the co-ordinating arm of the parent body and
will seek assistance from the wider College community at various times
throughout the year.
The Bishops of Western Australia recognise that the support of parents and the school community is critical in the education process and, therefore, urge parents and friends to take every opportunity to be involved. “Catholic schools would not exist without the outstanding dedication and contribution of parents. We thank parents for all that they currently contribute to Catholic schools. We urge all concerned to support their schools as far as possible.”
Research shows that students whose parents are actively involved in their education achieve enhanced outcomes. Dwyer (Catholic School Studies, May 2001) suggests that:
A student’s performance is strongly influenced by his or her parents’ attitude to the school.
Achievement levels tend to rise when parents are seen to be interested and involved in their child’s schooling.
Parental involvement can increase goodwill and help develop a real sense of community within the school.
Parents have many ideas and skills that can be very useful to their school community.
How does it operate and what do they do?
The Friends of Holy Cross is comprised of The Executive Council and all members of the Holy Cross College community willing and interested in participating and supporting the aims of the Friends of Holy Cross and the College. Friends of Holy Cross meets once per term and is open to all members of the Holy Cross College Community.
The Friends of Holy Cross Executive is an elected body consisting of the Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, and Principal or delegate (ex-officio).
There are four permanent councils that mirror the four College LIFE Pillars:
Learning Council supports educational events conducted or supported by the College and organises parent educational seminars and workshops.
Inter-relationships Council organises social opportunities to build community spirit and provide opportunities for the College community to gather.
Faith Council supports the liturgical events of the College and provides faith formation activities for parents.
Enrichment Council organises fundraising activities and supports the enrichment activities of the College.
How can I participate?
Parents can help by:
Nominating for a position on the Executive Council;
Leading or joining one of the LIFE Councils;
Attending Friends of Holy Cross meetings (two per term – one morning and one evening);
Volunteering to provide assistance at Friends of Holy Cross events; and
Attending Friends of Holy Cross events and supporting Friends of Holy Cross initiatives.
Please register your interest in assisting with the work of the Friends of Holy Cross by completing the form below or by contacting the College office. The Friends of Holy Cross is an excellent way to make friends and build support networks.
The Friends of Holy Cross have a subscription with Parent TV.
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