"Never pride yourself on being better than you really are, but think of yourself dispassionately, recognising that God has given to each one his measure of faith. Just as each of us has various parts in one body, and the parts do not all have the same function: in the same way, all of us, though there are so many of us, make up one body in Christ, and as different parts we are all joined to one another". Rom 12:3-5
The Student Welfare System of St John’s College, Woodlawn is focused on nurturing the growth of students in their academic, spiritual, social and physical development. This is facilitated through a number of different avenues.
Home Group
Each student belongs to a Home Group which is vertically arranged within House structures. The students in the Home Group are supervised and cared for by a Home Group Teacher who remains with them throughout their time at the College (all things being equal).
The main objectives of the Home Group sessions are to help meet both the pastoral and administrative needs of our students by providing a time for regular daily contact between staff and students and also involves students helping other students in a caring environment. Home Group teachers can work with students each semester to set study goals and review academic progress.
Leaders of Student Wellbeing
Leaders of Student Wellbeing have responsibility for the welfare and overall academic progress of the students in their year group. In particular, the Leader of Student Wellbeing has responsibility for the pastoral care and management of students in his/her year group outside class time (i.e. before and after school, recess, lunchtime) and also for students who misbehave or have difficulties across a number of subject areas.
Leaders of Student Wellbeing liaise with classroom teachers, learning support teachers, leaders of Curriculum, parents and other services to provide group and individualised support for students in their care.
College Counsellors – Student Wellbeing
The College is invested in students’ health and wellbeing and employs registered psychologists in the role of College Counsellors to provide confidential student support. The responsibilities are distinct from the disciplinary processes in the school. The College Counsellors work with students one-on-one in a support role and in a small group format with the Year 7 students throughout their transition year at Woodlawn.
The College Counsellors, through their experience and expertise, provide a sensitive, warm and sympathetic ear for our students. They can assist in a wide range of situations - family difficulties, study problems, goal setting, etc.
The College Counsellors also have access to a wide range of resources and contacts in the welfare area through the welfare network. On some occasions, a referral to external services may be made.
Students can arrange to make their own appointment to see a College Counsellor by placing a note under their door. Staff and parents may also recommend that a student seek support having discussed this with the student and found them willing. Constructive psychological support will only be possible if the student is willing to engage and be involved in the work.
National School Chaplaincy & Student Welfare Program (NSCSW)
St John’s College, Woodlawn provides a number of support programs to our students and their families.
The role of the Chaplain (NSCSW) is to work with students, parents, staff and teachers to provide a platform of support to assist students to fully engage in the wider school community.
Participation in any program is voluntary and students can opt in or out at any time.
An annual review is conducted as part of the school community consultation. This is addressed at a Parent and Friends monthly meeting in Term 4, however, parents are welcome to provide comments and/or suggestions at any time via the standard College contact methods.
As always, if parents have a concern with the program they should contact the Principal immediately.
Further information can be obtained from the National School Chaplaincy & Student Welfare Program website.
Please read through the Disclaimer and Acknowledgement statements.
Disclaimer
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Acknowledgment
This project was funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program.
Any evaluation surveys conducted must ask participants if they are aware of the source of funding for the activity and, if so, how they became aware of the funding source.
The Funding Recipient must provide to the Australian Government or its agent, if requested, any National School Chaplaincy and Student Welfare Program materials for placement on the Department’s website, or for use in any other Australian Government or Departmental publication.
