The wellbeing and safety of all students is central to the purpose of Catholic education and we acknowledge that healthy relationships and exceptional pastoral care are core to each child’s positive experience at school. Our schools and colleges are places where students are nurtured to grow, to belong and to be safe.
A sense of wellbeing and connectedness in schools promotes optimal development of the person as a whole and contributes to academic success. All children should be able to learn in an environment where they feel safe and supported. Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta supports social and emotional welfare by equipping students and their parents with effective strategies, recommendations and tools.
We aim to create learning environments where students can thrive.
Investing in the wellbeing of children sets them up with a strong foundation to live their best possible life both now and in the future.
The wellbeing of students is enriched when they feel safe, connected to each other, their teachers, their school and engaged in learning. Promoting wellbeing is also fundamental to students being ready to learn and supports optimal academic outcomes.
Our schools equip students with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their wellbeing through Religious Education, health, and wellbeing classes.
We have a strong focus on pastoral care, and in addition to every school having school counsellors to support our students, CEDP provides resourcing for additional wellbeing initiatives to schools as overseen by the Wellbeing Coordinator.
The Wellbeing Coordinator is supported by staff on the Wellbeing and Behaviour Team, Leading Counsellors as well as K-12 System Counsellors in the implementation of these wellbeing initiatives.
Wellbeing Initiatives
Some of these wellbeing initiatives include:
Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L)
A framework ensuring a consistent school wide positive approach to behaviour management.
Social skills programs for students
Anxiety programs for students
Includes the ProACTive anxiety group (partnership with The Children's Hospital Westmead)
Youth Mental Health First Aid
A program for teachers.
Teen Mental Health First Aid
Programs for students.
Teacher Training and Provision
Professional development for teachers around trauma informed care, effective positive behaviour management of students including safe management of aggression/violence.
Parenting courses
1 2 3 Magic (primary focus) and Engaging Adolescents (secondary focus) around behaviour management, building resilience, emotion coaching, managing anxiety and dealing with school refusal.
Consultation and advice to school staff
Around wellbeing interventions.
Building Child Safe Communities
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta is committed to keeping children safe at all our schools, Catholic Out of Schools Hours Care, Catholic Early Learning Centres and Trade Training Centres.
