Wellbeing - Middle School

Pastoral Care Lessons

This Friday, during extended homeroom we are very excited to launch our Pastoral Care Lessons (PCL). In my address to students during the first assembly, I stated that we often hear or see the phrase “pastoral care”, but it is important that we understand what it actually means. Pastoral care is defined as the commitment to the growth and wellbeing of each student. That means to support the physical, social, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of our young men. More specifically, what happens in one of those areas will affect what happens in the others. Learning thrives when those domains are interacting positively.

In my address to families at the Parent Information Evenings, I stressed our ongoing commitment to this growth and development and the opportunity we have to tailor these lessons to age-appropriate issues facing our young men. Years 5 and 6 will unpack and delve deeply into the already existing Bounce Back Program that was put in place last year and focus on growth mindset, resiliency, inclusivity, and social media, amongst many others. Years 7 and 8 will focus on topics such as managing self, leadership skills, mental health, academic growth, and diversity. Look out for Year Coordinators and students to share some insights over the coming weeks.

Over the course of the year, you can expect your son’s to come home and discuss the various pastoral care contents. I encourage them, and likewise for you to encourage him to engage positively, to help his homeroom teacher to create a safe space, one that is based on openness, trust, and support. Please also take some time to ask him about these lessons each fortnight and the content that was discussed. Empower and reassure him where he has any concerns and please make contact with his homeroom teacher and/or Year Coordinator where there are any wellbeing concerns. 

The 21st century student has evolved and as such, we are using these pastoral care lessons as a strong opportunity to continue fostering our Ideal SPC Graduate. A young man who is authentic and empathetic, challenged to serve by showing compassion and striving for inclusion, and is a life-long learner.

Alex Sinadinos

Director of Middle School