The Anchor

From the Principal

Understanding Our Vertical Pastoral Care System: Supporting Every Student’s Journey

As Endeavour College continues to evolve, we are committed to reviewing our structures and offerings based on research and feedback from parents, students, and old scholars. One area that remains a cornerstone of our approach to supporting student well-being and personal success is our Pastoral Care System. This system is designed to create a nurturing environment where every student feels valued, supported, and understood throughout their school journey.

What is a Vertical Pastoral Care System?

Our current vertical Pastoral Care System groups students into mixed-year tutor groups rather than by their year level. This approach allows students to build long-term relationships with both peers and staff, fostering a more cohesive and supportive community. 

At Endeavour, students are placed in either Middle Years Care Groups (Years 7-9) or Senior Care Groups (Years 10-12), all organised within each Village. 

This system is robust and will remain unchanged.

 

Key Benefits of the Vertical System:

1. Enhanced Mentorship: Staying with the same care group teacher allows students to develop deeper relationships and a better understanding of their individual needs and goals.

2. Peer Support: Older students have the opportunity to mentor younger ones, sharing their experiences and offering valuable advice.

3. Stronger Community Bonds: A vertical system encourages interactions and collaborations between students from different year groups.

4. Personalised Attention: Tutors and the Head of Village can track each student's progress more effectively over time.

5. Smooth Transitions: Students benefit from consistent support as they progress from one year to the next.

What’s Changing in 2025:

In 2025, we will replace the Year Level Leaders positions for Years 8-12 with eight Heads of Village. The position of Head of Year 7 will remain to support students during this important transition and to work closely with the Heads of Village. The new Heads of Village will stay with students throughout their entire journey from Years 7-12. This change will offer more personalized pastoral support, as Village groups will be smaller than current year level groups. 

Additionally, each Head of Village will have the opportunity to develop a deeper

understanding of each student over their six-year journey. 

Weekly Village meetings, led by student Village Leaders, will be a key feature of this new structure.

 

What Students Can Expect:

  • Regular Check-ins: Scheduled meetings with your care group teacher and Head of Village to discuss progress, set goals, and address any concerns.
  • Peer Interactions: Opportunities to connect with students from different year levels through group activities and projects.
  • Continued Support: Ongoing guidance and mentorship throughout your school years, helping you navigate both challenges and achievements.

What Parents Can Expect:

  • Consistent Communication: Regular updates on your child’s progress and 
  • well-being from their care group teacher and Head of Village.
  • Involvement Opportunities: Invitations to participate in school events and activities that foster community and engagement.
  • One Point of Contact: Parents will have one Head of Village for their children throughout their time at Endeavour, forming a strong and supportive relationship.

We believe these adjustments to our pastoral care system in 2025 will greatly enhance our supportive atmosphere and contribute to each student’s success and well-being. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to us. We will provide more formal information as we approach the 2025 school year and continue to offer excellent support within our current system.

 

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a thriving and supportive environment for every student.

 

Mr Richard Baird

Principal