Pastoral Care

Pastoral care at Catholic Regional College Sydenham is designed to meet the needs of students in a holistic way. Our focus on S.P.I.C.E.S (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Community, Emotional and Social) provides an avenue to do so. Based on the feedback from students and homegroup teachers, this year we have encouraged students to take a more active role in leading activities so that there is a more student centred approach.

During term one, as well as involving themselves in Cluster sport, students have looked more closely at the College theme and Cluster values. Focussing on their personal faith journey encouraged students to prepare themselves to reflect as we shared in activities to mark the Lenten period like Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday mass, ending in celebrating the Easter vigil together.

Digital safety as well as bullying are key issues that we addressed during term one with resources available to families who want to discuss cybersafety at home including “Help! I’m a parent of a deviceKid!”. Friday 17th March marked the National Day of Action against bullying and violence and Catholic Regional College Sydenham participated in a nationwide campaign called “One million stars to end violence”. Each star made by students represented a member of our community who would commit to take a stand against bullying and violence and contributes to an art installation that will be featured at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Students were encouraged to prepare for their future by first looking back with the release of estimated ATARs and a focus on preparing for their future now. Career planning, goal setting, effective study skills and time management prompted students to plan for where they were going and what they would need to do now to achieve it. Careers interviews with every student (starting with Year 12s) commenced and presentations on VCE success, careers and our guest presenter to parents, Dr Andrew Fuller were given.

Harmony day provided an opportunity for VCAL classes (as part of their PDS class) to facilitate activities to celebrate our diversity as a community. Students planned and led informative and fun activities, which were well received by all.

In term two we look forward to a wide variety of topics including stress and mental health management, GAT preparation, team building, positive psychology and of course cluster sport.

Naomi Bartley

Director of Community Engagement