Positive wellbeing is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, develop and thrive at school.

We know that when students feel supported, they are more engaged with their learning.

At Sydney Catholic Schools, we commit to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community.

Our student wellbeing policy is underpinned by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. The framework recognises five elements that are key to supporting the whole school community to build and maintain safe, positive relationships and wellbeing: leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support.

This is complemented by the Be You Framework, a national initiative for educators aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. The integration of both frameworks supports our school communities to provide every student with the strongest foundation possible for them to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.

We have a systemic approach to wellbeing and positive behaviour with tiers of support to meet the diverse needs of staff, students and families. The offerings range from whole school initiatives, actively seeking student voice, system policies on anti-bullying, student counselling, staff training in student wellbeing, along with targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.

Holy Spirit Catholic College LakembaUnderpinned by the Values of St Mary Mackillop and St John Baptist De La Salle, the Wellbeing Program focuses on students becoming and feeling truly connected within the Holy Spirit community, building a sense of belonging and resilience.

Our wellbeing program aims to be proactive in providing learning opportunities to develop respectful, independent and motivated young people for future generations. We work in partnership with families to support growth in all students, allowing them to achieve their personal best. 

The Wellbeing Program at Holy Spirit is evidence-based and built upon the five core college values; calling for all members of the faith community to be respectful, reflective, responsible, inquisitive and aspirational individuals. This involves respect for self, others and the world we live in, taking responsibility for one’s own actions and the affirmation of achievement.

The Wellbeing Program of the college is proactive in the provision of learning opportunities aimed at developing the five core college values and growing lifelong learners who inspire positive change. It aims to develop in each individual:

  • A sense of dignity and worth
  • A sense of personal and social responsibility for his/her actions and decisions
  • An ability to communicate effectively
  • A caring attitude towards others based upon a culture of respect and tolerance
  • An ability to form satisfying and lasting relationships
  • A sense of enjoyment and satisfaction from learning.

The program has been embedded into the college awards system and are also used in the student reporting descriptors. Students have the opportunity to progress through Merit Certificates – Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Our program assists students to develop a Growth Mindset, helping them to achieve their academic potential and a love of learning.

A significant focus of the new system being implemented has been around working to better engage families and the wider community. As such, a new position was created at the college: Leader of Learning – Family and Community Relations. In addition, we have appointed a new Leader of Learning – Wellbeing. The wellbeing framework has a very proactive approach, endeavouring to build skills in individuals that will foster reflective and confident students of the 21st century.

The college also has a student counsellor available for appointments from Monday to Wednesday:

Book a School Counsellor

Anti-bullying policy

Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.

If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.

Support services: