Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is our expression of concern for the total development of each student. This care extends to all aspects of the student’s school life. St Philomena’s is shaped by the tradition of Mercy. This spirit of Mercy means loving kindness, an awareness of the worth and needs of others, and a willingness to serve.
We seek to create a climate of hospitality which rejoices in the uniqueness of each member of the community. We take up the challenge to empower young people to play a vital part in the world of the future.
Each class has a homeroom teacher and area coordinator. The school also has a deputy principal for pastoral care and a school psychologist. These people are all responsible for the welfare of the students. Subject teachers also have an important caring role.
Role of teachers in pastoral care
If you have any concerns about your child’s welfare, the first person to contact is either the homeroom teacher or the coordinator. These people will discuss with students and parents any concerns about academic, social or behavioural matters. Subject teachers are also concerned with student welfare and academic progress. Parents and students are notified through regular reports and Parent Teacher interviews about students’ progress in individual subject areas. Teachers will phone parents if they have any concerns about a student’s progress.
Role of the psychologist
The school psychologist (Rebecca Newsome) provides counseling and support for the welfare of students and their families. She is available to work with individual students, small groups of students or class groups.
Role of the Deputy Principal
The Deputy Principal (Welfare) assists the Psychologist, Coordinators, homeroom teachers and subject teachers in overseeing the pastoral care of students at St Philomena’s.
Student leadership
Student leadership is also an important aspect of pastoral care. Students are voted by their peers to the Student Leadership Group each year. These students work with the whole school community raising money for charities and encouraging student involvement in community programs.
Leadership is also developed through sports teams, drama groups, orchestra, choir, debating, peer support, tournament of minds and a variety of classroom activities. All students in the school are encouraged to take on leadership roles and support the school community through their own unique gifts and talents.