INTRODUCTION

Pastoral Care presupposes that all members of the school community are worthwhile and that they have the opportunity to fully develop as an individual.

It is based on the following:

• Each person is created in the image of an all loving God;
• Each person is inherently good;
• The role of teachers is to help our students to grow and develop as responsible people;
• Each person is unique, possessing special gifts;
• Each person's way of thinking is considered;
• Each person needs to experience security and belonging;
• Members of the school community are open to, and supportive of, each other.

For the programme to be effective, students need to experience an atmosphere of respect, love and support, which is communicated through a variety on inter-personal contacts where the members of the school community take a personal interest in each other. As caring adults we are real to our students so as to help them in their personal growth, without abandoning our own identity. It will involve offering guidance and correction so as to enhance the best interests of the individual and the school community.

All members of the community are called to exercise Pastoral Care to each other. Students are known and treated as individuals, but are well known by at least one staff member who helps them in their personal growth. This is formalised through the Tutor System where each tutor is responsible for a range of students from Year 7 to Year 12. The vertically integrated Tutor Group is the basic unit of the school and therefore of the Pastoral Care system. It aims to expose the students to a caring adult, but also a range of students of differing ages who will also help the development of the individual. Peer help is often the best method of solving problems. By mixing in an informal group the interaction of a variety of ages will benefit all. The older students are able to take some responsibility for the younger student and induct into the ethos of the College. The younger students are able to know and relate to older students and know well at least a small group of students across the entire school.

Most pastoral care occurs in the daily interaction and activity of the school and is carried out by all members of the school community. It comes through the ordinary interaction between staff and students. It is often unplanned, and sometimes even unconscious, because it is a disposition. Pastoral care involves attitudes and relationships both inside and outside the classroom. It is both proactive and reactive so as to best serve the needs of the College community. It is the basis for what occurs at St Edward's College.