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.

The wellbeing of our students is our highest priority at St Patrick’s College Sutherland. We pride ourselves on our nurturing environments where each student’s full educational, spiritual, physical and social potential may be realised.

Our students participate in an all inclusive pastoral care program that is tailored to address current and relevant issues that influence each year group. They actively build their knowledge and skills which are essential in navigating their world around complex issues such as the transition to high school, mental health, cyber safety and positive relationships. 

The wellbeing of our students is overseen by a caring team of pastoral care teachers and where needed we source the support of external service providers. 

Developing a sense of belonging is essential to wellbeing, and it is through structures such as the peer support program, and events such as sports competitions at lunchtime, that this is fostered.

St Patrick's College Sutherland - students talking to each other in the school yard

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: