Our school has many programs and initiatives...
Pastoral Wellbeing at St. Joseph's is based on the following:
• Quality Relationships
• Formation of self discipline and responsibility
• Pastoral Programs
• Comprehension and inclusive approaches to teaching and learning
• Supportive School and Family Relationships
• Effective networks of care
• Co-ordinated and supportive organisational structures
At St. Joseph's, the fostering of high interpersonal relationships among teachers, students and support staff is a responsibilty shared by everyone. In the school's daily and routine life, the ways in which all members of the school community interact with one another determines each person's sense of selfworth, belonging and well being.
Pastoral Wellbeing Programs
St. Josephs is aware of the complexity and increasing tensions of family and community life and therefore is attentive to the changing needs of students and the unique needs of the individual students. Pastoral Prgrams include: Seasons for Growth Program (a grief loss program), Self-Esteem and Social Skills Programs, Health & Personal Safety Programs, Personal Development & Drug Awareness Programs.
Comprehensive & Inclusive approaches to teaching & learning
St. Joseph's curriculum is based on quality teaching and learning that is based on individual needs and students with special needs.
Supportive School & Family Relationships
St. Joseph's is commited to building relationships with families through the development of relationships based on trust, co-operation and partnership. Within its resources and expertise St. Joseph's works with supporting families in times of need.
Effective Networks of Care
St. Joseph's works to ensure that all support services are identified and strong links are built up with all agencies that may be able to support students in need.
Co-ordinated & Supportive Organisational Structures
St. Joseph's school organisational structures to provide Pastoral Care include:
• Pastoral Wellbeing Leader
• Learner Diversity Leader
• School Wellbeing Officer (Chaplain)
• Parent Liaison
• Referral Processes (including Counselling)
• Speech Therapy support
• Psychology support
• Occupational Therapy support
• Co-ordinated agency support
BULLY BUSTERS
Each year St Joseph's students are trained in the Bully Buster Program. The program teaches parents, students and teachers strategies that assist in helping to handle bullying. These strategies include assertiveness training that helps children to handle conflict, solve problems and take responsibility for their behaviour.
LEARNER DIVERSITY
St. Joseph's offers many programs to support students with individual learning needs.
Corrective Reading
The Corrective Reading program supports the Literacy skills of students with specific needs in Years 3 to 6.
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)
The PMP program assists the development of fine and gross motor skills.
Students with Individual Abilities
Students are challenged and extended in their learning as part of their classroom programs. In addition these students are invited to enter the NSW schools competition in the areas of Mathematics, English, Computers Skills and Science.
Programs to support students with difficulties in these areas are:
• Speech and Language Groups
• Fine and Gross Motor skills support group
• Social Skill Group
Lunch time Activity Groups
Students are able to participate in non-sport lunchtime activities in the library. These are organised by senior students who take leadership responsibiltiy for lunchtime activities.
CAMPS AND EXCURSIONS:
Camps and Excursions are planned as part of the teaching and learning and have a clear educational purpose. Excursions provide opportunities that extend children's knowledge about a particular Key Learning Area. Excursions provide opportunities that encourage and support friendships, develop leadership skills and build independence. Excursions are planned on a two year cycle based on a minor and a major excursion. Financial support is available to families who experience financial difficulty. Payment options and special arrangements will be offered.
BLUEARTH:
This program aims to use fun, physical activities and movement to enhance the self-esteem and general health of school-aged children. Physical activity plays an important role in health, and has a major affect on human growth and development. It has been shown to grealty impact positive mental health, reduce anxiety and depression, increase enjoyment and a sense of well-being.
The Bluearth Program promotes:
• Self-awarness
• Self-acceptance
• Purposefulness
• Self Responsibility
TRANSITION PROGRAM – KINDER TO PREP
St. Joseph's comprehensive transition program for children beginning school also includes:
• A presentation to all parents on 'School Readiness'.
• Meetings with pre-school teachers to learn about the children.
• A letter from each school child's Prep teacher welcoming them to St. Joseph's.
• A school information booklet is given to all parents prior to the commencement of the school year.
Beginning School
Children beginning school come from a variety of experiences and backgrounds as well as different stages of growth and development. As a result, they will have mastered different skills, as well as having strengths and areas of difficulty. At the commencement of each year all beginning students in prep are reviewed in all areas of their learning: motor skills, social skills, oral language skills and hearing. This information assists the prep teachers in the planning for the individual learning needs of each prep child.
