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Pastoral Care - an overview

The concept of Pastoral Care is not something that is new to schools. However, in recent years, it has become of primary concern to educators as we increasingly debate the changing role of schools and the need to develop a holistic approach towards educating which includes a concern and compassion for fellow human beings.

Researchers suggest that there are five factors which have influenced the contemporary interest in Pastoral Care. (Kevin Treston, Pastoral Care for Schools p6, 1989)

1. There are disturbing symptoms of alienation and fragmentation in our society.
2. Society has increased expectations that the school will provide personal development and pastoral care.
3. Schools are generally more aware of the need for congruence between the ethos of the school as described in its mission statement and pastoral care policies and practices.
4. There are many resources within the wider community which are useful for pastoral care.
5. Many societies are in a state of rapid change.

At Somerset College pastoral care is an integral part of the school philosophy and curriculum. The Pastoral Care Programme is valued and implemented in a variety of ways by all members of staff in both the Junior and Secondary schools. The delivery of pastoral care is both reactive and proactive in order to provide support, guidance and education for students with the onus of responsibility upon each member of the school community, for the wellbeing of others.

Policies and procedures exist within the school at all levels to assist in the delivery of pastoral care to both students and staff alike.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PASTORAL CARE STRUCTURES

• Student Records and References
• Student Support Information
• Interviews
• Academic Monitoring List
• Academic Reviews
• Seasons for Growth
• Case Officer Programme
• Guidance
• Leadership
• Parenting Programs
• ESL
• Counselling - Chapel Services
• House System
• Outdoor Education Camps

ROLES and DUTIES of SPECIFIC PASTORAL CARE STAFFin the SECONDARY SCHOOL

The Pastoral Group and Administration

Administratively this form of organisation facilitates the checking of attendance and communication of routine school notices. Obviously the system also provides an opportunity for close supervision of all aspects of a student's personal and academic development during his or her years at the school.

The House Tutor

Bears the primary responsibility for the academic progress, general development and welfare of each secondary school student within his or her House Group. The House tutor is responsible for monitoring uniforms and student diaries of their students and for the upkeep of their House Room and Tutor Group Roll. The Tutor Group Roll is a legal document. The House Tutor is responsible for the students in their group during Pastoral Care allocated times. The House Tutor will be the first point of contact between secondary school parents and the school and will ensure that when appropriate, Heads of House and senior administration staff are made aware of problems relating to particular students.

The House Tutor is responsible for the maintenance and updating of academic attendance and general student records.

The arrangement of pastoral care groups at Somerset College provides for:

• Each student to meet each day with a stable group of approximately 15 students from Years 8-12 and the teacher of their pastoral care group.
• The same pastoral care teacher stays with the same pastoral group where possible throughout secondary school years.

Year 8 Supervisor - Mrs Anne Rowe

Responsible for the induction of new students in Year 8and for the transition of students from Year 7 to Year 8 as well as the general welfare and discipline of Year 8 students throughout the year.

Heads of House

Andrews House Mr Dallas O’Brien

Franklin House Ms Katrina Rowlatt

Laver House Mrs Jenny Gollan

Starkey House Mr Rob Davies

Veivers House Mr Brad Walker

Responsible for the co-ordination and supervision of pastoral care, and discipline within their Houses. The Heads of House will monitor the overall progress including academic, extra curricula and social development of students within the House.

Academic Counsellor - Mr Greg Cater

Available to advise students, parents and staff on academic choices and academic counselling for students. The Counsellor also provides information to students about tertiary institutions, tertiary course prerequisites, study skills and career information. The Academci Counsellor is responsible for the induction of new students in Years 11 and 12 and for the general welfare and discipline of senior students.

Chaplain - Rev Colin Batt

Responsible for the co-ordination of all matters relating to the spiritual life of the school, including all services within the school, the programme of religious education and the personal development programme. The Chaplain is also available for personal counselling for students, parents and staff.

Dean of Students - Mrs Anita Day

Responsible for the co-ordination of student support systems, pastoral care, discipline and services for students in the Senior School. The Dean of Students is the Chairperson for the Pastoral Care Meetings.

Deputy Head - Mrs Bev Gallus

Responsible for supervision of the secondary school's operating routines, the programming of school events, co-ordination of pastoral care and day-to-day running of the school. The Deputy stands in for the Headmaster whenever the need arises.

The House Tutor

The student should find that their pastoral groups teacher is their greatest friend and helper in Somerset College. The pastoral groups teacher will want to know the student and their parents so well that he or she can be very ready to assist their flock of students with personal or academic problems.