Pastoral Care & House System
Our lives are determined by how we react to what happens, not by what happens to us and by the attitude we bring to life, not by what life brings to us.
As the cognitive development of students is linked with their emotional and physical well-being, education at Clayfield College is concerned with the whole person. Of importance is the provision of opportunities for support and guidance, along with learning experiences to develop the skills necessary to live effectively in our complex society. Helping to develop resilience in our young people is at the forefront of our Pastoral Care Program.
The comprehensive program for Senior Schooling students recognises the needs of each individual student. Significant opportunities for each student’s spiritual, social, emotional, physical, cultural and thus academic growth are provided. Encouraging in students an appreciation for the service to others, the program’s ultimate aim is for students to feel they are worthwhile members of the community, all with very special qualities to offer. The intention is for each and every student’s personality to be enhanced and for students to treat each other with courtesy and respect.
A caring and supportive environment at Clayfield College is accomplished through eight pathways.
- Daily routine in the classrooms, and in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities
- Chapel Worship and Christian Education Program
- The House System
- Assemblies
- Personal Development Program
- Outdoor Education Program
- Community Service
- Student Leadership
During daily routine and in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, the involvement of all staff is important in acknowledging success or any signs of obstacles to each student’s development. Nurturing students in all aspects of self is important. The caring environment helps provide security to assist each student in forming, understanding, appreciating and valuing her own identity.
Through Chapel Worship and Christian Education lessons students are encouraged to reach a high level of understanding and commitment to Christian beliefs. These beliefs are based on Scripture as well as on the traditions of Christianity. The virtues of faith, love, hope and charity, vital for spiritual development, are emphasised.
Each Senior Schooling student continues to remain in the same previously allocated House: Ashburn, Campbell, Gibson, Henderson, Radcliffe or Youngman. The Heads of House are responsible for the overall pastoral care of the Senior Schooling students in their Houses and provide the vital link between the College, the students and their parents. Senior Schooling students are allocated to multi-aged Pastoral Care Groups and are in the care of a Pastoral Care teacher. In activities that encompass the academic, sporting and cultural disciplines, as well as service to the community, students from different year levels are able to interact and learn from each other. The House system ideally provides older students with the opportunity to develop friendships with and provide assistance for younger students. Most significantly, leadership skills can be progressively developed through the years.
Weekly Assemblies enable students to share their talents and be recognised for their success both in and out of the classroom. Student participation is the main focus for these assemblies with themes developed and topics relevant to College life being covered. Included in each assembly is a spiritual segment.
The formal Personal Development Program addresses the different levels of maturity and interests of students. Topics relate to issues associated with an individual’s development of self-awareness and self-respect, along with interpersonal relationships building. Senior Schooling students have a designated lesson per cycle and work with a team of staff and guest presenters. The MindMatters resource provides a strong framework for the program. This program comprehensively covers issues relevant to the general health and well-being of young people and adults. In its delivery, emphasis is placed on relevant preventative measures as well as on problem solving strategies.
Through the Senior Schooling Outdoor Education pathway, including camps and one-day activities, students are given the opportunity to develop social as well as leadership skills. Year Level activities, covering effective risk-taking and decision making skills are practised in a safe and secure environment.
Numerous opportunities exist for students from all year levels to reach out to those less fortunate than themselves. Through class and House activities and through a number of Community Service Groups our students are enriched by connecting with various global communities.
Students at Clayfield College accept that being given the right to lead brings with it the responsibility to serve the community. Recognising and valuing the diversity of student talents, along with harnessing that diversity produces powerful teamwork. Student leadership at Clayfield College follows a shared model where students from various year levels have the opportunity to play the role of both leader and team player, depending on the responsibility. Responsibilities encompass activities in and out of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to be assigned a leadership role. Ultimately, each Year 12 student at Clayfield College receives a Senior's Badge and signs a pledge to carry out relevant responsibilities associated with leading the student community. Each Student Leader recognises that it is not just about the badge, title, or what I do but it is also about who I am while I am fulfilling my role.
Through the eight pathways of the Pastoral Care Program which creates a supportive environment for Clayfield College students, differences are celebrated rather than separateness emphasised.