Wellbeing

Wellbeing incorporates each student’s physical, social, spiritual, and emotional development and is central to our learning environment and School Improvement Plan.

We recognise that parents/carers are our students’ primary educators and nurturers, and we work in partnership with families to support the learning and wellbeing of our students.

The Home Group Mentor offers a first contact point with the College for parents/guardians and families. We encourage families to communicate regularly with teachers, participate in Progress Meetings and contact the College whenever needed.

PHILOSOPHY OF WELLBEING

As a Good Samaritan Education (GSE) school, our approach to wellbeing is underpinned by the GSE Philosophy of Wellbeing. Our schools are called to grow as communities of compassion, humility, and mutual support where each person's journey toward wholeness is honoured and supported. We recognise the interconnectedness of all people and the natural environment, and thus work to encourage a deep sense of belonging and purpose in our community.

We see the nourishment of wellbeing as essential to our educational mission of developing students who will engage with today's world as grounded, hope-filled young people who are equipped to lead wisely, to listen deeply and to treat their neighbour and their environment with justice, love and the compassion of Christ. (GSE Philosophy of Education)

Wellbeing Dogs

Wellbeing/therapy dogs have been shown to assist in reducing the stress hormone cortisol, which can calm students experiencing stress, anxiety and other complex emotions. There is also evidence that the presence of wellbeing dogs can improve:

• school attendance.
• confidence/self-esteem.
• learning outcomes.
• attitudes towards learning and motivation.
• relationships with peers and teachers, and.
• social and emotional skills.

The College has two Wellbeing dogs, Pip and Bob, who are both Pyrenean Mountain dogs. Each attends the College regularly, visiting classrooms and student activities.

We are committed to ensuring our Wellbeing Dog program promotes the health and safety of all members of the Mater Christi community.