As a Catholic school, St Michael’s shares in the mission of the Catholic Church. Christ’s commandment, “to love one another as I have loved you” is the basis of all faith communities. Pastoral care gathers all the qualities and practices within a community that seek to make this commandment real.

Wellbeing is the concept which underpins pastoral care. St Michael's is focussed on the wellbeing of the whole school community. We are conscious of the need to promote healthy wellbeing in all areas of the human person. Mental health is of paramount importance and we recognise the flow-on effects of mental wellbeing to academic achievement and whole-of-life satisfaction.

Where a need for specific assistance is identified, St Michael’s offers the services of a School Counsellor. The school runs a number of other programs throughout the year targeted to the needs of individual students. These include Social Skills, Friendship Groups and Seasons for Growth (bereavement).

Our Pastoral Care Worker is Tarsha Cousins.

Mighty Mate Program

When students enrol at St Michael’s in Kindergarten, they are supported in their transition by a ‘Mighty Mate’ allocated to them from the following Year 6 class. These Mighty Mates greet their ‘Mini Mate’ and parents at Kindergarten Orientation and then assist them at Play Group. On the first day of Kindergarten, they are met by their Mighty Mate who assists them in settling into ‘big school.’

Belonging

Community Days are essential for providing students with a sense of belonging, which is so important in building personal wellbeing. There are many such days throughout the school year, with St Michael’s also involved in the wider community by being involved in the Anzac Day March, Carols at the Bay and nursing home visits.

Restorative Practices form the basis of our discipline procedures for times when students do not behave in a way that displays respect, responsibility and concern for the safety of self and others. The focus is on personal accountability and restoring the broken relationships rather than retribution and punishment. This means that we seek to help students learn from their mistakes, reconcile and resolve problems with others. 

Support Personnel

Learning Support Team

Students at St Michael's Primary School are supported in their learning by a Learning Support Teacher and Learning Support Assistants. The Learning Support Team work to support both the pastoral and academic needs of the students.

Clinical Psychologist

St Michael's has the services of a Clinical Psychologist, provided through the Catholic Schools Office, working at the school. The psychologist provides support with academic and social assessments. Recommendations are made to assist parents and teachers to cater for the ongoing educational needs of students.