As a Catholic school, Holy Spirit 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 seeks to make this commandment real.
Wellbeing is the concept which underpins pastoral care. Holy Spirit 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. We recognise the flow on effects of mental wellbeing to academic achievement and whole of life satisfaction. We are a KidsMatter school – using this framework as a basis for student wellbeing. Within this framework the students are explicitly taught Positive Behaviours for Learning (PBL). Each class is engaged in the Zones of Regulation program which teaches students practical strategies to help them cope with the complexity of their everyday lives and learn how to cope when they experience sadness, difficulties, frustrations and challenging times.
Where a need for specific assistance is identified, Holy Spirit offers the services of a school counsellor.
When students enrol at Holy Spirit Primary School, they are supported in their transition by a buddy allocated to them from the following year’s Year 6 class.
Students at Holy Spirit Primary School are supported in their learning by a Learning Support Teacher and six Learning Support Assistants. The Learning Support team work to support both the pastoral and academic needs of the students.
Holy Spirit has the services of a Clinical Psychologist, provided through the Catholic Schools Office, working at the school once a week. 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 the students.