Positive wellbeing is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, develop and thrive at school.

We know that when students feel supported, they are more engaged with their learning.

At Sydney Catholic Schools, we commit to providing safe, supportive and inclusive environments which nurture the wellbeing of all students and staff in our community.

Our student wellbeing policy is underpinned by the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. The framework recognises five elements that are key to supporting the whole school community to build and maintain safe, positive relationships and wellbeing: leadership, inclusion, student voice, partnerships and support.

This is complemented by the Be You Framework, a national initiative for educators aimed at promoting and protecting positive mental health in children and young people. The integration of both frameworks supports our school communities to provide every student with the strongest foundation possible for them to reach their aspirations in learning and in life.

We have a systemic approach to wellbeing and positive behaviour with tiers of support to meet the diverse needs of staff, students and families. The offerings range from whole school initiatives, actively seeking student voice, system policies on anti-bullying, student counselling, staff training in student wellbeing, along with targeted interventions for students with complex social and emotional needs.

School Counsellor

Our School Counsellor, a registered psychologist, is available to our students and families.

Students can be referred by their House Coordinator, member of staff or they can make a self-referral. Parents may consult on the telephone or make individual appointments.

Our counsellor deals with personal, family and academic concerns and if needed will refer individuals and families to other agencies. In addition to individual consultations, our counsellor may offer small group sessions for particular needs.

Pastoral Care Program

Recognition of the dignity and uniqueness of each person underpins all that we do at Mount St Joseph Catholic College Milperra. Accordingly, Pastoral Care structures are developed in response to student needs such that every student feels supported, encouraged and nurtured. The wellbeing and pastoral care of students is a priority for all teachers.

We are committed to providing pastoral care which fosters a sense of belonging and community; such that every student feels supported, encouraged and nurtured. Academic care aligns with our learning experiences and supports eac students to achieve their personal best.

Students are encouraged through the pastoral life of the school to:

  • demonstrate respect, responsibility and reliability
  • develop a positive growth mindset
  • be inclusive, courageous and supportive of each other 
  • effectively understand and manage feelings and emotions

Houses and Homeroom

MSJ’s vertical pastoral care structure ensures strong relationships between students and staff and it plays a pivotal role in the development of our students.

The Houses become a community within a community, and give opportunities for closer relationships, mentoring and the expression of our Josephite charism and values of acceptance, loyalty, action, compassion, hospitality and wisdom. 

Each student belongs to one of six Houses. Students begin the day in their House pastoral group under the leadership of their Homeroom teacher. The vertical structure ensures that each girl develops an understanding of community at MSJ. The Homerooms provide an avenue for mentoring, communication about the life of the community and are vehicles for developing and building school spirit.

Each House is led by a House Coordinator who supports the pastoral, social, emotional and academic well being of students. House Coordinators provide a point of contact for teachers and for parents. Students remain in the same House for the length of their schooling at MSJ; this enables the House Coordinator and parents greater opportunity to build communication between home and school.

Anti-bullying policy

Sydney Catholic Schools rejects all forms of bullying behaviours, including online (or cyber) bullying, by maintaining a commitment to providing safe, inclusive and respectful learning communities that promote student wellbeing for learning. Staff at Sydney Catholic Schools are committed to employing wellbeing strategies that allow for a healthy school environment where bullying is less likely to occur.

If your child is experiencing bullying of any kind, or you have a wellbeing concern, we have a number of support services available for parents/carers and students, as listed below.

Support services: