BUILDING BALANCE AND RESILIENCE

Student Wellbeing

A Monte education is paved not only in academic rigour but also in a true understanding of what it means to be merciful, and what it means to be Catholic, whilst developing a student’s social and emotional wellbeing and knowing of one’s self.

Although wellbeing is often difficult to define, researchers agree

“that student wellbeing is strongly associated with learning outcomes and academic success, and that the quality of relationships within schools between students and staff helps foster that wellbeing.”

The College community recognises that wellbeing is paramount to the success of any student. All staff are entrusted with developing positive two-way relationships with students to continue to flourish and grow in their social and emotional wellbeing. The Pastoral Program is just one means to assist us in improving a student’s understanding of wellbeing and how to develop this.

Initiatives on resilience building, the expectation and role-modelling of positive behaviours, a safe environment where students can reflect and give feedback, restorative practices for discipline issues, and social and emotional learning with an appropriate pedagogy are all very practical features of the Monte landscape. Our goal is to continue to build on a College approach, providing for and enhancing student wellbeing.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS' EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Pastoral Care Program

Our Pastoral Care program, SELF-GROWTH encompasses a framework for both staff and students. SELF: Social and Emotional Learning Framework for staff, and GROWTH: Goals, Relationships, Organisations, Wellness, Transition and Humanity for students. The program has amalgamated the learnings and knowledge of staff with the six pillars of GROWTH for student activities and experiences.

An integral part of the curriculum

SELF is a holistic program encouraging professional development for staff to enhance their understanding of a person’s wellbeing. Informative and understanding staff are better equipped to relate to, impact and support a student to develop a growth mindset.

Building capacity in all our students, the College focusses on the six pillars of GROWTH; in any age and stage specific program, to progressively upskill students so that they can successfully navigate secondary school.

The program concentrates on the academic, social, emotional, and spiritual growth of students and is based on our Mercy values. This is supported by daily Tutor Group meetings and regular form meetings, as well as camps that support personal development.

Pastoral Care is integrated into the academic curriculum through subject content and classroom management, and all students are encouraged to take responsibility for their role in the College community. The goal is to help students grow into self-confident individuals with honesty and integrity.

A supportive environment

Monte aims to create an inclusive environment for all students, including those with special needs, to facilitate learning and promote a sense of belonging. Access to specialist services is available for students with specific needs.

The College offers a full-time psychologist to support students’ social and emotional growth, as well as a College Counsellor who provides specialised assistance to the community. There is also a Health Centre with a full-time nurse onsite during school hours to meet students’ health care needs.

Shaping growth and friendships

House Spirit

The House system plays a crucial role in shaping the growth, development and camaraderie of our students.

The Monte House System

Our Pastoral Program is supported by the tight-knit House system. Upon commencing at Monte, students are assigned to one of six Colour Houses. The House system plays a crucial role in shaping the growth, development and camaraderie of our students.

The House Cup

Throughout the year, the Houses engage in a variety of competitions, activities and challenges, to win the highly coveted House Cup, which acknowledges the exceptional spirit at the College. Students can accumulate points for their House through various means, including receiving awards, volunteering, and participating in extracurricular activities.

At the end of the year, the points earned by students from each House are tallied along with the points from the Swimming and Athletics Carnivals. The House with the greatest number of points is awarded with the House Cup.