Student Wellbeing

A Monte education is paved not only in academic rigor 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.” (S Roffey 2013)

The College community recognises that wellbeing is paramount to the success of any student. All staff are entrusted with the objective of developing positive two-way relationships with students for them to continue to flourish and grow in their social and emotional wellbeing. The Pastoral Program is just one means to assist us in continuing to improve a students understand of wellbeing and how to develop it.

Sue Roffey, Director of Wellbeing Australia and acclaimed author on social and emotional behaviours advice is, in relation to wellbeing, to focus on the whole child in all their domains of development – cognitive, physical, mental, emotional, social, psychological and spiritual. Using this advice and through embedding certain practices throughout the College, we have seen an increase in the wellbeing of our students.

Initiatives on resilience building, positive behaviours role-modeled and expected, a safe school environment where students are able to 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 of, student wellbeing.