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.

The LaSalle tradition offers students hope. We provide our students with opportunities to grow and mature and face the challenges of life with confidence, resilience and courage. St John Baptist de la Salle encouraged teachers to “express love in kindness, gentleness, sensitivity, and tenderness in order to win the hearts [of the students]”. Without this kind of relationship, there can be no significant learning.

“Connectedness” is an essential component of positive well-being. These connections may be formal or informal, aiming to know each student as an individual person, treating each differently according to personal need, and forming a friendly relationship with each. Our House System and Homeroom structure provide the basis for a strong sense of belonging. Our student management framework, the ‘Levels System’ acknowledges positive conduct and encourages students to take responsibility for their behaviour.

Various programs assist in the development of skills and specialist restorative programs enable us to support students in times of difficulty. LaSalle Catholic College actively seeks to prevent bullying and promotes positive student relationships built upon mutual respect and an appreciation of diversity.

The Level System

The Junior Level System is designed to recognise and reward the achievements of students in Years 7-10. It is an integral part of the college’s Pastoral Care Program. It should be the goal of every student to advance their way through the level system.

The Junior Level System consists of seven levels. All students begin their enrolment at LaSalle on Level 4. Students carry their Level from the end of each year into the new school year through Years 7-10.

The Junior Level System recognises a number of areas in which students may contribute to college life, including:

  • academic achievement
  • application to studies
  • student leadership
  • community service
  • school service – house based initiatives, sport, Open Day, fundraising
  • contribution to Performing Arts: Drama, Music
  • exemplary attendance: classes, carnivals
  • sporting representation
  • extra-curricular representative: Chess, Debating, Public Speaking

The Senior Level System is designed to recognise and reward the achievements of students in Years 11 and 12. It is an integral part of the college’s Pastoral Care Program.

The Senior Level System recognises a number of areas in which students may contribute to college life, including:

  • academic achievement
  • application to studies
  • student leadership
  • Lasallian Youth Leader
  • community service
  • school service – house based initiatives, sport, Open Day, fundraising
  • contribution to Performing Arts: Drama, Music
  • exemplary attendance: classes, carnivals
  • sporting representation
  • coaching teams
  • extra-curricular representative: Chess, Debating, Public Speaking

Counselling

LaSalle Catholic College employs two counsellors. The counselling service aims to assist in the resolution of concerns, strengthen relationships, provide support for students and encourage responsibility for actions. Students can approach the counsellors directly to make an appointment or they can ask their Homeroom Teacher or Year Coordinator to make an appointment.

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: