Wellbeing in the context of a Catholic school is modelled on the person of Jesus Christ, who recognised the dignity and uniqueness of each person. Jesus tells us, “I came that they might have life and have it to the full” (Jn 10:10). Our Catholic school provides a holistic approach to meeting the needs of each child: spiritual, physical, intellectual, relational, and emotional. A multi-faceted support of the whole person in the context of their overall wellbeing involves:
- positive experiences of genuine community
- education in healthy relationships, friendships and a clear understanding of boundaries
- appropriate means of communication
- understanding human emotions
- developing a healthy sense of self-worth and emotional integration
- provision for intellectual, physical, and social opportunities to explore unique gifts and talents that enrich life.
While this formation is grounded in the experiences of the natural world, the individual is gradually led to a deeper understanding of the meaning of human existence, which culminates in true freedom as men and women made in the image and likeness of God.
At St Peter Chanel, a few initiatives that support student wellbeing include:
- Building Character and Resilience Program: The Building Character and Resilience Program helps students build good habits (virtues) to help them flourish and thrive in and out of the classroom. Through explicit instruction and classroom activities, students learn about a different virtue each week which is then integrated into the school culture and environment. By the end of the year, students have in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of over 50 virtues to live by.
- Theology of the Body for Primary School Students: The Body Matters is a curriculum for forming students in proper understanding of the dignity of the human body and proper relationships through the lens of St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body.
- My MindCheck: My Mind Check is a mental health resource designed to help students develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and resilience. It provides tools and strategies to assess and manage stress, anxiety, and overall mental wellness in a proactive way. My Mind Check helps students, staff, and parents identify areas for support and development through regular check-ins and guided activities.
- Mentoring Program: Our developing mentoring program supports students through their time at school, acting as a sounding board and providing positive influence and support in their academic and personal life. Our mentors will catch up with their students on a regular basis to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. These discussions have a dual focus: first, on academic performance, work ethic, and study attitudes, and second, on character development across all aspects of life, helping our students to grow into well-rounded, virtuous young people.
Further, we believe in fostering a nurturing, respectful and faith-filled environment where children grow in wisdom, virtue and love. Our approach to student positive behaviour is based on the educational philosophy of St. John Bosco’s approach, which teaches that all interactions with young people should be based on reason, religion and loving-kindness.
The following core principles guide our approach to wellbeing and student behaviour:
- Respect and Dignity: Every child is created in the image of God and deserves respect.
- Faith and Virtue: Christian values guide all interactions and behaviours.
- Community and Belonging: We cultivate an inclusive and loving school family.
- Discipline with Love: Correction is given for the sake of assisting the child to become the person they were created to be. It is given with patience and understanding.
To promote a harmonious and faith-filled school environment, students are expected at all times to:
- Show kindness and respect towards peers, teachers and all members of the school community.
- Demonstrate honesty, responsibility and self-discipline.
- Participate fully in the spiritual and academic life of the school.
- Resolve conflicts peacefully and seek guidance when needed.
- Care for school property and the environment.
- Follow school rules and routines with a spirit of cooperation.
- Demonstrate virtue.
We affirm our commitment to forming children who are not only academically capable but also spiritually and morally strong. In the footsteps of St. John Bosco, we guide our students with reason, faith and loving kindness, helping them to grow into responsible and faithful members of our community and the world.
“It is not enough to love the young; they must know they are loved.” (St. John Bosco)