St Aidan’s is a welcoming Catholic community. The school has a history of inclusive education, welcoming individuals and groups of children who are marginalised.
Pastoral Care at St Aidan’s Primary School is the responsibility of all staff, and is based on our school motto, ‘Together We Are One’. The policy promotes a climate of respect and justice for all, by nurturing the self-worth and dignity of each individual. St Aidan’s is committed to and responsible for living out the Gospel values of justice, respect, dignity, and tolerance within the network of relationships which make up the school community.
The school/parish partnership contributes to the total care of students, families and staff.
Student Management
Student Management is one aspect of the total care of every person in our school and is based on our belief in Gospel values and our understanding that all human behaviour is purposeful, as we attempt to satisfy one or more of our needs.
Our policy is also based on the principles of procedural fairness. Procedural fairness refers to what is sometimes described as the ‘hearing rule’ and the ‘right to an unbiased decision’.
The hearing rule includes the rights of the person against whom an allegation is made to:
- know the allegation related to a specific matter and any other information which will be taken into account by considering the matter
- know the process by which the matter will be considered
- respond to the allegations
- know how to seek a review of the decision made in response to the allegations.
(Registration Systems and Member Non-Government Schools (NSW) Manual, December 2006, p.51)
These practices and procedures contribute to creating an environment where each person feels valued and respected, and develops a sense of self-worth and achievement. These include positive strategies to ensure that all forms of discrimination, harassment, bullying, or racism are considered to be unacceptable in our school, because such attitudes do not support our belief in the dignity of each person.
Values Education & Child Protection
Values education is an important part of our school approach to pastoral care. It is detailed in our Values Education/Social Skills program.
In order to protect both students and volunteers/staff, Child protection procedures and practices are followed in accordance with Catholic Education Office Policies and give clear directions on the roles and responsibilities of staff, volunteers and visitors to the school.
Additional Support Programs
We offer a number additional programs which care for the welfare and emotional development of our students, as well as students with special needs who require additional assistance with their learning.
Kindergarten Orientation and Buddy Program
We provide sessions which are designed to inform families and identify children who may require specific assistance in settling into their first year at school.
St Aidan's Primary also has a special arrangement where each Year 6 child is ‘buddied’ with a new Kindergarten student to offer support as they settle into school, this provides a mentor and role model for our new students, while providing our older students with a role in which to further develop their leadership skills.
Literacy Support and New Arrivals Program
We provide specialist assistance for children whose first language is not English and who require additional support with their literacy work.
Limited language support is provided for children who have been resident in Australia for less than 12 months and who are from a non-English speaking background.
Counselling
A counsellor is provided by the Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese for children referred to the principal for counselling by families or teachers.
Year 6 Transition Program
We offer a program which is designed to assist Year 6 children as they transfer from Primary to Secondary school, ensuring a smooth transition for continued learning.
