At Redeemer, our aim is to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment that is individualised, student centred and responsive to the needs of our students.
The College has a strong pastoral care focus and endeavours to work in partnership with each student’s family. Pastoral Care Leaders, Learning Mentors and Home Group Teachers have primary responsibility for the care of students, including student well-being, academic, physical, emotional, social and spiritual care for students. The Dean of Faith on Redeemer’s staff has oversight of the spiritual life of the school and is available to support students and families.
Pastoral care involves:
- A focus on the individual, created in the image of God, who possesses personal value - every student is unique.
- Support, encouragement and care that is shown in a Gospel based community.
- The development of a sense of self-worth in every student.
- The total climate of care that exists within the whole College life.
We show pastoral care in:
- The quality of relationships within the community.
- The commitment that staff have for every individual.
- The policies and procedures that we establish.
- Our encouragement of the development of the College's Values: Integrity, Care, Excellence, Service and Self-discipline.
Mechanisms and opportunities
Redeemer has a formal and informal pastoral care system which focuses on each individual student. It is carried out by each teacher in various contexts within the academic and co curricular program, as an active expression of the Christian love and concern for every aspect of the lives and development of every individual. At the core of our pastoral care is relationships. We encourage the nurturing of strong, positive relationships among students, their parents and the school. Each week there are opportunities for short and extended home group time and assemblies.
We have a pastoral care system where the subject teachers and learning mentors develop in their students:
- A sense of belonging.
- A sense of self-worth.
- A sense of trust.
- A positive nurturing climate.
Assembly times
Parents are welcome and encouraged to join us for Assembly each week where presentations of awards are made to students. Times are as follows:
| Sub-School | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Junior School | Fridays, 8.35am | Multi-Purpose Centre Auditorium |
| Senior School | Thursdays, 8.25am | Redeemer Chapel |
Partnership with Parents
Students benefit most when the values of school and home are harmonious and there is co-operation and the will to work together to benefit the child. Parents who enrol their children at Redeemer are undertaking to support the behavioural and organisational expectations of the college. Parents become part of the school community, just as their children do, and the payment of fees does not relieve parents of the responsibility of active involvement in the college.
The school sees itself as a partner with parents in the education of their children. While the school contributes educational expertise, parents bring a longer and more extensive knowledge of the child. They can encourage, supervise, and support their children across the broad range of school activities.
Parents are encouraged to contact their child's teachers to gain information, support and understanding about their child's progress, attitude and relationships throughout the year. There are two designated Parent/Teacher/Student Partnership Meetings are held throughout the year to discuss academic progress, however, parents are urged to contact teachers when they have a concern or matter that needs clarification.
Our Pastoral Care Program responds to the changing social and emotional needs of our students and includes:
- Strong pastoral support provided by subject teachers, Home Group Teachers and Pastoral Care Leaders
- Transition program for students beginning Year 7
- Year 7 and 12 buddy program
- Learning Mentor Time and Year Level activities for Years 7-12
- Home Groups encouraging peer support and house spirit
- Careers and pathways focus for Years 10-12
- Personal and Social/Emotional learning programs from P-12
- Aristotle Emotional Intelligence Program – to assist students to foster better relationships, social abilities, academic success and enhanced mental health.
