Wellbeing

Catherine McAuley College Wellbeing Framework

I have come that you may have life and have it to the full’ (John 10:10)

 

Catherine McAuley College, a Catholic College in the Mercy Tradition aims to expand students’ spiritual awareness and religious identity, fostering their capacities and skills of discerning, interpreting, thinking critically, seeking truth and making meaning. Wellbeing challenges and inspires their service to others and engagement in the Church and the world.”

The College is concerned with the dignity and integral growth of the person where healthy students with positive wellbeing flourish. We are made in the image of God, and at the centre of Catholic belief and practice is a deep respect for the innate dignity and uniqueness of each individual person.

Wellbeing and learning are inextricably linked. Supported by extensive research based evidence it is understood that children and young people who have a ‘sustainable state of positive mood, attitude, resilience and satisfaction with self’ are more engaged and successful learners. The Wellbeing Program at Catherine McAuley College is integrated with our academic work, with our Service Learning Program and with the faith life of our College.

In line with Catholic Education Diocese of Rockhampton Mental Health and Wellbeing Policy and framework (see diagram) The College promotes a whole school approach to mental health and wellbeing that supports the safety of all students working together with students, families and the wider community to:

  • Support health and wellbeing
  • Build an inclusive, safe and connected school culture
  • Integrate the religious life of the school (social action & justice, prayer and worship, religious identity & culture, evangelisation & faith formation)
  • Empower authentic student participation
  • Improve educational outcomes of students

The College defines mental health and wellbeing as “a state in which every individual realises his or her potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” It relates to the whole person and the interconnectedness of physical, cognitive, cultural, spiritual, social/emotional and psychological/personal dimensions within the person.

The Four Elements of the CEDR Mental Health and Wellbeing Framework

Catholic Ethos and Learning Environment

Students who feel secure in their learning environment are more likely to experience improvement in both social skill development, leadership and academic learning. Each student has a Pastoral Care (PC) mentor teacher who actively supports their learning and wellbeing during their time at the College. PC mentors encourage the students in their PC group and come to understand how each student progresses, through frequent communication with the student, their families and subject teachers.

Curriculum

Children can be taught how to manage their emotions, to bounce back from problems, and to develop positive relationships. This is called social and emotional learning.
The College delivers the CEDR Personal and Social Development Education which facilitates learning experiences that incorporate a “synthesis of culture and faith, and of faith and life” (The Catholic School, n. 37) to further enhance the development of these capabilities and support student wellbeing. Explicitly teaching and modelling social and emotional skills related to personal safety, resilience, help-seeking and social problem solving is important for student wellbeing.

Empower and Support

There are five key areas in empowering and supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing: Mental health promotion; Mental illness prevention; Early intervention; Critical incident response; Family and clinical care provider partnerships.

Partnerships

There is no single approach to address mental health and wellbeing. Collaborating, connecting and authentically engaging with families is critical to positively impacting student wellbeing. Respectful relationships enhance wellbeing. The staff of Catherine McAuley College engages with a range of other services, resources and initiatives to support the health and wellbeing of all including:

  • Friendly Schools Plus (FSP)
  • Love Bites Respectful Relationships (NAPCAN)
  • Be You (National Mental Health – Beyond Blue)
  • The Leader in Me (Student Leadership Program)