Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care in St Columb’s College

The St Columb’s College community of pupils, staff, parents/guardians/carers, governors and the wider community is committed to creating and maintaining a positive climate of pastoral care in the College.

MISSION STATEMENT

To create a pastoral climate based on Christian principles that is suitable for teaching and learning and to promote in the pupils a sense of responsibility and self-discipline. The Primary Aim of St Columb’s College is to promote in each pupil, through Catholic education, the fullest Christian human development of which he is capable. We are committed to developing each child's full potential to become a positive contributor to society in their adult life in a caring and pastoral spirit. We strive to achieve this by working in partnership with the child, their parent(s)/guardian(s)/carer(s) and the wider community, to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, truly reflecting our values.

Preamble – Rationale – Catholic Ethos

St Columb’s College is a community, inspired by the Spirit of Christ.  Christ’s commandment to love God and neighbour inspires a caring ethos, which is expressed in relationships within and beyond the College.

  • Education in the College is person-centred. It promotes the dignity, self-esteem and full development of each person made in God’s image and uniquely loved by God.
  • Education in the College is inclusive. It is respectful of, and engages with people of all beliefs; it encourages the religious development of all in their own faith.
  • Education in the College is rooted in the Gospel values of Respect for Life, Love, Solidarity, Truth and Justice; it aims to harmonise faith and culture, build a better society and pursue the Common Good.

St Columb’s College provides a curriculum which offers high quality, rounded education for all pupils so that they can develop their full uniqueness and potential. Staff are committed to, and have opportunities for, teamwork and personal professional development.

In the College, the person and message of Christ find expression in:

  • Faith, service, prayer and worship;
  • The development of each person’s full potential in a climate of joy, freedom, respect, challenge, co-operation and celebration;
  • The enrichment of pupil and staff life – intellectual, physical, spiritual, moral, social and emotional;
  • The promotion of a spirit of charity, social justice, global awareness and concern for others leading to practical outreach and partnerships;
  • A culture of tolerance where staff, pupils and visitors of diverse identities are recognised, welcomed, respected and cherished;
  • Listening, mutual understanding, trust, reconciliation, healing and peace;
  • The preparation of pupils to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives which will contribute to the Common Good.

St Columb’s College leads the way as a strong learning community, co-operating fully with others to provide a breadth of opportunity for the young people of this area.

Our Pastoral Care system is summarised in the Five Steps and The Core Values:

THE FIVE STEPS

MY CODE

I know the code of conduct and what it means for me.

Translate the School Code of Conduct into the language and context of your class, form class, year group, role, son, etc.

MY VOICE

I keep a constructive tone and level of voice.

MY MANNERS

I instil respect by using appropriate and mannerly forms of address.

E.g. use of ‘excuse me’, first names and titles (when appropriate), acknowledgements, congratulations and praise.

MY CALMNESS

I seek calmness and resolution; I avoid escalation and confrontation

E.g. avoid ‘cornering’ or escalating words or behaviour, offer choices, use ‘why?’ only when appropriate; share feelings of frustration rather than venting anger.

MY FORGIVENESS

I am willing and ready to forgive and move on.

When an issue or incident has been resolved, be prepared to leave the past behind and move forward.

ST COLUMB'S COLLEGE CORE VALUES

 (The Core Values are not an exhaustive list but can be applied to most scenarios that may occur within the school.) 

  1. I will show respect for myself, for others and for my school.
  1. I will work to the best of my ability at all times.
  1. I will be properly prepared for all my lessons and activities.
  1. I will co-operate fully and contribute positively in all of my classes.
  1. I will take responsibility for my words and actions.

PASTORAL CARE

At St Columb’s we strive for high quality pastoral care and our School Development Plan aims to develop pastoral care in the following five areas:

  1. Pride
  2. Positive Behaviour Management Policy
  3. Positive Reward Scheme
  4. Prevention of Bullying
  5. Pupil Wellbeing

High Quality Pastoral Care involves:

  • The Form Tutor
  • The Year Head
  • Senior Teachers
  • Vice-Principal - Pastoral Care (Mrs C McLaughlin)
  • The Principal (Mr FJM Madden)
  • The Chaplaincy Team and Counselling Services
  • Child Protection/Safeguarding
  • The Nurture Team
  • Peer Mentoring
  • Special Educational Needs
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (Staff and Pupil Mental Health Ambassadors and Pupil led ‘Pure Mental’ Committee)
  • Links with External Agencies (Aware NI, Action Mental Health, Pure Mental, Daisy, Youth Justice Agency, NSPCC, and many more)
Primary Aim
To promote in each pupil, through Catholic education, the fullest Christian human development of which he is capable.

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