Care Education

St Mary's is a Catholic School which aims to provide a sound general education based on Christian principles and creative scholarship. The College provides an environment which fosters the growth of the whole person and which prepares students to take their place as a vital participant in a changing world.

Care Education is an integral part of achieving this growth. A Care Education program is offered weekly with Care Group Teachers to all students in Years R-12. It is an awareness raising and skills building program which addresses themes and issues relevant to the social and developmental stages of the girls involved.

The specific needs of each year level are assessed and a program developed that is relevant and engaging. The Directors of the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools each oversee these programs.

An annual camp or retreat is also offered at every year level (from Year 6 upwards) to enhance and extend the work done in the classroom, and to further foster positive relationships and a deepening spirituality.

The aim and purpose of the Care Education Programme at St Mary's College is to look at the social development of students not covered specifically in other curriculum areas, with a focus on broad aims of Care Education and common themes.

The broad aims of Care Education are to:

• Building resilience
• Building positive relationships with others; with parents, with the school and wider community
• Personal and cyber safety
• Child Protection Curriculum

Some common themes are:

• Personal and Cyber safety
• Friendships/relationships and building resilience
• Personal Health and safety/social and emotional well being
• Community building

These themes are addressed through the use of guest speakers, film, Care Group teacher delivery of material and information, in class and whole year level activities, etc.

This generation of students are growing up in a world impacted by changing family structures, rapidly changing technologies, greater access to information and strong media influence. Therefore, the programs also address, at appropriate stages, contemporary issues such as cyber safety and cyber bullying, the effect of media on body image and the complexities of peer culture.

Through the presentation of accurate information, self-awareness and skills development, students are provided with the opportunity to develop the confidence to make safe and positive life choices.