Pastoral Care
Supporting Every Child’s Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is a priority at Santa Sabina. Our team of three psychologists specialises in supporting school-aged children, is available to all students across the College. Together, they provide compassionate, comprehensive pastoral care and are always here to support our students’ emotional and mental wellbeing.
Collaboration is key to creating a safe and nurturing environment. Our psychologists work closely with the College Nurse, reception staff, the Deputy Principal – Mission and Pastoral Care, the Director of Wellbeing and other senior leaders to ensure every child feels secure and supported.
Santa Strong
Embedded into the timetable once per fortnight, the Santa Strong Pastoral Care Program is a cornerstone of our wellbeing framework. Delivered in horizontal House groups by dedicated Pastoral Care teachers, this program provides a consistent and safe space for students to explore key aspects of their personal development.
Our Pastoral Care Program has been devised specifically to support the changing needs of our students as they develop and grow through their Secondary School years. The program is flexible and responsive, relying on feedback from families via surveys.
Each year, the program is also reviewed and refined using student data from tools such as the Resilient Youth Survey, Mission Australia Youth Survey, the Future Proofing Longitudinal Study led by the Black Dog Institute and regular student evaluations. This evidence-based approach ensures that the evolving pastoral needs of each cohort are understood and addressed with care and precision.
The aim of Santa Strong is to cultivate mental fortitude, resilience and holistic wellbeing, empowering students to thrive during adolescence and carry these strengths into their future lives.
Belonging, friendships and safe choices
Students explore what it means to join a new community, build friendships, manage online behaviour and navigate the emotional changes of adolescence. They develop skills in respectful communication, help-seeking and being an upstander, supported by digital safety programs, peer mentoring and PDHPE units on growth, relationships and healthy lifestyles.
Year 7 students become ready to belong and to take their place with growing confidence in the secondary school community.
Strengthening emotional regulation and respectful relationships
Students deepen their understanding of themselves and others through emotional regulation, managing stress and strengthening empathy. Gratitude, empathy and mindfulness practices help them develop practical strategies for wellbeing. They explore ethical relationships, consent, inclusion and the impact of peer influence. PDHPE units address safety, mental health and decision-making.
Year 8 students grow ready to navigate relationships with greater emotional insight and maturity.
Personal responsibility, digital citizenship and community connection
Students develop autonomy and responsibility – socially, academically and online. They explore rights and responsibilities, personal branding, consent, digital safety and respectful relationships. Outdoor education and wellbeing programs build resilience, teamwork and gratitude.
Year 9 students emerge ready to take ownership of their choices and manage increasing independence with awareness and care.
Advocacy, empowerment and self-understanding
Students learn how to use their voice to create positive change. They engage with diverse perspectives, explore advocacy, practise dignity in relationships and strengthen emotional resilience. Academic resilience, goal setting and the Encounter Program prepare them for senior studies.
Year 10 students step forward ready to lead with purpose and recognise the influence they can have within their community.
Building resilience, connection and leadership
Students explore what sustains them academically, socially and emotionally. Growth mindset, wellbeing strategies, retreat experiences and leadership formation strengthen self-awareness and responsibility as they enter their senior year.
Year 11 students grow ready to lead themselves – and others – with integrity, balance and determination.
Thriving, self-care and preparing for life beyond school
Students reflect on identity, strengths and aspirations while engaging with practical life skills, Dominican spirituality and wellbeing strategies that support them through the demands of Year 12. They learn to maintain motivation, nurture relationships and prepare for transition.
Year 12 students leave ready to step into the world – confident, capable and grounded in Veritas.