Pastoral Care
Gioia House provides a rich pastoral care program that supports students to grow in confidence, independence and resilience. Our approach combines social and emotional learning, physical confidence, respectful relationships, digital citizenship and preparation for change. A strong wellbeing culture underpins everything we do, ensuring students feel safe, known and connected.
Students explore who they are, where they belong and how they contribute to community. Through discussions, storytelling and reflection, students discover:
- personal strengths
- values and identity
- culture, friendship and belonging
- what it means to be part of a community.
The Rock & Water program is woven through Year 5 and Year 6 and plays a central role in building emotional and physical confidence.
Students learn:
- standing strong and balanced
- boundaries and personal space
- resilience and proportional reactions
- breathing and grounding techniques
- assertive yet respectful communication.
Rock & Water helps students manage friendships, handle change and face challenges with confidence.
Students explore how to:
- build self-esteem and confidence
- manage change
- understand their strengths
- take responsibility
- develop positive habits
- cope with stress and anxiety.
Mindfulness, breathing, gratitude and reflection form part of regular practice.
As digital access increases, students receive explicit teaching in safe and responsible online behaviour.
Focus areas include:
- privacy and passwords
- digital footprint
- respectful online communication
- avoiding digital drama
- social media habits
- identity theft, phishing and scams.
Students learn that what they do online affects their wellbeing and relationships.
Physical wellbeing is developed through Be Active, PE and practical PDHPE units. Students learn about:
- healthy choices
- nutrition and balance
- keeping active
- safety and help-seeking
- first aid, emergency services
- growing, changing and consent (age appropriate).
Movement, games and sport support confidence, fitness and teamwork.
Students prepare for the next stage of schooling through targeted programs on change, relationships and independence.
Year 6 includes a specific focus on:
- managing emotions around transition
- building organisation and responsibility
- preparing for high school
- friendship and identity during change
Students are supported, equipped and ready for the next chapter.
Gioia House is a place where students are encouraged to try, to lead and to grow. They learn not only how to succeed at school, but how to thrive in life.
