Aquinas College Pastoral Care Programs are aligned across the community to ensure that student wellbeing is at the forefront. Student wellbeing is promoted and supported by Vertical Pastoral Care Teachers, Pastoral Leaders, Guidance Counsellors and the Assistant Principal-Student Wellbeing.
Students attend Vertical Pastoral Care (VPC) each morning with students from Years 7 to 12. This is a great opportunity for students to build positive relationships with their VPC teacher and their peers. Students participate in daily prayer, House challenges and assemblies.
Each VPC is connected to a House system. Chisholm, Edmund Rice, McAuley and Romero Houses are instrumental in building a sense of culture and healthy competition across our school. Each House is lead by an experienced Pastoral Leader who supports the wellbeing and personal development of each student as they progress through their learning journey.
Students participate in timetabled Pastoral Care lessons focusing on personal development that is relevant and appropriate for each year level. Pastoral Care promotes topics such as positive relationships, mental health, student leadership, bullying, financial literacy and regularly incorporates guest speakers that are experts in their field.
Retreats and camps are included in the curriculum to support the holistic education of our students and includes a range of age-appropriate activities that promote self-esteem and team building skills. Students attend camp in Years 7 and 10, and Retreats in Year 11 and 12.
The diverse Pastoral Care Programs within the College highlights the uniqueness of the young people in the Aquinas community, inspiring them to be life-long learners through a holistic education.
(c) Brisbane Catholic Education, Aquinas College (2023)