Schull Community College

The pastoral care structure and the roles of year head/class tutors if applicable

The Pastoral Care System is working very well in the school. It cares for the students at every level within the school. This great level of care and support for students is reflected in the important role played by Year Heads, Class Teachers, Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain, Subject Teachers, Learning Support Department and management.

All of the above mentioned work in co-operation to monitor each student’s personal development and to provide appropriate support when necessary. There is an on-going effort being made to ensure that the different pastoral elements at work within the school are both supporting and complementing of each other. Periodic evaluation of the system takes place to ensure that effective communication is maintained.

The Guidance Counsellor works closely with the College Chaplain in an effort to provide a caring and supportive environment where students can obtain their full potential.

The Chaplain and Guidance Counsellor play central roles in pastoral care proving support and counselling for students and meet with Year Heads on a regular basis. The Year Heads give particular attention to academic progress, attention to matters of discipline, student attendance and meet with parents. The staff of the Special Education Needs Department also play an active and very important part in the care and support of those students.

The school is very fortunate in having the services of a Counsellor on a part time basis. She provides a confidential, safe space where the students can talk freely about their fears and pain openly and get some clarity on how it really is for them. In addition she provides a safety valve for emotions which cannot be released either in class or at home.

Mentoring (Pastoral Care) Programme

The Mentoring Programme is a systematic approach to education which seeks to value and develop the young person to every level. It implies caring for the quality of relationships between the partners in the School Community.

Structure

The organisation of the school system to enable Pastoral Care Values to be lived out. These structures are related to our school needs. These include the Mentoring Teams

Year Head/Class Teacher Teams
Year Heads give particular attention to academic progress, student attendance and meet with parents.
Class teachers wholeheartedly assist the year heads in much of the
above.

S.P.H.E. Team
An important role for them as the school develops towards being a ‘Pastoral School’.

Counselling Team
The chaplan and guidance counsellor play central roles in pastoral care providing support and counselling for students.

Disciplinary Committee
It gives attention to matters of discipline. It has a ladder of referral.

Learning Support and Special Needs Team
The staff here play an active part in the care and support of students with specific learning needs. .

Parents Council
Parents feel included, involved and listened to. They are kept aware of all school activities. They are consulted on major school events including the development of school policies.

Students Council
Students are afforded a voice in the school through it.



There is an on-going effort being made to ensure that the different mentoring (pastoral) elements are at work within the school are both supporting and complementing each other. Periodic evaluation of the programme takes place to ensure that effective communication is maintained.