Pastoral Care

Trinity Catholic College Lismore is dedicated to the physical, social, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of each student. Parents who send their children to Trinity Lismore realise the College is a space where the interactions between students and staff are built on integrity, trust and cooperation. Staff connect with each student’s unique set of strengths to increase their belief that they can do well and achieve. At Trinity our Pastoral Care process supports students so they can engage powerfully in learning, develop new skills and discover pathways to success.

At Trinity the rights of all people are respected and the dignity of each human being is promoted.

We believe that:

• The development of the whole person, with Jesus as a model, is an essential aim of Catholic education.
• An environment which is based upon high quality, safe relationships which support the growth of the individual within a community.
• Genuine Pastoral Care is fundamental to improved learning.
• The College’s ministry assists parents and caregivers in the care of their children.
• It is the responsibility of all members of the College to collaborate in the provision of a caring environment at Trinity.
• The provision of both relevant and satisfying learning experiences and appropriate adult role models is essential for individual student growth.
• The development of self-discipline is based on self-esteem, justice, affirmation and reconciliation.
• As a Catholic College our structures, policies, procedures and practices should be in harmony with Gospel values.
• Accountability for positive behaviour is encouraged at all times.
• We treat each other as we like to be treated ourselves.
• We aim to understand and connect with each student’s unique set of strengths so they can powerfully engage in learning, gain new skills and develop their belief that they can succeed.

Each student at the College has a Tutor Teacher as well as a Leader of Year. Students meet with their Tutor Teacher each day for 10 minutes and while some administrative duties are completed during this time, an emphasis is placed on building a relationship with each student and fostering a strong spirit within the Tutor group.

In addition to the above, time is provided regularly for extended Tutor or Year Meetings every Friday. These meetings may be run by the Leader of Year or Tutor Teacher. Students are encouraged to be actively involved in the House Councils which are led by the House Captains.

An important element of the College’s Pastoral Care structure is the House System. All students belong to a House. Family members generally belong to the same House.

The College encourages calm and focus for students through its meditation program which occurs each Monday during the College Assembly as well as during Tutor Group. The practice of mindfulness at Trinity helps students to tune out distractions and improves attentiveness as well as strengthening self-regulation.