Wellbeing
At Waverley Christian College, pastoral care is at the heart of our community.
Wellbeing Services
As a Christian school, we place the highest importance on the wellbeing of our students. Jesus taught that others would know we are His disciples by the love we show one another (John 13:35), and this principle guides our approach to care.
We also recognise that student wellbeing and learning are closely connected. Research consistently shows that when students feel supported emotionally and spiritually, they are better able to engage, learn, and thrive. For this reason, pastoral care and emotional wellbeing are integral to every aspect of life at Waverley Christian College ensuring that each student can grow in confidence, character, and faith.
Role of our Wellbeing Coordinators:
- Social and emotional counselling to help students work through their concerns and challenges.
- Assisting the Principal and other staff with sensitive communication with parents, students, and colleagues, ensuring effective and timely communication while considering the many issues faced in the school environment.
- Supporting students by developing relationships with them, often through lunchtime clubs or participation in extracurricular activities.
- Providing pastoral care, including mentoring, coaching, referrals, family conferences, and acting as a link between the College, churches, community organisations, and professional agencies.
- Liaising with teachers on behalf of students.
- Accessing an extensive catalogue of health professional services for referral of families and students.
- Organising termly Positive Parenting initiatives.
The Wellbeing staff keep an up-to-date register of professional counsellors and psychological services in the community and are available to support students and their families by guiding them to the most appropriate services when needed.
Chapel & Chaplaincy
Every week, we hold Chapel services that combine worship, guest speakers, and interactive elements designed to encourage students. It has evidently created a space for them to experience and express the joy of worship.
Chapel also provides opportunities for students to actively participate, whether by performing in the band, managing media and sound production, or mentoring one another. Being involved in Chapel allows students to develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership, while also fostering a deeper understanding of their faith in God.
The Student Chaplain plays a vital role in nurturing the spiritual life of the school community. By providing guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear, the Chaplain helps students foster spiritual growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging within the College.
The role of the Student Chaplain includes:
- Oversight and management of weekly Chapel services.
- Conducting lunchtime activities for students.
- Facilitating parent, student, and staff prayer meetings.
- Providing opportunities for students to develop and explore their faith.
- Actively seeking informal opportunities to connect with students during lunchtimes, camps, excursions, sporting or coaching programs.
