A place to belong
As part of a system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, our students are treated with dignity and respect. Their safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. The wellbeing and safety of all students is central to the purpose of Catholic education and we acknowledge that healthy relationships and exceptional pastoral care are core to each child’s positive experience at school.
Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta have a strong focus on pastoral care, and in addition the support of our school counsellor, additional resourcing is provided for wellbeing initiatives overseen by the Wellbeing Coordinator. The Wellbeing Coordinator is supported by staff on the Wellbeing and Behaviour Team, Leading Counsellors as well as K-12 System Counsellors in the implementation of these wellbeing initiatives.
St Andrews is committed to providing a learning environment where students can thrive, feel safe and supported, and are nurtured to grow, belong and be confident.
St Andrews equips students with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their wellbeing through Religious Education, health, and wellbeing classes. We believe this sense of wellbeing and connectedness promotes healthy personal development in students and contributes to their academic success.
We support the social and emotional welfare of students and their families through effective strategies, recommendations, policies and procedures, guidelines and tools. Our strong focus on pastoral care includes school counsellors and wellbeing initiatives to support students.
Our school celebrates the inclusion of all students, supporting the learning needs of every individual and providing learning opportunities to build their social skills.
Our wellbeing initiatives
Pastoral care programs at each year level are designed to help build resilience, independence and courage within each student.
Other Initiatives
The SPIRE Framework
Our focus is developing the whole person through our SPIRE Framework:
- Spiritual: Focusing on purpose and meaning. Knowing the values that drive your actions.
- Physical: Cultivating positive regard for your body. Being aware of its ability to affect the mind.
- Intellectual: Stretching the mind by cultivating creativity and a love of learning.
- Relational: Contributing to and benefiting from community. Nurturing a relationship with self.
- Emotional: Reinforcing affirming emotions. Cultivating resilience to manage painful emotions.
House system
All students within the school are placed into one of four Houses. Each house has allocated student leaders who endeavour to work in building the house spirit of the College.
The Houses:
- Bennelong: Named after an important First Nations elder of the Wangal people
- Chang: Named after Victor Chang, the pioneering heart surgeon
- Frances: Named after Frances Siedleska, founder of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
- Gould: Named after Shane Gould, an outstanding swimmer.
Every day these four House names challenge us to be proud of our Australian heritage; to strive for academic excellence; to continue our faith journey; and to always aim for our personal best.
Student Leadership
Experiencing leadership gives students confidence, celebrates strengths and prepares young people to make a contribution to our community and world. St Andrews offers a number of leadership opportunities both as part of and in addition to our curriculum.
The college hosts a strong Student Representative Council (SRC), a house student leadership structure and further opportunities through sports, learning, and mission. Each term, students attend forums, retreats and workshops to develop confidence and communication skills. They can also participate in community leadership programs such as Youth Ambassador Programs and Diocesan Student Council.
Transition program
A thoughtful approach to welcoming students is something that our school is really proud to offer local families. Transition programs are important for all students to prepare for new beginnings. Whether your child is joining us in Year 7 or at another stage in their learning journey, we’ll be ready to help them start off strong as a valued members of our school community.
We offer a robust Year 7 orientation program for students as they transition to high school. Additionally, Year 10 students participate in our Year 11 Transition Program to help them develop more independent learning strategies appropriate to senior studies and the HSC.
Building child safe communities
We are committed to providing children and young people with school environments where they are safe, informed and able to participate, and where the adult community works together with them towards making this happen.
We care about every student!
Contact St Andrews today to find out how we can help your child.
Our vision
Transforming the learning of each student every day.
Our difference
Discover what sets us apart from other schools.
How to enrol
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Contact us
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