Wellbeing

At our College, every student belongs to a House, guided by a dedicated Head of House. Each House consists of six vertical Pastoral Care class groups, multi-age classes comprised of students from Year 7 – 12; each class is supported by a Pastoral Care Teacher or a Pastoral Care Teaching Team (for part-time teachers). 

In addition to the staff, each House is led by two House Captains. 

  Our Vertical Pastoral Care Structure is designed to:

• Foster a strong sense of belonging, where each student is valued as an individual.
• Build positive and meaningful relationships within the College community.
• Help students recognize and develop their unique strengths.
• Enhance social and emotional literacy.
• Equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to support their own wellbeing.
• Develop problem-solving abilities and sound decision-making skills.
• Encourage engagement with the College’s spiritual life and an ethic of service.
• Provide comprehensive pastoral support to those in need.
• Partner with parents to support their daughter’s educational journey.

Through this structured and supportive environment, we are committed to nurturing each student’s personal growth, wellbeing, and academic success.

In addition to Pastoral Care Teachers and Heads of House, students receive comprehensive support from School Counsellors, the Inclusive Education Team, the Leader of Learning – Academic Care, Faculty Leaders and Defence School Mentor. This collaborative approach ensures that every student’s academic, emotional, and personal wellbeing is nurtured throughout their journey at the College.

At St Clare’s College, our Camps and Retreat Programs provide students with valuable opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and spiritual development. 

These experiences are designed to:

• Foster social integration and self-reliance
• Offer outdoor recreational challenges
• Encourage independent living skills
• Strengthen relationships between students and teachers in an informal setting
• Enhance communication and teamwork skills
• Develop spiritual appreciation through participation in liturgical and reflective experiences as part of the Camp or Retreat program

As part of the Year 7 transition program, this camp helps students settle into secondary school life. Through fun and engaging activities, students build confidence, develop new friendships, and strengthen teamwork and leadership skills. The camp is designed to create a supportive environment where students feel welcomed and connected. 

The Year 9 Camp is designed to build resilience by encouraging students to face and overcome personal challenges. It also promotes team bonding, helping students recognize and appreciate each other’s strengths while working through shared experiences. Reflection and debriefing activities enhance students’ empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills. 

This program focuses on leadership development, academic skills, and community building. Students have the opportunity to reflect on how challenges and obstacles can become catalysts for personal growth and transformation, empowering them to navigate their journey with resilience and confidence. 

Each year, students participate in a Catholic Retreat Day, providing a chance to step away from the classroom and engage in spiritual and personal reflection. Retreat themes align closely with the school’s liturgical focus, fostering faith development and personal growth. Led by the Mission & Ministry Coordinator, along with the Youth Ministry Team and Pastoral Care Leaders, these days allow students to deepen their understanding of faith, community, and personal values.

At St Clare’s College, we are committed to developing leadership skills in all students and providing a structured, comprehensive selection process for formal leadership roles. Our leadership model is inspired by Jesus as a servant, messenger, and protector of the weak, guiding students to lead with compassion, integrity, and responsibility.

Leadership at St Clare’s is not just about holding a title—it is about active participation, responsibility, and influence. Our curriculum fosters problem-solving, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity, equipping students with essential life-long learning skills. Student leaders demonstrate these abilities through visible, impactful leadership within our College community.

The qualities, attributes, and skills essential for senior leadership positions and SRC representation in the junior school include loyalty, consistency, and maturity. Students who are successful at being appointed to leadership positions will demonstrate commitment to the College and its wider community, consistency in upholding the Christ-centred values outlined in the College vision, and maturity in effectively communicating with both peers and adults.

At St Clare’s College, we are committed to a fair and rigorous leadership selection process that ensures students are appointed to leadership positions based on their merit, abilities, and commitment to the College community. Our structured approach upholds transparency, integrity, and equity, providing every student with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their leadership potential. Through a thorough evaluation process, including applications, interviews, and staff and peer feedback, we ensure that student leaders are appropriately selected to represent and serve the College with responsibility, dedication, and authenticity.

To support the formation and development of the Senior Leadership Team, members participate in formal leadership training sessions alongside senior leadership teams from other systemic and congregational schools. These sessions, held twice during their term, provide valuable opportunities to enhance leadership skills, share insights, and collaborate with peers in a broader educational context.