Subject Overview

In Pastoral lessons, students participate in The Rite Journey program. The course seeks to equip students to grow into the best people they can be, the person God desires them to be.

Students learn the power and value of being open and honest with others, especially through sharing their stories. This helps to create a great environment for meaningful and enjoyable discussion and growth.

They are also encouraged to develop courage, commitment, collaboration, consideration and compassion in their lives, both in their day-to-day lives and through completing specific challenges.

A key aspect of the program looks at healthy transitions into adulthood and, as such, students partake in rites of passage into adulthood. They participate in a number of key ceremonies to recognise this and are called to build on the richness of their childhood and be intentional about growing into the best versions of themselves.

Students discuss specific issues relating to gender, faith, identity, influence, society and conformity, body image, purpose and identity, overcoming hardship and ‘is there something more in life?’, while focusing on developing positive personal growth.

Pastoral lessons are a relaxed and enjoyable time where students are able to talk, laugh, pray and just be themselves.

Students consolidate what they have explored each week by participating in our weekly worship chapel, The Bonfire. This is a real highlight of the program, with students enthusiastically involved in praise and worship, as well as presentations and sharing of their insights.

There are also numerous opportunities to be part of the teams responsible for the music, sound, lighting and multimedia to use their gifts and talents in worship and witness to others.

Students are supported in their personal and social development to demonstrate actions which support the Leadership Values of Pastoral, Service and Accountability, as well as the FISHER principles: Fairness, Integrity, Service, Humility, Excellence, Respect and Responsibility.

Students learn how to regulate emotions and develop empathy for others. They are supported to establish and build positive relationships, make responsible decisions, work effectively in teams, handle challenging situations constructively and develop their leadership skills.

The Pastoral Teacher supports students in developing these skills and attributes and reports twice per year to parents the extent to which students demonstrate these actions by providing an indicator against the following actions:

• Treats others fairly
• Demonstrates integrity and honesty
• Serves and shows empathy towards others
• Demonstrates humility
• Demonstrates a commitment to excellence and personal best
• Respects and cooperates with others
• Accepts responsibility for own actions

For more information about this subject offering, please contact Brooklynne Coombe, Head of Middle School.