Pastoral Care

Junior School Pastoral Care 

At Sydney Adventist College, Auburn, we believe that every child is a child of God and needs and deserves individual care.  We endeavour to lead our students to know their God, themselves and their place in society.   Pastoral care embraces a total caring for each child, and influences all teacher/student relationships.

The particular approaches to the provision of pastoral care depend upon the age of students. In the Junior and Middle School, the individual classroom teacher or Homeroom teacher assumes great importance in knowing and understanding each child in his or her care.  In addition, our Chaplain plays an important role in the pastoral care of our students.

Students’ spiritual needs are met in a variety of ways:

• Our chaplain visits the school and spends time with the children in an informal setting.  Spending time with the students in this way enables him to get to know each child personally and offer support, if and when needed.
• Organisation of the weekly chapel program is also done by our chaplain. At these times, he speaks to the students, seeking to build their understandings so that they can make wise life choices. Guest speakers are invited from time to time, which provides the school with the opportunity to build stronger relationships with their community and the church.  Chapel programs are integral to the development of our students’ skills and values.    
• Worship and Bible lessons are held as part of each day's classroom life.
• Teachers give freely of their time talking to children who demonstrate a need. Individual students and their families are specifically prayed for during staff meetings throughout the year. 
• The chaplain or school counsellor are available to counsel hurting children and families when necessary. 
• The school Administration exhibits an 'open door' policy for students and families with concerns.  
  

We believe our students have an equal right to learn, work and play, while being treated with respect and dignity. We encourage them to appreciate their own worth, and that of others, so that each can develop to his or her potential.

We promote respect and care for the environment, as well as the development of a deepening sense of care for others, especially those who are disadvantaged.

Our emphasis is on positive relationships between school, students, staff and families.  This is vital in the interests of the wellbeing of our students.