Pastoral Care

pastoral-care1Pastoral Care means enhancing the dignity of each person within our school community whilst maximising learning and growth. The pastoral care of Aranmore Catholic Primary children is of paramount importance and is a shared responsibility between the school and the home.

Buddy System

Aranmore has a buddy system whereby junior grades are teamed with senior grades in order that a mutual exchange of responsibility and care is fostered. Buddy groups have been established so that older children in our community take responsibility for the care of our younger members and develop a friendly relationship with them. The Buddy stem is as follows – K-Yr3; PP-Yr4; Yr1-Yr5; Yr2-Yr6.

Rainbows

Rainbows is a peer support programme for children living in a single parent or step family or who have suffered a significant loss in their life. It provides children with an opportunity to express their feelings in a safe and confidential setting.

Positive Behaviour

A key element of the Pastoral Care Programme is to acknowledge and reinforce the positive behaviours of the students. In upholding our Catholic school aims of educating the whole child, Aranmore Catholic Primary School’s Pastoral Care and Discipline policy work together on the basis of developing a sense of Christian self-responsibility and community in the children.

We believe in the self-respect of individuals and that success stems from self-esteem. We also advocate zero tolerance in respect of bullying.

Professional support services

Extending our pastoral care program Aranmore is able to access Educational Psychologists via the Non-Government Psychology Service at no cost to parents. Aranmore Catholic Primary School also has a Social Worker/Chaplaincy Worker on-site at the school two days per week – Tuesday and Wednesday.

Assistance can be provided with issues such as:

  • Dealing with separation and family conflict
  • Dealing with anxieties and fears
  • Grief and loss
  • Parenting and Family support
  • School refusal
  • Behavioural concerns at school or at home
  • Bullying issues
  • Building resiliency and self-esteem
  • Peer problems at school
  • Conflict resolution
  • Organising welfare assistance and information for families in financial distress