At Rossmoyne Senior High School, we want all members of our school community to feel that they belong and are welcome. We want our students to enjoy a positive schooling experience. We want them to leave school with the capability and optimism to realise a preferred future and to lead personally fulfilling lives.

Pastoral care at Rossmoyne fosters trust, mutual respect, and concern for the health and well-being of oneself and each other.

Our holistic approach to student care is coordinated through Student Central (see below) which is overseen by three program coordinators (one for Years 7 and 8, one for Years 9 and 10, and one for Year 11 and 12). Each year group also has a Year Leader who guides and supports students as they progress from Year 7 to Year 12. Year Leaders help students;

• manage relationships with other members of the school community;
• manage academic commitments;
• manage career aspirations/goals; and
• develop effective study skills.

Responsibilities also include counselling students and parents, negotiating with other staff on behalf of the student, mediating in disputes between students, organising social events and assisting in the selection/changing of courses and study skills. Parents should contact the appropriate Year Leader if they are concerned with any aspect of their child’s progress.

A School Psychologist assists students with their educational, emotional and social needs. The psychologist plays an important role in providing advice to teachers and parents about programs and strategies to support students.

The school has a full-time Nurse appointed through the Department of Health. The nurse has a key role in promoting and educating students about healthy lifestyles and well-being. The nurse works from well-equipped rooms in Student Central.

The School Chaplain offers support for students, parents and staff in times of need as well as one-to-one counselling and care for students with personal issues. The Chaplain also provides workshops for groups of students, helping them with communication skills, friendship building, self-esteem and development values. The Chaplain’s role is non-sectarian.

The Student Support Officer coordinates the school community programs, lunchtime activities and charity events.  They also run the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program.

Our Home Room (‘tutorial’) program provides continuity of care. Small form classes of between 22 and 26 students enable Home Room teachers to monitor students’ progress and assist them with goal setting.

A Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) works with teachers, Year Leaders, parents and students to develop an appropriate course of action to support the needs of students with learning difficulties or disabilities including students with low literacy skills.
Students may work with the LSC through one to one withdrawal, small group support or in-class support, depending on the requirements. The LSC works in tandem with teachers to adapt and modify the curriculum to allow students the best opportunity of achieving to their potential.

The LSC also meets with parents to discuss the learning needs of their child and explain the support options available. This is all done in a confidential manner and is aimed at ensuring all students at Rossmoyne Senior High School have a course that is relevant, interesting and matched to the learning needs of the individual.

Student Central

Student Central comprises of a number of specialist staff who work in partnership with classroom teachers, parents and where necessary support agencies to improve educational outcomes for students and maximise their potential in all aspects of school life. We also promote the school’s iCARE values of integrity, Connection, Aspiration, Respect and Excellence. We want all students to experience the sense of belonging and connection to their school community.

In addition to supporting individual students, our pastoral care program includes a range of specific year group programs that target values and skills including; citizenship, leadership, enhanced self esteem, resiliency and goal setting. We provide opportunities for students to engage with their school and broader community and play a key role in celebrating the endeavours and achievements of our students.

Our programs are also designed to assist students to make the necessary transitions as they move firstly into high school and then from the middle school to the senior school.  The notion of a journey through school and preparation for the world beyond is acknowledged through specific year programs which have a particular year focus. These programs are as follows:

 Programs and activities for each year group will reflect these themes.