Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

At Arndell Anglican College, Wellbeing and Pastoral Care are integral to our mission of shaping young people of character, purpose and faith. Grounded in our identity in Jesus Christ, our approach is intentionally designed to support the holistic formation of every student.

We recognise that wellbeing and learning are deeply interconnected. Our commitment is to nurture the spiritual, academic, social, emotional and physical development of each student, equipping them to thrive, contribute and lead with confidence in an ever-changing world.

Our framework is anchored in our Christian values of love, faith and hope, expressed through the lived virtues of respect, care and service. These values shape a culture where students are known, valued and challenged to grow.

We believe each person is uniquely created in God’s image, with inherent worth and purpose. As such, students are encouraged to develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and responsibility - both within the College and beyond.

Our Wellbeing and Pastoral Care framework intentionally seeks to:

• Shape students with a strong sense of identity, purpose and belonging
• Cultivate Christ-centred character through respect, care and service
• Build meaningful, authentic relationships within a connected community
• Develop resilience, agency and leadership in every student
• Empower students to contribute with compassion and integrity to the wider world

Through this, we are creating a safe, supportive and engaging environment where students are equipped to flourish - growing in wellbeing, strengthening resilience and developing into servant-hearted young people of influence.

A Connected and Relational Community

At the heart of our approach is a deeply relational model of care, where every student is known, supported and valued. Our structures are intentionally designed to foster connection, belonging and continuity of care across all year levels.

The House system is a key expression of this. In Secondary School, it strengthens connection through mentoring and relationships across year groups. In Junior School, it builds engagement and belonging, particularly through participation in sport.

Students are supported through a comprehensive and integrated wellbeing network, including:

• A dedicated Year 7 Wellbeing curriculum, supporting a confident and connected transition into Secondary School
• A full-time Registered Psychologist on campus
• A College Health Clinic
• Access to the Chaplaincy team, providing pastoral and spiritual guidance
• A Diverse Learning team, supporting students academically and pastorally
• A dedicated wellbeing space designed to support student care and connection

This integrated approach reflects our belief that student wellbeing underpins growth, learning and the development of the whole person.

A Whole-College Commitment to Child Safety, Care and Wellbeing

Arndell Anglican College is committed to providing education and care to children and young people to assist them to develop into high-achieving, supported students, positively connected to each other and to the communities in which they live. As a school, we care for all, protect all, reach out to all, and seek the wellbeing of all. We are committed to ensuring the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people at the College and we are dedicated to protect them from harm.

We regard our child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance, and as such are committed to providing the necessary resources to adhere to all relevant child protection legislation and to maintain safe and supportive physical and online environments for our students.

The College commits to be a Child Safe Organisation and to the implementation of the recommendations and Child Safe Standards contained in the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Supporting Students to Speak Up

At Arndell Anglican College, the safety and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority. We actively empower students with the knowledge, confidence, and support to speak up if they feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or concerned.

The steps below outline what students should do if something doesn’t feel right—because every student deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported.

SchoolTV

The College is proud to offer our community SchoolTV, a platform that provides are range of online resources designed to empower parents/carers with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies and reports. Topics include Cyber Safety, Mental Health, School Survival, Healthy Body, Positive Parenting, Diversity and Inclusion.

Formation Through Connection, Experience and Service

We believe that formation occurs not only in the classroom, but through shared experiences, relationships and opportunities to serve.

Students are provided with opportunities to build connection and resilience through age-appropriate experiences, including day camps in Years 3–4 and overnight camp programs in Years 7–12. These experiences are designed to foster independence, strengthen relationships and build confidence.

Service learning is a vital expression of our values in action. Through meaningful opportunities to serve, students develop empathy, humility and a deep sense of responsibility for others.

Students are provided with meaningful opportunities to serve and engage beyond the College community. These include the Fiji Mission Trip during Secondary School, participation in the Year 9 Service Program supporting Hawkesbury’s Helping Hands, and our ongoing partnership as a founding BKinder Foundation school through initiatives and fundraising each year. Students also engage with a range of charitable organisations, including Pink Finss, and support causes selected by Junior School students through the annual ACTSion Expo.

Through these experiences, students are empowered to live out their faith with authenticity - serving God, serving others and contributing positively to the world.