Junior School - PreKindergarten to Year 6 - Pastoral Care
Radford places considerable emphasis upon pastoral care. The College is an orderly place, where good manners are observed and where self-discipline and individual responsibility are emphasized. The relationship between staff and students is based on mutual respect.
In order for each student to enjoy a sense of belonging and connectedness as well as enjoying opportunities to be themselves at their best, the College has developed the following elaboration of one of its aims to foster personal and social development. Each student will:
- develop self-esteem and confidence;
- learn self-discipline and accept responsibility for their actions;
- participate confidently in group and team activities;
- become active members of the local and wider community; and
- be able to adapt to the challenges of a changing world.
Pastoral Care in the Junior School
Radford is a community where people learn, work, and grow together. Radford seeks to build a different kind of character – one who values those ideals stated in the College motto of truth, compassion and wisdom. Radford seeks to reinforce the values of care and consideration for others, and to be respectful of each individual. We want to build a just and caring community. There is ample room for all manner of people, but there is no room for any form of bullying or harassment. Bullying is socially unacceptable and is contrary to the Radford ethos of inspiring students to strive to live just and compassionate lives. We must build a safe second home.
A child who is fully engaged in learning usually demonstrates positive behaviour. Therefore the Junior School staff will make every effort to be sensitive to the interests and needs of individual children in order to minimise any inappropriate behaviours.
A strong and enduring pastoral focus within the Junior School is on identifying and rewarding positive student behaviour, efforts and achievements.
Pastoral care in the Junior School encompasses all elements of life within the College and is supported by:
Class Teacher Years Prekindergarten to Year 6
The teacher is the students’ first and main point of contact. They are the students’ counsellor, advocate, conscience and mentor.
The teacher
- Monitors attendance, conduct, appearance, homework and progress
- Is alert to changes, groupings and interaction
- Counsels (advises/motivates) students regarding progress and general welfare
- Communicates with home regarding student programs, performance, welfare, problems, successes
- Consults specialist staff on individual students progress, welfare and conduct
- Advises Pastoral Team, Director of Studies, Head of School on concerns, problems and special circumstances with respect to individual students
- Refers students to Director of Studies, Head of School for further action.
Pastoral Team Years P-6
The team identify and maintain ‘positives’ displayed by students throughout the Junior School. Positives lead to ‘Happy Grams’ being sent home to families and a morning tea with the Head of Junior School.
Head of School
Knows all the students and is actively involved in their daily welfare. The Head of School presents a high profile interaction and availability to students and families.
Stage Coordinator
The Stage Coordinator oversees the specific year groups. There are five stage corordinators:
. Early Learning Centre - Prekindergarten and Kindergarten
. Year 1 and 2
. Year 3 and 4
. Year 5 and 6
It is their job to develop positive morale in the teachers and students in the year level and to foster and maintain an atmosphere of genuine pastoral care of all the students.
Prefects
The prefects at Radford stand as a clear example of what the School represents. They are the student leaders and act as role models for all students. They have a lot to do with the junior levels.
Counsellors
School Counsellors work to provide accessible and professional psychological services to young people in schools. There are 3 Councellors, two are qualified psychologists and the third is a qualified social worker. All have a special interest in young people and their issues.
People seeing the School Counsellor can expect a confidential service. The kind of issues a School Counsellor might help with include:
- relationships with friends or family
- peer pressure
- self-esteem
- stress management
- learning issues
- if you are feeling overly sad or anxious
- if you have questions about sexuality
- drug involvement
Camps, Retreats and Programs
The College believes that there is much to be gained, socially and educationally from a well-organised program of Outdoor Education. All students are encouraged to take advantage of the wide variety of outdoor programs available at Radford College across the school. Opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure learning are also provided in the cocurricular program.
The Year 5 camp is held in the second week of Term 1 each year. This camp is an introduction to the College's camp program. The main aim of the camp is for students to develop friendly, considerate and respectful relationships with other students, staff members and their teachers in an out-of-school environment. We believe that having the students and staff participate in a variety of outdoor activities together goes a long way in establishing relationships that are productive to school. These activities include bushwalking, abseiling, canoeing and sleeping in tents.
Dormitory-style accommodation is provided but all students spend one night sleeping in tents. All meals are provided, though students will have to do some simple meal preparation.
Camp Coordinator: Ms T Landos- phone 6162 5330 or email tina.landos@radford.act.edu.au.
Sporting Houses
The Junior School students are divided into three Houses with approximately 150 students in each House. The Houses are named Mackinnon, Wigg and Casson after our former Principals.
Students are allocated to a sporting House to which they belong for their entire time in the Junior School. Family members are allocated the same House. From Year 7, students move into eight Houses named after Australian native plants.
House staff and student leaders are responsible for the administration of the House. Houses are involved in swimming, cross country and athletics carnivals, Foundation Day activities and other cocurricular activities throughout the year. The House offers opportunities to bring all the Junior School students together in smaller groups.