Pastoral care

The college’s professional counselling team drives a number of child-centred initiatives in mentorship, role-modelling, resilience-building, self-awareness, personal reflection and mateship which greatly aids student growth and wellbeing.

The team also works with families and teachers to provide one on one support to students who may be experiencing anxiety, grief, loss, learning difficulties, friendship stress or mental health challenges.

The college offers a private space for students to discuss their concerns with one of our two trained counsellors or to temporarily step back from school life to reflect, re-group and self-regulate before returning to class.

Caregivers are also welcome to contact either of our two counsellors to discuss any concerns they may have for the children in their care.

Our college counsellors regularly liaise with other service providers and are able to make referrals to external services when and if required.

The ministry team provides safe, inclusive and reflective spaces across the rhythm of school life. Through chapel services, devotions, pastoral conversations and moments of quiet reflection, they encourage thoughtful discussion around faith, theology and the big questions of life — helping students and staff find language for what they believe, wonder and value.

Whether through shared chapel time, a quiet conversation or simply being present, the ministry team is committed to serving the Tatachilla community in practical and meaningful ways throughout the year.

All teaching and support staff at the college receive ongoing professional development in trauma-informed practice, which helps them to create environments and routines that are sensitive to children who may have experienced trauma in their lives and who may need additional tools to self-regulate, bounce back from difficult situations and adopt a growth mindset.

Staff are trained to understand what trauma is, recognise the impact of trauma on students’ relationships, behaviour and learning, identify the signs and symptoms of trauma and create spaces for traumatised children and young people to learn and fulfil their full potential.

Sometimes wellbeing is best nurtured through one-on-one contact with those who cannot speak: animals. To that end, all students at the college have the opportunity to regularly interact with the college’s resident Golden Retriever, Misty (pictured), who spends time in classrooms and outdoor play spaces across all year levels. 

Misty plays a special role in helping connect children through their shared love of animals and facilitating positive feelings of calmness, attachment, familiarity, trust, confidence and empathy. Interactions with Misty also teach students about responsibility, respect for life, friendship and trust.