Wellbeing

Experience tells us that happy and well-cared for students learn best. Our holistic Pastoral Care program strives to build positive self-worth in students, which in turn leads to growth in confidence and resiliency.

Wellbeing and Pastoral Care

The social and emotional learning, personal development, and care of each student is our key priority at Cornerstone. A students emotional, psychological and social wellbeing impacts their ability to think, feel and act. It also determines how they handle stress, make choices and relate to others. 

In today’s chaotic and everchanging world our young people need support and guidance to navigate through a multitude of emotions that impact mental health and wellbeing. 

At Cornerstone, we know that student wellbeing is a right, not a privilege. At Year 7, Open Parachute is a program which teaches mental health skills using peer voices. The program aims to increase resilience in students using lessons which feature age-appropriate videos and activities created by clinical psychologists and educators. At Year 8, The Resilience Project is embedded in the learning program. TRP is a wellbeing program which teaches and supports positive mental health, through an evidence-based program which teaches the benefits of gratitude, empathy and mindfulness for developing resilience, as well as easy ways to practise these in everyday life.

At the heart of our pastoral care system are the relationships that our young people form with their teachers and each other. Through pastoral care and wellbeing support, we aim to make a positive difference to society through nurturing and supporting students to understand their unique gifts and talents. 

We equip our students with the skills and coping mechanisms so they can process and work through challenges. We aim to instil values and practical life skills that will extend beyond the classroom. 

The Rite Journey which is delivered in year 9 significantly contributes to the development and wellbeing of every young person and is a crucial rite of passage as students transition from middle school to senior school. It supports the development of self-aware, responsible, respectful, resilient, resourceful and reflective adults.

Within the Senior School, our wellbeing program includes a range of programs around consent, drug and alcohol awareness, safe driver programs, study skills and more. External providers visit the College throughout the to offer comprehensive education that supports their holistic development as they grow as individuals and thrive in their wellbeing.

Restorative Practices

In seeking to build a safe, caring and positive community at Cornerstone, we use an approach called Restorative Practices, acknowledging that healthy relationships are essential for our lives, our learning and our community.

House Systems

Students begin each day with their Middle School or Senior School Home Group of around 18 to 20 students, under the guidance of a Home Group Teacher.