At Caroline Chisholm School, Contact Classes serve as the foundation for building strong relationships between staff, students, and parents. These classes are integral to fostering a sense of community, as students remain with the same Contact class teacher from Year 7 through Year 10, allowing for continuity in pastoral care and the development of deep connections with both Students and their families. Students are grouped by year and house, promoting positive relationships, and reinforcing school culture. In addition to their Contact teacher, students have a dedicated Year Coordinator who oversees their well-being throughout their high school journey, ensuring that individual needs are met by referring them to the appropriate support staff when necessary.
As a proud Berry Street School, we embrace trauma-informed practices that focus on promoting resilience, positive relationships, and a supportive environment for all. This approach benefits our students by nurturing their social and emotional well-being, empowering them to engage fully with their education, and helping to foster a stronger, more connected community.
Our school also offers comprehensive support through a dedicated Student Support Team, consisting of youth workers, social workers, and learning support staff. This team works closely with the Wellbeing Executive, ensuring that both internal and external resources are available to address students’ needs. Support can take the form of one-on-one sessions or small group interventions, tailored to the specific requirements of the students and the school at any given time. Furthermore, we encourage community and student well-being through a variety of clubs such as Homework Club, Breakfast Club, STEM Club, SAGA, Life Skills and the Table-top Gaming Club. These clubs foster a positive community culture, providing safe spaces for students to connect, learn, and grow together outside the classroom environment.
Additionally, Caroline Chisholm School upholds strong policies such as the Mobile Phone and Uniform Policy, which are enforced clearly and fairly. We are committed to diligently following anti-bullying and anti-harassment procedures, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students.
At Caroline Chisholm School, the well-being of both staff and students is a top priority. We recognise the importance of social and emotional capabilities in driving our curriculum and reporting processes. By embedding these capabilities into our daily practices, we aim to create a supportive environment where students can develop perseverance, resilience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills alongside their academic growth. Our vision is to grow both students’ emotional and academic intelligence, helping them become well-rounded individuals. Regular reporting on both academic and social-emotional progress ensures that we are providing a holistic approach to student development, addressing their needs comprehensively while equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Student Leadership
At Caroline Chisholm School, we place a strong emphasis on student leadership, believing that a student voice is essential to shaping a positive school culture. Our School Leadership Team plays a key role in promoting student engagement and driving initiatives that benefit both the school and the wider community. Through our House System, student leaders coordinate charity and school-based fundraisers, fostering a spirit of giving and responsibility. Additionally, they assist local feeder schools with events like carnivals and programs, strengthening connections with younger students. Our leaders also collaborate with the P&C, offering valuable insights and working together to implement meaningful changes that reflect the needs and ideas of the student body. This commitment to leadership empowers students to take ownership of their school experience and make a lasting impact.