Support Services

 

This program involves Year 10 students supporting younger children at the College. SCOPE leaders may work with individual students or with small groups, from McMillan House or in the 5/6 classes. The program is based on the powerful effect that young people can have through their relationships. It aims to promote a helping culture at St. Leonard’s College and to provide positive role models to younger children. In addition, SCOPE leaders may offer genuine support to those who are experiencing difficulties and promotes the connections between different year levels. The SCOPE program is facilitated by the College counselling staff. 

 

This program connects year 11 students with year 7 classes. Peer Support Leaders assist year 11 students make a successful transition into secondary school and provide important positive role models and connections. The Peer Support program includes sessions on friendships, decision-making and cyber issues, and many other topics relevant to young adolescents. The Peer Support Leaders participate in a training program and attend regular meetings with the Peer Support Coordinator throughout the year to support them in their role. 

 

Parenting is a complex and at times challenging role, with many joys along the way. Each year a number of evenings are held to educate and support parents in their role. Together with the Parents Association, the College offers a range of presentations, responding to current issues for parents and young people. Parent seminars utilize both the expertise of College staff as well as other professional speakers and are one example of the partnership between school and home for the benefit of our young people. 

 

Mentoring occurs on many levels across the College. Younger students are connected to older ones both formally and informally, student leaders mentor their younger peers, while the Upper School tute group structure provides a range of mentors for all students in the Upper School. Academic mentors are at times allocated to foster the talent of highly able students in specific areas as an adjunct to the Talent Development program. 

 

An important part of the promotion of wellbeing is the range of personal development programs and special initiatives implemented in accordance with the developmental stage and needs of students. This includes health and wellbeing days in years 9 and 11, social skills groups at McMillan House and Middle School, cyber education, positive psychology activities, motivational speakers and many other initiatives. The pastoral and counselling teams at the College constantly review these programs so that they retain their relevance and promote the overall wellbeing of students at St Leonard’s College. 

 

St Leonard’s College is a school of the Uniting Church in Australia and as such, adheres to the ethos of the Uniting Church.  Religious Education is offered to all student from ELC to year 9.

 

Worship services (chapel) are held regularly for different year levels or groups.