A Place to Belong
As part of a system of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Parramatta, our students are treated with dignity and respect. Their safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. The wellbeing and safety of all students is central to the purpose of Catholic education and we acknowledge that healthy relationships and exceptional pastoral care are core to each child’s positive experience at school.
Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta have a strong focus on pastoral care. The College Wellbeing Team (consisting of the College Wellbeing Leaders and Year/Stage-specific Wellbeing Leaders) are supported by CSPD staff on the Wellbeing and Behaviour Team, Leading Counsellors as well as K-12 System Counsellors in the implementation of wellbeing initiatives.
Santa Sophia is committed to providing a learning environment where students can thrive, feel safe and supported, and are nurtured to grow, belong and be confident.
Santa Sophia equips students with the knowledge and skills to cultivate their wellbeing through Religious Education, health, and wellbeing classes. We believe this sense of wellbeing and connectedness promotes healthy personal development in students and contributes to their academic success.
We support the social and emotional welfare of students and their families through effective strategies, recommendations, policies and procedures, guidelines and tools. Our strong focus on pastoral care includes school counsellors and wellbeing initiatives to support students.
Our school celebrates the inclusion of all students, supporting the learning needs of every individual and providing learning opportunities to build their social skills.
Our Wellbeing and Pastoral Care Initiatives
Positive Behaviour Support for Learning (PBS4L)
Wellbeing Leaders and K-12 School Counsellors
School Wellbeing Dog
Parenting Seminars/Webinars on Wellbeing Topics
Digital Weekly Wellbeing Check-Ins for Students and Fortnightly Wellbeing Class Program
Anxiety and Social Skills Groups
Meet Arlo, Our Wellbeing Dog
Wellbeing dogs in schools have been found to improve outcomes in learning and wellbeing. In 2020, Santa Sophia Catholic College purchased a groodle and following input from students, staff and families, our puppy was named Arlo.
Arlo helps improve student attendance, positive behaviour, emotional regulation and is even used as a learning stimuli.
Meet Arlo, Our Wellbeing Dog
Online Resources for Parents & Caregivers
As part of our commitment to the wellbeing of our students and their families, all parents and carers of the College have free access to the Open Parachute online library of video-based lessons that teach skills on how to support your child's wellbeing at home.
The topics available are listed below
Children's Topics
- Building Resilience
- Teaching Empathy & Accountability
- Healthy Habits with Social Media
- Teaching Your Child to Say No
Pre-Teen's Topics
- Coping with Bullying
- Supporting Your Child Through Trauma
- When Your Child Acts Out
- Building Self-Esteem
Teen's Topics
- Supporting Mental Health at Home
- Addictive Patterns
- Teaching about Boundaries & Consent
- Coping with Anxiety & Depression
Pastoral care programs at each year level are designed to help build resilience, independence and courage within each student.
Building Child Safe Communities
We are committed to providing children and young people with school environments where they are safe, informed and able to participate, and where the adult community works together with them towards making this happen.
We care about every student!
Contact Santa Sophia today to find out how we can help your child.
Our Vision
Transforming the learning of each student every day.
Our Difference
Discover what sets us apart from other schools.
How to Enrol
Let us help you get started on the enrolment process.
Contact Us
Have a question? Our friendly school staff can help.