Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

We understand that student wellbeing underpins everything that a student can achieve. A boy that is understood, nurtured and supported to overcome challenges has the best chance of fulfilling his academic potential. Rostrevor's emphasis is to ensure every boy finds his place and feels safe and supported so he can learn and grow with confidence. 

Students with well-developed social and emotional skills find it easier to manage themselves, relate to others, develop resilience and a sense of self-worth, resolve conflict, engage in teamwork and feel positive about themselves and the world around them.  

A Rostrevor boy has a team of people looking out for him and standing by him, which starts from the top and is reinforced by many layers of teachers, student leaders and professional support workers. 

The College employs four dedicated Directors of Student Wellbeing, each with a specific focus: Junior, Middle, Senior Years and First Nations students. This approach ensures no student falls through the cracks and acknowledges that boys face varying challenges as they progress through their schooling journey. 

Rostrevor employs dedicated counsellors Mason Somerville and Rebecca Schulz who provide one-on-one support where it is needed. They are available to assist students with: 

• peer relationships 
• family difficulties 
• grief and loss 
• stress/study management 
• mental health 
• resilience and emotional regulation. 

Our counsellors may be contacted by parents, caregivers or students when a student needs extra support.

Our Pastoral Care (PC) system brings boys together in small groups from Years 7-12 on a weekly basis. This vertical support system encourages older students to befriend, mentor and care for younger students in their House. 

A student's PC teacher is, in most cases, with them for their entire secondary school journey providing a consistent, caring presence. The personal wellbeing of each boy is a PC teacher's highest priority. At Rostrevor, this House structure not only provides a support network and sense of belonging, also but promotes a strong sense of camaraderie which remains with students for life. 

Weekly pastoral care lessons in horizontal House groups also provide a platform for students to participate in age-appropriate wellbeing workshops designed to set them up for success in today’s world. These workshops cover topics such as positive psychology, healthy relationships, managing emotions, social media use and substance use amongst others.  

Every student from Reception to Year 12 is placed in one of six Houses: Barron, Egan, Gurr, Murphy, O'Brien and Webb. Each has a Head of House from the academic staff and a student House Captain and Vice-Captain from each year level in Years 6-12. 

Every week, Middle and Senior students congregate in House groups in the Kelty Theatre or the Rostrevor Chapel where they discuss topics of importance to teenage boys, which can range from mental health and the impacts of social media through to safe driving, study tips and personal motivation and organisation. These House gatherings also focus on social justice and fundraising initiatives in support of those in the community facing adversity. 

Our student leaders play a significant role in the wellbeing of their peers. Being a Man for Others begins with being a friend and role model to your Rostrevor peers. Students in Years 6 to 12 are invited to apply to leadership positions that they identify with, such as House Captain, Portfolio Captain, Boarding Captain or Prefect. These students work with staff to facilitate events, programs and initiatives across all areas of College life to enhance the experience of Rostrevor’s learners and act as a voice to their peers.