'In fact, the quality and nature of the relationships you have with your students has a larger effect on their results than socio-economic status, professional development or Reading Recovery programs. It is not that these things don't matter, but rather that your relationships with students matter more.' John Hattie (2009)Our Academic Welfare Program supports students to achieve their potential. It is part of our strategic planning and embedded in the culture of the College. It is the very core of what makes JPC so special. We place high value on developing strong relationships in the classroom and throughout the College. Education at JPC is about connectedness and collaboration; about developing students who are meta-critical participants in the learning process and well-practiced at critical thinking, goal setting and reflection. Our Academic Welfare (AW) Mentors aim to build on students’ success through a research based, mapped, and sequential program where the focus is on developing the whole learner to ensure continued success. The Program pulls together many threads that weave a rich tapestry of student success over time.
At a recent Year Ten Parent Information Evening, Head of Year Ten - Lisa O’Donnell, shared some of those threads for her cohort including: goal setting; careers and pathways; transitions; leadership; how to be a successful learner; how to successfully study; stress management; self-regulation; life skills – resume/job applications/interviews; anti-bullying; self-respect; cybersafety and digital citizenship; safe celebrating; relationship building; embracing diversity and creating unity; recognising individual strengths and Christian Living. The mission of the program is to mentor students to be resilient, empathetic, engaged, connected, challenged, and supported to achieve their best. Using the College Values of Mutual Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence, we aim To Educate, To Inspire and To Make a Difference to each and every student at John Paul College.
