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, and in addition the support of our school counsellor, additional resourcing is provided for wellbeing initiatives overseen by the Wellbeing Coordinator. The Wellbeing Coordinator is supported by staff on the Wellbeing and Behaviour Team, Leading Counsellors as well as K-12 System Counsellors in the implementation of these wellbeing initiatives.
Delany College is committed to providing a learning environment where students can thrive, feel safe and supported, and are nurtured to grow, belong and be confident.
Delany 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 Behaviours for Leading and Learning (PB4LL)
The PB4LL program sets out clear expectations for students and staff in relation to behaviours that support the learning and dignity of every individual.
Students work through the college's expectations and set realistic goals for themselves in the following areas:
- Respect: for themselves, their community and their environment
- Responsibility: to create success
- Resilience: that supports growth.
Parents are encouraged to work with their children as part of the program and assist them in achieving their goals and meeting the expectations of the community. Merits are allocated as part of the Award system based on achieving these goals.
House system
The College operates a vertical house system for pastoral care with a House Coordinator leading the wellbeing program for students and staff in their house.
The House Coordinator plays a significant role in working with families to provide support as students learn and grow and adapt to the challenges of adolescence throughout their secondary school journey. The house system provides mentoring and leadership opportunities for senior students and helps strengthen student relationships. Students participate in houses for sport and other activities.
When a student commences at the College they are allocated to one of four houses: Campion, Chisholm, MacKillop or Tierney.
Student leadership and service program
Throughout their journey at Delany students participate in an Awards program that brings together aspects of their personal development and service to the community.
The Awards program has three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) and is underpinned by a merit system where students earn merits for a range of achievements including positive behaviour, effort, leadership and community service.
Students also have the opportunity to receive a Principal’s Letter of Commendation in recognition of outstanding achievement and service.
Leadership roles
The Awards program culminates with students in Year 12 taking up leadership roles. While every student in Year 12 is considered a leader of the college student community, each year students that have successfully completed the awards program can stand in the election for a formal leadership position:
- College Captains (2 Student Leaders)
- House Captains (1 leader for each House)
- Formation Leaders (4 leaders that work across all Houses to support spiritual formation and service programs).
Wellbeing centre and counselling support
Located at the Grimwood Street entrance to the college is the Delany Wellbeing Centre.
This houses Student Reception, House Coordinators and the College Counsellor. This centre brings together important services for students and families to access as they navigate their secondary school journey.
Delany College Counsellors are available to students five days a week. The counsellors play a key role in supporting student wellbeing at the college.
When it comes to meeting student needs we implement world's best practice
We have partnered with Berry Street Education to provide teachers and students with strategies to address needs for healing, growth and achievement. The Berry Street Education model provides a framework for our staff to assist students develop the capacities they need to be ‘ready to learn’. This model focuses on five domains to best meet the needs of students, nurture their wellbeing and willingness to engage in learning: body, relationship, stamina, engagement, and character.
This work is integrated into every lesson, every day, and also forms a specific component of the 'My Delany Journey' program for students in Years 7 to 10.
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 participate, and where the adult community works together with them towards making this happen.
Building child safe communities
We care about every student!
Contact Delany today to find out how we can help your child.