OUR PASTORAL CARE WORKER

Get to know our wonderful Pastoral Care Worker, Cathy Turner:

Born and bred in Adelaide, love sport (especially footy, cricket, tennis and basketball) and enjoy reading, walking, comedy shows, movies, travelling and spending time with my family. My favourite shops are Dymocks and Haigh’s Chocolates!

I am married to Andrew and a mother of three children. We love living in West Beach and being a part of the community here. I have been involved at WBPS as a parent and volunteer for the last 5 years.

For over 20 years I have worked in many ways with children and families including playgroups, Kids Clubs and various children’s programs. I have been employed as a Pastor for the last 10 years and am passionate about helping children and families to grow and thrive.

I look forward to meeting you and serving the school community in my role as your Pastoral Care Worker.

SUPPORTING STUDENT & FAMILY WELLBEING

Our wellbeing and pastoral care services play an important role in supporting both students and families across our school community.

For students accessing chaplaincy support, the most common areas of need relate to friendships and peer relationships, bullying and harassment, and support around school behaviour. Importantly, more than half of these students – 53% – benefit from ongoing pastoral support and regular connection.

Families also access chaplaincy support for a range of reasons, most commonly around family challenges, concerns for their child, and mental health and wellbeing. Of the parents and caregivers who engage with the service, 41% receive ongoing pastoral support.

These figures highlight the value of creating a safe, caring and connected environment where students and families feel supported, heard and encouraged.

Pastoral Care Workers provide pastoral and practical support to:

by listening, taking an interest in them, being involved with their daily lives, facilitating activities and seminars and being a positive role model.

by being a supporting resource, providing a listening ear, encouragement, friendship and supporting their personal wellbeing.

by being a person of contact, listening, caring, providing support in times of crisis as well as being a referral to support services.

by being a link between churches, the wider community and the school community.