Gunther Marx has taken up the responsibility of Vice-Principal of Student Affairs at St Andrew's College.
Pastoral Care in education tackles important current issues such as developments in the curriculum; health, social and moral education; managing behaviour; school approaches and structures; as well as issues of care, bullying and emotional development. Tactics regarding personal and social education; spirituality and the counselling of students all fall under its umbrella. Many aspects of school life involve attending to the mental and physical welfare of pupils and to the wider network of staff, parents, the school board and beyond.
The social and emotional aspects of learning are key areas which need to be developed in pupils so they can learn effectively. They are: self-awareness; managing feelings; motivation and empathy and social skills.
Within each of these social and emotional aspects of learning there are a number of individual skills – social, emotional and behavioural skills. These include skills such as understanding another’s point of view, working in a group, or sticking at things when they get difficult. They underlie almost every aspect of school, home and community life, including effective learning, positive behaviour and getting on with other people. Pupils with good skills in these areas are more likely to be successful learners, make and sustain friendships, and resolve problems and conflicts fairly and effectively. They will be better equipped to manage their feelings, overcome difficulties and work and play cooperatively.
Whole-school issues include topics like behaviour, health and safety, special educational needs and child protection, for which no single member of the school community is solely responsible. These are some of the most important issues facing schools. When they are tackled in an integrated and inclusive manner, they can bring valuable benefits. The duties of every teacher include: promoting and safeguarding the health, welfare and safety of young people; working in partnership with parents and guidance teachers and contributing towards good order and the wider needs of the school.
For any further information or queries, please contact Günther Marx:
St Andrew's College
P O Box 182
Grahamstown
6139
Telephone: 046 6223960(h) 046 6032361(w) Cell 0837080548
Email: g.marx@sacschool.com
Günther Marx: Deputy Head Student Affairs
Missing Helen8th May 2012
"Missing Helen" will be St Andrew's College and DSG's Dance 2012 Production. Updates on the preparation and production will be posted here.
Ireland Debating Tour4th May 2012
13 College Debaters participated in the St Andrew's Ireland Model United Nations competition in Dublin.
