The well-being of all boys at St Andrew’s College is of paramount importance and a strong pastoral support system is in place so that each boy can timeously seek out the correct help when the need arises. This may include academic challenges and educational support, physical health, spiritual wellness and growth, as well as counselling or psychological assistance.
The Housemaster and House Tutor are typically the first point of contact for any emotional or academic issues that boys may be confronted with. Within their capacity, the Housemaster and Tutor will support a pupil but may refer them onwards to a member of the Wellness Team or another avenue in pursuit of the best possible resolution.
If boys would prefer to speak to someone outside of the Boarding House, the Chaplain, Academic Support Specialist, and school Psychologist are available in differing capacities.
The Wellness Team meets once a week to discuss any boys of concern and to develop an individualized plan to support and encourage boys. In addition to offering emotional support, the Wellness Team also works closely with the Housemasters, Academic Staff and Coaches to ensure that each boy is taken care of in a holistic manner.
House Tutors are on duty in the boarding house once a week during which time boys are encouraged to engage with them one-on-one. With the assistance of the House Tutor, each boy is encouraged to develop strong organisational and time-management skills, as well as to take responsibility for his own learning.
Furthermore, boys attend a Tutor Period each Thursday during which time they are able to engage with peers around any social, academic, or other related issues that are relevant to the school or the group.
Academic Support (Ms. Sue Davis – Academic Support Specialist)
When unable to resolve an academic problem or on encountering a particular learning difficulty, boys are able to access a wide variety of resources and specialised academic support.
Throughout the year, the Academic Support Specialist arranges events, programs, and additional opportunities to promote academic excellence and learning support. Learners are always encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to supplementing their academic skills and study techniques in pursuit of their own highest possible attainment.
Physical Health and Wellness (Sister Heidi Scheepers & Sister Nomvuyo Mbangi)
The physical health of boys at St Andrew’s College is monitored by two professional on-site Nursing Sisters at the school Sanatorium where confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learners can access the Sanatorium for all medical and health-related matters such as injury, illness, medication, or appointments and transport to Specialists and other professionals such as Physiotherapists or external Psychologists.
The school Doctor is available at the Sanatorium at 07h30 each weekday and a Doctor is On Call at all times.
School Chaplain (Rev. Richard Wyngaard)
The school Chaplain is the spiritual leader of the school and is available for counselling and guidance to pupils at all times.
In addition to chapel services, prayer meetings, religious education, and confirmation classes, the Chaplain plays a vital role across school staff, learners, the broader community in a pastoral and guiding role around matters of spiritual wellness, healthy relationships, and the educational ethos of the school.
Counselling and Psychological support (Mr Greg Wilmot – Counselling Psychologist).
The school Psychologist is available to all learners in the school and performs a role of short- to medium-term Psychotherapeutic and professional services as well as the referral to external Psychologists and / or Psychiatrists.
Further interventions may include acute crisis case management, the assessment of emotional or psychological distress, planning and implementing multidimensional programs for individuals and groups (e.g. House, dorm, group, or team), and policy formation and implementation.
Wellness staff are also available in the event of an acute crisis event such as a bereavement, emotional / psychological distress, ill-health, or following a major personal or family event. The onus rests on the learners to quickly and accurately report a crisis event where they or another boy may be at-risk / in danger or need adult assistance.
