Pastoral Care in The House

Stuartholme girls are encouraged to develop independence in their study habits, to enjoy and contribute to the community in which they live and to participate in the recreation program to ensure a healthy balance in their lives.  This is supported by the pastoral structures of The House.

The Sacred Heart Pastoral model of Boarding sees that the Deputy Principal: Mission and Boarding works closely with the two Heads of House; Nurse Manager; School Counsellor and Boarding Supervisors, to ensure that the diverse gifts that each girl brings to our Boarding family, are encouraged and celebrated.  Each house has a Head of House to monitor individual students and the staff work closely with the girls to help them manage their learning and ensure they achieve their personal best.  In addition, the school Counsellor and Deputy Principal meet with each year group regularly.  We believe that Boarding provides a unique opportunity to learn about being other focused and for each girl to therefore develop in herself qualities of respect; responsibility, cooperation and consideration.

The girls have rooms across two floors (Amiens and Grenoble) of The House each one under the responsibility of a respective Head of House.  We operate a vertical pastoral structure.  Girls in Year 8 are supported by a ‘Big Sister’ in Year 12 in their first year and new girls to other year levels enjoy the support of a buddy.

Amiens House recognises the foundation of the Sacred Heart Society in the city of Amiens France.  It was here that St Madeleine Sophie Barat, the foundress of Sacred Heart Education, established her first boarding school in 1801. Sophie Barat always referred to this house as “the cradle of the Society”.

Grenoble House is named after the city where St Philippine Duschene lived. As a young woman she joined the Visitation Sisters in the Convent of Sainte Marie d’en Haut situated on a hill overlooking the city. During the French Revolution the sisters were dispersed. Philippine later acquired the property of Sainte Marie d’en Haut and it became the second house of the Society when Philippine joined Madeleine Sophie Barat’s newly established group of sisters.

Committed and dedicated staff support the Boarding experience at Stuartholme.  Most supervisors have teaching backgrounds that are well utilised by the girls as they work with them to build their academic success.  Similarly, the active supervision of staff ensures support for the girls in their co-curricula programmes outside of school hours and in the recreational opportunities which are offered to them.

The House comes together in “The Nest”.  Affectionately named by the girls, this common room space allows the spirit of “Cor Unum” to be given lived expression.

A Boarding School Student Representative Council is made up of an elected member from each House for each Year group and is led by the Boarder Captains and Vice Captains in Year 12.