Care & Wellbeing

At Freshwater, we take a holistic approach to building resilience and promoting positive social, spiritual and emotional health. Our Virtues (Compassion, Courage, Humility, Honour, Integrity, and Wisdom) underpin our approach to wellbeing across the College. Both explicitly and implicitly taught from Kindy through to Year 12, our virtues guide, motivate and encourage our students to develop their character along with their academic excellence.

Wellbeing Team

Our experienced wellbeing team takes the time to plan, implement, and support our students with their social, emotional, and spiritual growth and development.

The Freshwater Wellbeing Team includes our Principal, Heads of School and Pastoral Teachers along with:

Mr David Anderson

Wellbeing Officer

Mr Caleb DeVries

Deputy Head of Secondary Wellbeing

Mr Hammill Aaron

Deputy Head of Primary Wellbeing

Ms Carla Pappas

College Chaplain

Our students are encouraged to develop an awareness of the needs of others and are taught to show love and compassion for their fellow students, following the ‘Golden Rule’ to ‘treat others as you would like to be treated yourself’ (Matthew 7:12).

The College implements a range of age and context-specific initiatives and programs. In Kindy and Primary School, we focus on high expectations and developing emotional resilience through the ‘My Life Rulz’ program.

In Secondary, through their Equip classes, students are taught a range of positive mental, social, and emotional health practices to support them in applying the College Virtues.

Students learn study techniques, explore career options, practise cyber safety, understand personal finance basics, and gain insights into safe driving, relationships, and drug awareness.

This subject empowers students with practical knowledge and skills to navigate real-world challenges confidently.

Looking ahead, the Secondary School will begin implementing a new evidence-based program, customised for Freshwater, that will be a first for the state of Queensland. Stay tuned for updates in 2025.

For further information or to request support for a current student please email pastoral.care@fcc.qld.edu.au

Positive Behaviour Management

At FCC our behaviour management approach is rooted in our mission to develop citizens who are image bearers of Christ. We develop this culture in our students through a relational and restorative approach to child and adolescent development. We strongly promote proactive teaching of our College virtues and key character strengths. We implement three tiers of support in line with a student’s level of adjustment.

To find out more about our policy, please click here.

Celebrating Positive Achievements

Celebrating positive achievements is a characteristic of our wellbeing philosophy at Freshwater. This can take many forms, from end-of-year awards to personal emails to parents. Students are given many opportunities to set goals and work towards achieving them in an academic, social and sporting context.

Student Leadership Opportunities

As a College, developing personal and social growth is further extended through our student leadership pathways. Students are encouraged to apply for leadership roles in both primary and secondary school. Our student leaders are democratically elected and support the College in sporting activities, fundraising, formal events, and improving transitions across the school.

Mentoring and Buddies

Promoting connection and belonging is an important strategy in our wellbeing program. Mentoring and Buddy Programs occur both formally and informally across the College. Inclusive of Kindy, our Buddies Program introduces a platform for our younger students to build positive relationships with older students in the school.

Continue the Journey

Discover Freshwater Christian College

Learn more about out College and the opportunities we offer.

Discover FCC

Learn more about out College.