College Information

Emmaus College is a co-educational Catholic College in the provincial city of Rockhampton. The aim of education at Emmaus is to provide and develop a community of learners, believers and caring individuals, so that each student experiences a sense of belonging to a purposive Christian Community. The Emmaus College ideal is to educate each student to his potential in all areas: spiritual, academic, sporting and cultural. Emmaus College is located on two sites, conveniently located only a couple of hundred metres apart allowing for the specific and different needs of Junior and Senior students.

College Motto
'Light My Way'
Emmaus' motto draws inspiration from the theme of journey that is woven into the fabric of our College's life. Christ's role as "light of the world" and the capacity of learning to enlighten our lives are called upon to illuminate the journey.

Emmaus Day
On a selected day after Easter each year, the College takes time to celebrate community and reflect on the values found in the Emmaus story. This day usually involves concerts and extra-curricular activities followed by an evening prayer.

College Board
The Board's function is to involve parents in the making of policies which will guide the Principal and staff in the everyday running of the college. The Board meets the third Thursday of every month at 7.30pm in the Meeting Room at Yaamba Road Campus.

Members of the Board go through pre-service and in-service training to assist them in collaborative decision-making and to develop their understanding and appreciation of Gospel values, which form the basis of the policies they develop.

Each member has a term of two years, which may be repeated once only if re-elected. Members are mainly drawn from among parents, with one member from staff and one from the Administration Team. The principal is an ex-officio member and the executive officer.

Parents Group
The purpose of this group is to provide an opportunity for parents to meet in a relaxed friendly atmosphere, to support each other in the sometimes difficult task of raising adolescents, and to discuss with the Principal the needs of students, new ideas for the college and topical events.

Care for Students
Pastoral care permeates the total climate of relationships within the College community and is expressed through -

• the development of quality relationships,
• the provision of satisfying learning experiences,
• the establishment of an effective care network.

A particular aspect of Pastoral Care at Emmaus College is the promotion of a climate within the college which actively discourages harassment.

Pastoral Care is -

• the concern the school has for the development of the person to full potential;
• to their roles and responsibilities.
• aimed at acknowledging and responding to all students.
• in harmony with clear, consistent and just disciplinary practices.

Structure for Care within the School

Tutorial Groups:
Students are allocated a tutorial group when they enter the College. A teacher is assigned to each group and shares with the group the personal welfare of each group member. The main aim of the tutorial system is to give students stability and a sense of belonging to a group.

The Tutorial Teacher:

• has the responsibility of getting to know the students in his/her group
• meets daily with the group for roll call and to give organisational information
• monitors the students progress, helps with any minor concerns or worries the student may
  have and assists the student with study
• is a contact person between home and school

Year Co-ordinator:
The Year Level Co-ordinator has pastoral responsibility for all students in that year level. This is done in co-operation with the tutorial teacher, classroom teacher and parents.

College Counsellor:
A qualified school counsellor is available to students during school hours. This service is also available outside school hours for all members of the Emmaus family, students, parents and staff.

Careers Counsellor:
A service offered to all Emmaus students is that of careers advice and counselling. All Year 12 students have a set half-hour interview with the Careers counsellor during the earlier part of the year to discuss strengths and weaknesses, areas of possible career interest, course requirements and selection procedures. Year 11 students can arrange interviews at any time to discuss career clusters and subjects needed for courses.

Advice is available to year 8 - 10 students in respect to subject choice, course requirements, job interviews etc.

Parents are encouraged to consult with the counsellor at any time by making an appointment through the College office.

Campus Ministers:
The Campus Ministers, one on each site, concern themselves with the religious environment of the college and the pastoral care of students. They are available to the students for counselling and are involved in organising the sacramental and liturgical life of the college. The Campus Minister on Yaamba Road site provides a link between the school counsellor, the students and home.

Discipline
Discipline at Emmaus reflects a belief that, made in the image of God, each person possesses inherent and sacred dignity, both as an individual and as a member of a group.

Discipline is an essential part of development as individuals strive to reach their full potential both in their own lives and as part of a community. Discipline at Emmaus college challenges all individuals to be responsible for their actions and attitudes to the community.