Teacher Advisor (TA) Program
The wellbeing of all members of our school community matters greatly to us. At Marian College we regard every teacher as a ‘teacher of wellbeing’ and our approach to wellbeing is very much a team effort. Through Wellbeing and Pastoral Care, we encourage a sense of self-worth and willingness to take initiative and accept responsibility. We value the partnership between school, home and community. We believe it provides students with a caring, enjoyable and challenging educational environment. Pastoral care practices at Marian College are very much shaped by our Kildare Education Ministries values, Brigidine Core Values and the framework for care begins with our TA Group Mentoring.
Every student belongs to a TA Group. Their TA Teacher takes responsibility for the group (of around twenty students) made up of students from Years 7-12. TA Groups promote connection, communication and understanding; bonds are formed amongst students and the dedicated teacher, who oversees their educational and social progress, attendance, commitment to school expectations and their general wellbeing.
Each TA group meets formally in their TA room every morning and afternoon for Homeroom routine such as roll marking, prayer, daily bulletins, uniform checks, distribution of notices, exchange of absence notes and other communication to and from home. Lockers are located in or adjacent to the students’ TA rooms. In addition to this, every student will have an individual one-on-one meeting with their TA Teacher, three times per semester. This meeting looks at the student’s academic progress, personal wellbeing, goal setting and organisation. Parents receive a copy of the TA report once it has been completed.