In 2020, the College published the Ave Charter for Education (ACE). This guiding document brings together our vision for learning, wellbeing and faith, encircled by the three pillars of belong, engage and thrive. ACE outlines our Franciscan charism, learner attributes and wellbeing skills in a user-friendly framework that invites all members of our community to build their knowledge, develop their skills and apply these to the world they live in. Whilst ‘resilience’ is one of our 6 learner attributes, and, therefore, an explicit focus for us, building resilience is also a driving force behind our wellbeing programs and academic programs. Ave Maria College has a unique Mentor program which takes a holistic approach to student wellbeing. Students belong to year-level-based
mentor groups and meet with their mentor teacher for daily check-ins and support. Every fortnight, mentor groups gather for an extended period where they participate in education programs and activities based on the Visible Wellbeing SEARCH framework, as well as age-relevant lessons on areas including respectful relationships, cyber safety and wellbeing practices. Throughout these sessions, students strengthen their
understanding of resilience and make connections to real world scenarios in which they have shown resilience in their studies and everyday life.