A significant amount of research into the mental health of adolescents has reported 'a sense of belonging and acceptance' as the key factor in determining a young person's emotional wellbeing. To feel that sense of belonging in a school community is a crucial factor in providing a starting point for the development of high self-esteem and associated emotional resilience, which then assists young people to cope with stressful life events.

Aranmore has a culture of fostering an environment of acceptance and care. The staff not only work hard to assist all students to achieve their level of academic excellence, they look beyond the classroom setting with the vision of creating an environment in which all young people can thrive. This means addressing needs other than just academic, to acknowledge the emotional, social, physical and mental health and spiritual aspects of our students' lives. Through a variety of teaching methods, programs, year level and after school activities, the staff aim to engage all students as much as possible.

The specific role of the School Social Worker is to support this pastoral care structure to assist students who are experiencing any personal, family or life circumstances that are affecting their ability to achieve their full potential.