Sometimes children and their families, carers and teachers need someone to talk to. The School Guidance Officer can offer support when things aren’t going as well as they could be; when there is upset or trauma; when a child has special needs or learning difficulties; or generally when something is happening in our children’s lives which may be impacting on their learning and/or preventing them being the best that they can be. This is generally done as one-to-one counselling or sometimes as part of a group process.

Before the Guidance Officer works with a student who has been referred, written permission is obtained from parents/carers to do so. Confidentiality is important and maintained between the Guidance Officer and student, except when someone (student or other) is in danger. This is explained to students at the first session, while also encouraging them to talk to someone at home or in their community that they trust.

If you have any concerns regarding your child, please talk with your child’s class teacher first. After consideration, the teacher, Principal or Deputy Principal may suggest that a referral needs to be made to the Guidance Officer, either directly if urgent or through the Child Needs Committee.