The Guidance Officer provides support to the school and its students in the areas of educational disadvantage, behavioural concerns and supporting emotional needs. They may be involved with a range of activities including assessment, counselling, consultation, critical incidence and trauma work, individual student programming and liaison with other specialist agencies.
Guidance and counselling services focus on assisting students achieve to their potential in the most appropriate educational setting. Guidance officers identify factors that can be barriers to learning and development, and plan or assist in planning support programs that can help students achieve positive outcomes. Guidance officers may work directly with the student or with the student's teachers, support personnel, family, other specialists, or professionals from other agencies depending on the issues to be resolved and the age of the student. A range of issues may be supported by guidance officers including personal and social development, diverse learning styles and needs, and educational and career pathways.
In most cases your child's class teacher will be the person to talk to regarding any concerns that occur. Should your child require any intervention, the discussions you have with the class teacher will lead to a referral. Please note that any intervention by our Guidance Officer can only occur with parent permission and support.
The Guidance Officer follows ethical guidelines and confidentiality, while also contributing to a professional support team.
For academic concerns, it is usually best to discuss the concerns with your child’s classroom teacher, who can make a referral for support or assessment, however, parents are also welcome to contact the Guidance Officer regarding personal, social, emotional and family concerns by making an appointment through the school administration office.