Guidance Officers are wellbeing professionals with unique expertise to work in schools and help all students in the areas of academic achievement, social, personal and career development.
Our Guidance Officer, Lisa Henderson is available
on Monday and Tuesday for appointments. This service is located in the Administration building, and appointments can be made at Student Reception or via email ().
What is the Guidance Officer Service?
The Guidance Officer provides a confidential service for personal counselling, case management, psychoeducational assessment, career guidance and support programs. This support focuses mainly on students; however, the Guidance Officer is able to advise families and staff on accessing external services.
Some examples of support on offer includes:
Personal Counselling
- Issues could include but are not limited to: Emotional problems; family conflict; grief; stress management; self-concept / self-esteem; depression; anxiety; discrimination /harassment; conflict resolution and mediation; behaviour modification and anger management; abuse and trauma; and improving communication.
Case Management and Advocacy
- Assisting with identification of Gifted and Talented students
- Writing Personalised Learning Plans for students experiencing mental health difficulties which could potentially impact on their education
- Assistance and advice around Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments in Year 10 and beyond
- Supporting students through part time educational programs/ flexible arrangements.
- Referral of students to external agencies if necessary. Examples include headspace, CYMHS (for acute mental health cases only); and Family and Child Connect referrals
- Referrals for alternate schools
- Advice around distance education under the medical category.
Psychoeducational Assessment
- Psychometric assessments (testing is prioritised on level of need)
- Liaising with private specialists
- Conducting classroom observations
Career Guidance & Counselling
- Helping students to identify / clarify personal, educational and career goals.
- Supporting students in subject selection; employment/ tertiary aspirations; JET plan & SET plan interviews and QTAC preparation.
- Planning school wide careers education programs
Enrichment Programs and Schoolwide Wellbeing
- Planning and facilitating whole school wellbeing events (Wellbeing Expo)
- Planning and running enrichment programs (RAGE -Renegotiating Anger and Guilty Emotions)
- Liaising with external support/program providers (Fusion Youth- Lunchtimes with a Difference)
Lisa Henderson