Guidance

Guidance and Counselling is at the heart of our pastoral care in St. Mary’s Diocesan School. We have two full time guidance counsellors, Ms Deering and Ms Delany who have a caring and supportive role in the school where students can obtain advice and support about a range of issues. Issues such as relationships to study skills or family difficulties to college advice and information. They are both on hand to meet with students in a confidential environment where each student is cared for and supported throughout their time in the school.

The Guidance Counsellor’s liaise with the school Principal, Deputy Principals, Year Heads, Tutors, Class Teachers and Learning Support Teachers. They also have contact with parents, psychologists, employers, colleges, counsellors and the Department of Education to ensure a comprehensive network is in place to support all students.

The role of the Guidance Counsellor falls into three areas:

1. Educational Guidance & Counselling – providing support at key moments during your time in school. The Guidance Counsellor is involved in helping with the transition from primary to secondary school and with helping with subject choices in first year and fifth year. The Guidance Counsellor also works with students on developing their study skills and future prospects.

2. Vocational Guidance & Counselling – working closely with students in 5th and 6th year regarding career and college choices.

3. Social and Personal Guidance & Counselling – the Guidance Counsellor is available to meet with students to talk about any issue that may arise in their school life. The students also have talks and workshops on stress management, making friends and mental health.