Our school has three Guidance Officers who are here to engage with students and families needing support. Guidance Officer s are experienced, registered teachers who hold a Master of Education, Guidance and Counselling, enabling them to provide a wide range of high – quality support to schools.
Guidance Officers work across two year levels each:
- Year 7 & 10: Drew Ricker
- Years 8 & 11: Gary Meyrick
- Years 9 & 12: Terrey Tanzer
Students and families may meet with our Guidance Officers at arranged times. Simply ring the school number and the office staff will direct you to the relevant Guidance Officer. Students are also free to make an appointment time directly with the Guidance Officers.
Guidance Officers provide support to students and families to maximise students' educational, social and emotional wellbeing. As young people move through adolescence, they may face challenges that range from personal & relationship issues, educational concerns, and career decisions.
Guidance Officers are available for students or families about any concerns that may be occurring in the school or home setting that may be impacting on a young person's wellbeing. The aim is to assist all parties to reframe any problems so that solutions can be found.
In addition, the Guidance Officer can provide students and families with a range of resources that can assist all parties in the transition from the school setting to either other educational institutions or workplaces.
Years 7 & 10 Guidance Officer
Supporting and advocating for our incoming students as they transition from primary school to high school, and our current students as they transition from junior secondary to senior secondary schooling offering:
Confidential counselling and individual student support to students facing challenges, including mental health, behavioural, social, emotional, and educational issues.
Tailored advice and support recommendations to students, teachers, and parents/carers.
Supporting students in group settings, by facilitating programs that assist students in personal development in areas such as emotional intelligence, self-regulation, coping strategies, resilience building, leadership, and communication skills.
Works collaboratively with parents and carers, school personnel and external support agencies to ensure our students and families receive comprehensive support and referral services based on the unique needs of individuals and their circumstances.
For students in Year 10, the Senior Education and Training (SET) planning and can provide future pathway options counselling.
Year 8 & 11 Guidance Officer
Here to support our students as they transition through their junior and secondary high school years by:
Providing academic guidance for Year 8 students to assist in goal setting and support a positive environment for their well-being.
Empowering students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Navigating subject choices and addressing academic challenges
Offering support for personal issues.
Preparing Year 11 students for their crucial final year of high school and beyond, through career and pathway support.
Exploring tertiary education options, vocational pathways, or entry into the workforce.
Providing personalised guidance to help students make informed decisions about their future endeavours.
Years 9 & 12 Guidance Officer
Focussing on mental health and wellbeing by:
Assisting students to feel empowered to take control of emotional challenges and manage stressors.
Helping students to develop effective coping strategies at an individual level.
Conducting support programs which aim to build resilience and support wellbeing, via a practical and solution focus approach.
Supporting students with their post-education pathways; by exploring interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations; facilitating informed decision-making regarding their future endeavours.
Guidance on tertiary education and training options, equipping students with the necessary resources and information to pursue higher education or vocational training, aligned with individual goals.
Academic support: including strategies to enhance study skills, time management, and create a healthy and balanced school/life routine, thereby ensuring that students are well-prepared to excel in their senior years and beyond.