At Caboolture State High School, we are very fortunate to have three Guidance Officers who are here to engage with students and families who need support. All three Guidance Officers work across different year levels and are experienced, registered teachers who hold a Masters of Education,
Guidance and Counselling, enabling them to provide a wide range of high –
quality support to schools.
The role of the Guidance Officer is to provide support to students and families in terms of maximising students' educational, social and emotional wellbeing. As young people move through adolescence, they face a number of challenges that range from personal issues, relationship issues, educational concerns and career decisions.
The Guidance Officer is available to speak with 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 the particular problem or 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.
Guidance Officers are available to speak or meet with students and families 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.
Years 7 & 10: Andrew Iddles
As the Year 7 & 10 Guidance Officer at Caboolture State High School, Andrew supports and advocates 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.
Andrew offers confidential counselling and individual student support to students facing challenges, including mental health, behavioural, social, emotional and educational issues. He uses psychoeducational assessment to gain a better understanding of student's strengths and areas for development, and provides tailored advice and support recommendations to students, teachers and parents. Andrew also supports with Senior Education and Training (SET) planning and can provide future pathway options counselling.
Andrew also supports 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.
Andrew 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.
Years 8 & 11: Jayden Delacour
As the Year 8 & 11 Guidance Officer, Jayden is here to support our students as they transition through their junior and secondary high school years.
For our Year 8 students, Jayden provides academic guidance, assist in goal setting and support a positive environment for their well-being. In 2024, he will also be providing interventions to support students' emotional regulation through the RAGE program. Whether it's navigating subject choices, addressing academic challenges, or offering support for personal issues, Jayden's aim is to empower Year 8 students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Jayden also supports Year 11 students' preparation for their crucial final year of high school and beyond. Through career and pathway support, he assists Year 11s in shaping their future aspirations. Whether it's exploring tertiary education options, vocational pathways, or entry into the workforce, Jayden provides personalised guidance to help students make informed decisions about their future endeavours.
Years 9 & 12: Drew Ricker
As a Guidance Officer at Caboolture State High School, Drew supports both Year 9 and 12 students. Drew's foremost priority is mental health and wellbeing; assisting students to feel empowered to take control of emotional challenges, manage stressors, and develop effective coping strategies, at the individual level.
Drew is trained in multiple social/emotional support programs, of which aim to build resilience and support wellbeing, via a practical and solution focus approach.
In addition to prioritising mental health and wellbeing, Drew is instrumental in supporting students with their post-education pathways; by exploring interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations; facilitating informed decision-making regarding their future endeavours. Drew can provide 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.
Drew can also provide 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.
Student Wellbeing: Tabitha Ford
As the Guidance Officer for Student Wellbeing at Caboolture State High School, Tabitha provides case management and ongoing counselling support for students from across all year levels of the school. Students are identified and referred to Tabitha by their year level specific Guidance Officer.
In addition to her studies in Guidance and Counselling, Tabitha has completed a Masters in Mental Health specialising in Art Therapy which allows her to use these skills when working with students either individually or in targeted group programs.
She is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and takes a holistic approach to understand the needs of the students she is working with- considering their physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing when supporting them to achieve their goals.
Tabitha is also experienced in career development and pathways planning- providing support to students in their transition to work or further studies.