Guidance Department

The Guidance Department of Aquinas College has Mrs Catherine Schuler Stewart as Counsellor; she is experienced and well qualified in supporting and providing counselling for students. Counselling is about being in a respectful and trusting relationship where students feel safe and they are listened to and assisted in various ways.Individuals can access the counsellor for both personal and school related issues, and can make an appointment at any time. Parents and caregivers are welcome to contact the counsellor for guidance relating to any concerns or problems they encounter with their sons or daughters.

We strive to identify and remove the emotional and the physical issues that create barriers to students' learning and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Our aim is also to assist students to increase understanding of themselves and their relationship with others, to explore and develop healthier and more resourceful ways of living, to build and maintain purposeful relationships and to bring about the changes they seek. We endeavour to cater for the varied cultural backgrounds and needs of all students. We assist and guide students through the challenging adolescent years, and empower them in working towards their goals. The school counsellor refers to and interfaces with the appropriate agencies in the community that can benefit the well being or Hauora of the student, always in the interest of the student. Self-referral is very common, although anyone can refer.

This is a confidential service and is available to students, parents of students, and members of staff. Confidentiality is upheld and will only be broken if there is a safety risk for the student or if the student poses a risk for others. In the presence of an imminent threat to the life or health of the student, the confidentiality ceases (Privacy Act, 1993).