As part of our Special Catholic Character, Aquinas College prides itself on caring for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of our students.

The Ministry of Education has asked all schools to let parents know where to find information to support the mental health and wellbeing of their children and to let you know that the Ministry has recently updated their parents’ website with information about where parents can go to for support and advice if they are concerned about their child’s mental health.

Parents are encouraged to regularly check in with their child about how they are doing and the things going on in their lives. You will find links to organisations you can contact for help and advice if you are concerned about your child on the Ministry of Education’s website at www.parents.education.govt.nz/mental-health

If you have any concerns then the Guidance Counsellor (Mrs Gilbert) or our Director of Pastoral Care (Mrs Jeftha) are happy to be contacted at the college.

“From my experience in working with young people, one of the things they crave regarding their mental health is for their parents to be emotionally present for them, that means free from distraction” commented Mrs Gilbert.  “This is a challenge in our fast paced world but it is necessary to make the time to be present with your young person.  It doesn’t have to be an inquisition of questioning about what is going on in their lives – this is a real turn off for them.  Rather it’s sitting or walking alongside them and letting them know that you care. That means freeing yourself from calls, technology and your own matters.  John Cowan from the “parenting place” sums it up beautifully with the following:  “as a parent you don’t need to have all the answers, you just need to be there for your young person”.