What is a Guidance Officer?
Guidance Officers are experienced, registered teachers who have completed Masters level qualifications in guidance and counselling. They also undertake specialised training in areas such as adolescent development, mental health issues, family dynamics and careers counselling.
GSHS’s Guidance Officer (also known as the GO) offers short-term counselling on personal and academic issues, and supports students and their families with careers and study information. The GO works with members of other student support services, administration and school staff to ensure that the wellbeing needs of students are met. He also maintains links with and can refer students and families to outside agencies.
The GO is available to talk with students, parents and carers on any matters concerning the wellbeing of students. Students can self-refer or may be referred by parents, carers, teachers or members of administration. The Guidance Officer will also ask the student if they would like to chat or like support and it is important that the young person’s decision is respected. Confidentiality is of utmost importance unless the young person or someone else is at risk of harm. In that case, the Guidance Officer will work with the young person to determine the most appropriate way of sharing that information with the appropriate person.
How do I arrange to see the Guidance Officer?
Appointments to see the GO can be made by speaking with the Guidance Officer during break times or by requesting one of your teachers to ask for support on your behalf. The student will also need to arrange a time that suits his/her class teacher. Parents & carers can also phone the school to arrange a time to meet with the Guidance Officer.
What can the Guidance Officer do for me?
The role of the GO is very broad and is involved in many areas of school life.
The GO can help with personal concerns such as anxiety, depression, peer relationships, self-esteem, stress management, family concerns, conflict, coping strategies, sleeping difficulties, eating difficulties, and grief and loss.
The GO can assist in exploring career options and alternative career pathways, providing current course and careers information, and preparing for post-school career management.
There are many issues for which you may wish to seek assistance (some of which are listed below). If you’re not sure if the GO can help, please enquire.
Types of services available
Career Guidance
- Career decision-making
- Subject selection changes
- Career and course information
- Career and academic goal review
- Post-school planning to support transition to adulthood Educational Assistance
- Assisting student support to conduct assessments and verification reviews
- Executive functioning, study skills and goal setting
- Links with university programs (eg experience days, early start to university)
- Scholarship advice once you have found a scholarship you would like to apply for
Short-term counselling
- Mental health issues
- Relationships and family mediation
- Managing anxiety at school
- Grief and loss counselling
- Personal problem solving
- Communication skills development
- Referral to other services for specific issues
How do I contact the GO?
• Via https://elearn.eq.edu.au - GSHS Guidance Officer
• Email guidanceofficer@goondiwindishs.eq.edu.au
• Call 07 4670 0333