Guidance Officer
Millmerran State School has a Guidance Officer visiting every Wednesday and in even weeks, Thursdays as well.
What does a Guidance Officer do?
Guidance Officers have a broad range of tasks that they do within schools such as:
- Provide confidential advice, support and guidance to students, staff and parents / caregivers.
- Assist with linking students and families in with external support agencies / providers.
- Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students and staff especially following the impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters.
- Working with teachers and school based support staff to promote activities and key messages around significant initiatives eg. Mental Health Week, RU OK day, National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, Child Protection Week, Day for Daniel.
- Working directly with students in addition to their teachers, school support personnel, family, other specialists or external support providers.
- Working with school staff and teams to develop and implement processes and plans to support students.
- Offering support through providing advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, mental health and wellbeing issues.
- Completing assessments to assist in providing more information about a students' learning strengths and difficulties which can then be used to inform the teaching and learning needs of the student. These assessments also assist in the identification and diagnoses of some disabilities.
- Providing leadership, support and case management in responding to some of the most complex and challenging of circumstances including student protection matters, Education Support Plans for children in care, critical incidents, mental health issues, and suicide prevention and postvention support.
- Being a voice for students and advocating for their needs.
Referrals and Bookings
Generally, a referral is required for a student to see the Guidance Officer for Primary School students. There is a school based referral form. Students may be referred to the Guidance Officer by their class teacher, Deputy Principal, Principal or at times through a meeting with their parent/s. Student referrals are prioritised by the Guidance Officer in consultation with the Principal and Inclusion Team.
For primary students, signed consent must be given for the Guidance Officer to engage in any work directly or indirectly with a student. The Guidance Officer will meet with parents / caregivers to complete the consent form.
For high school students, signed consent is not required and students may book in to see the Guidance Officer via contacting one of their teachers or the office staff to organise an appointment time.
Where to find the Guidance Officer
The Guidance Officer's room is located at the top of A block stairs. There is a sign outside the door with the Guidance Officer timetable and contact details.
Useful phone numbers and links for Parents and Students
Kids Helpline (24hrs): 1800 551 800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/
Lifeline (24hrs): 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/
Headspace (9am – 1 am 7 days per week) https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Parentline (8am-10pm): 1300 30 1300 https://parentline.com.au/
Bullying No Way www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Support Services for Children and Families.pdf
Managing Your Mental Health Online.pdf