Guidance Counselling at Coláiste Pobail Setanta
Counselling, whether personal, educational, vocational or career based, is a key part of the Whole School Guidance programme, offered on an individual or group basis as part of a developmental learning process and at moments of personal crisis. In Colaiste Pobail Setanta, we offer a “listening ear” in the form of the class tutor. A matter may then be referred to the Guidance Counsellor or Year Head. We also are proactive in solving issue which may arise, through Restorative Practice.
The aim of counselling is to empower students to make decisions, solve problems, address behavioural issues, develop coping strategies and resolve difficulties they may be experiencing.
Guidance Team
The Guidance Counsellors are;
1st Year, 2nd Year, TY, and 5th Year Guidance - Ms. D Galbraith
1st Year, 3rd Year, and 6th Year Guidance - Ms. S O'Donovan
The Student Support Team meets on a weekly basis in two cohorts. Both consist of applicable Year Heads, SEN Coordinator, Management and the Guidance Counsellors.
The aim of the Student Support Team is to collate and combine the single resources which could be offered to students in need of further assistance outside of the realm of tutor/Guidance/Year Head.
The Work of the Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Counsellor is involved in guidance and counselling related activities such as:
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Planning and delivering the school Guidance Programme while using a whole school approach in conjunction with the SPHE and Wellbeing departments to realise this objective.
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Providing one-to-one personal, educational and career counselling.
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Teaching guidance classes at Junior and Senior Cycle.
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Assisting students in the transition from (a) Primary to Secondary school (b) Junior Cycle to Senior Cycle
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Organising trips to career events and colleges/universities
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Assessment using psychometric instruments and inventories, to link student’s aptitudes and interests to career options/paths.
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Vocational guidance interviews
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Promoting research and ICT skills, so that students can be self-directed in their career exploration and development (e.g. Qualifax, CareersPortal)
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Study skills
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Subject choice for the Junior Cycle
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Subject choice for the Senior Cycle
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Supporting students in choosing subject levels appropriate to their educational abilities.
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Third Level Access Programmes (e.g. HEAR and DARE)
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Third Level Outreach Programmes (Schools of Distinction)
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Organising guest speakers
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Liaising with management, Student Support Team, subject teachers, Tutors, Year Heads, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator/Learning Support, etc.
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Dealing with internal student referrals (e.g. from Tutors, Year Heads, self-referrals from students) and external student referrals to outside agencies (e.g. Tusla etc)
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Assisting in Parent Information Evenings (e.g. Junior Cycle Subject Choice, Senior Cycle Subject Choice)
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Attending Parent Teacher Meetings and Open Evenings
Making an Appointment with the Guidance Counsellor
The Guidance Department operates an open door policy. While students are welcome to request an appointment when needed, they are encouraged to talk to their assigned Tutor or Year Head first. Self referral can be made by the form linked below.
Students: Please fill in the following link if you need to speak to a Guidance Counsellor. Click here.
Teachers: Please fill in the following link if you would like to refer a student to a Guidance Counsellor. Click here.
Parents/Guardians are welcome to contact the Guidance Counsellor to discuss matters in relation to their son or daughter. To arrange an appointment please do so by calling the front office at 01-6402403.