Support for wellbeing, learning and future pathways
Guidance Officers are experienced education professionals who provide
specialised support to students throughout their secondary schooling.
At Ripley Valley State Secondary College, our Guidance Officers
work with students, families and College staff across areas including personal
wellbeing, learning, assessment, case management and future planning.
Students may meet with a Guidance Officer for support with a current concern,
help navigating a challenging period, assistance with their education or
guidance as they begin making decisions about life beyond school.
Students and families are encouraged to make contact early when additional
support may be helpful.
Meet our Guidance Officers
Each Guidance Officer supports particular year levels, giving students and
families a clear point of contact when guidance or additional support is needed.
How our Guidance Officers can help
|
Personal wellbeing
Counselling and support for students experiencing challenges such as
stress, anxiety, grief, family difficulties, friendships, conflict,
self esteem, communication, behaviour, trauma or other personal concerns.
|
Learning and education
Supporting students whose personal circumstances, wellbeing or learning
needs may be affecting their education, including advice around
personalised learning and educational arrangements.
|
|
Assessment and adjustments
Supporting appropriate assessment processes and providing advice
around Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments for eligible
students in the senior years.
|
Careers and future planning
Helping students clarify educational and career goals, consider
subject choices and explore tertiary, training and employment
pathways after school.
|
Case management and advocacy
Some students may require more coordinated or ongoing support.
Guidance Officers can work with students, families, College staff and
external professionals to help identify appropriate supports and educational
arrangements.
This may include:
- supporting students experiencing mental health or wellbeing difficulties that are affecting their education
- assisting with personalised learning and educational planning
- providing advice regarding Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments
- supporting flexible or part time educational arrangements where appropriate
- liaising with families, teachers, specialists and external agencies
- referring students and families to appropriate external services where additional support is required
- providing advice around alternative or flexible education options where appropriate.
Psychoeducational assessment
Guidance Officers may undertake psychoeducational assessment when appropriate
to help better understand a student's learning needs.
This may include psychometric assessment, classroom observation and consultation
with teachers, families and private specialists.
Psychometric assessment is prioritised according to student need and forms
one part of a broader process for understanding and supporting a student's learning.
INFORMATION ABOUT PSYCHOMETRIC ASSESSMENT
Planning for the future
As students progress through secondary school, Guidance Officers can help
them consider their educational and career goals and make informed decisions
about their next steps.
Support may include subject selection, career guidance, tertiary aspirations,
SET planning and preparation for tertiary application processes such as QTAC.
Guidance Officers work alongside the College's broader Pathways team to help
students understand the different education, training and employment options
available beyond school.
EXPLORE VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND PATHWAYS
Making an appointment
Guidance Officers are located in the
Student Services building and are available Monday to Friday.
Due to demand for Guidance services, appointments are recommended.
Students can make an appointment in person through the front desk at
Student Services or contact their year level Guidance Officer by email.
College phone: (07) 3819 5333
Support for families
Families are welcome to contact the relevant Guidance Officer when they
have concerns about their student's wellbeing, learning or educational
circumstances.
Guidance Officers can also help families identify appropriate external
services where a student's needs extend beyond the support available
through the College.
Additional support and resources
Students and families may also find the following services useful:
-
headspace
– mental health, wellbeing, work and study support for young people.
-
Kids Helpline
– free counselling and support for children and young people.
-
Beyond Blue
– mental health information and support.
-
Parentline
– support and information for parents and carers.
-
Family and Child Connect
– information and connection to family support services.
Need urgent support?
If there is an immediate risk to someone's safety or life,
call Triple Zero (000).
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Contact Guidance
For Guidance Officer support, students and families can contact the Guidance
Officer responsible for their year level or speak with Student Services.
Student Services
Phone: (07) 3819 5333