Guidance is a whole-school activity embracing all subject areas and support structures. The aims of guidance are to provide for the personal, social, educational and vocational development of
students. Guidance personnel do this through educational guidance, career guidance and personal counselling. Guidance work is also done in the classroom across all subject areas by class teachers and Year Heads. Guidance to students is also provided by the Principal and Deputy Principal.
There are two trained Guidance Counsellors; Ms. Joan Cahill and Mrs. Aine Finn. They provide guidance, career guidance and personal counselling. Individual consultations may be arranged
on an appointment basis, with the trained counsellor assigned to the Year Group. The Guidance Counsellors may also “check in” with students. Students should receive an appointment slip and
show it to their subject teacher to get permission to leave class for their appointment. A Guidance Counsellor is available at the scheduled Parent/Teacher Meetings and also attends Open Night
and the Information Meetings for 1st, 3rd/4th Year parents.
Guidance Activities
The Guidance Counsellors may organise visits to College Open Days/Career Exhibitions in which a considerable number of students express an interest. They may also organise talks/study
seminars for students.
Counselling
As part of their work in supporting students, counsellors may consult with the following: subject teachers, class teachers, year heads, learning support department, Deputy Principal, Principal,
parents. They may consult doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, social care workers and other professionals.
Students often ask teachers for advice or assistance in connection with particular issues in their school and/or personal lives. Referral may be made to one of the school’s qualified guidance
counsellors. Counsellors provide a confidential service to students. However, students are informed that there may be occasions when confidentiality may need to be broken, i.e. when the
student or another person is considered to be at risk. Parents/guardians and appropriate personnel may need to be informed.