Guidance Counselling for Senior Division

The Counselling Team at Burnside High School comprises five full-time Counsellors with Masters Degree qualifications in counselling, assisted and supported by four Counselling Interns on placement working towards a Master of Counselling degree.

The New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) describes counselling as 'the process of helping and supporting a person to resolve personal, social, or psychological challenges and difficulties.' They say that 'a professional and well-trained Counsellor helps clients to see things more clearly, possibly from a different view-point, and supports clients to focus on feelings, experiences or behaviour that will facilitate positive change.

Students in Senior Division most usually see Ms Barker for counselling. This year he is supported by Ms Gillespie and Miss Pitcher. However, some continue to work with Counsellors they have seen whilst in Junior Divisions.

Students are able to make appointments with Counsellors by email or by filling out an appointment request form online (see below). In counselling, students have a legal right to confidentiality, unless what is shared concerns imminent risk to the student's or another person's safety, and students are made aware of this as part of the counselling process.

Whanaungatanga is an important value in the Burnside High School community. If a parent, caregiver or student has any concerns about the well-being of a student, please contact a Dean or Counsellor.