Guidance & Chaplaincy
Guidance and Counseling
The Middle School Guidance Counselor is an important figure who works closely with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to create a caring and encouraging environment that fosters learning, emotional well-being, and social development. Their role is crucial in helping middle school students grow personally and socially. The guidance counselor serves as an advocate for students, promoting their overall well-being, cultivating a positive school atmosphere, and assisting them in succeeding academically, socially, and emotionally throughout their middle school journey.
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 10, 2023 Mental Health Day
October 26, 2023 Chat with the Counselors
The services provided by a middle school guidance counselor may include:
Individual Counseling: The guidance counselor meets privately with students to address their specific concerns and difficulties. They provide a safe and confidential space where students can talk about personal issues like academic challenges, social interactions, self-confidence, and emotional well-being. Through counseling, they help students develop strategies to cope with problems, enhance their problem-solving skills, and build emotional strength.
Group Counseling: The guidance counselor organizes and leads small group counseling sessions focused on specific topics such as friendship skills, anger management, study skills, or self-esteem. These group sessions give students the opportunity to learn from one another, support each other, and develop important social and emotional skills.
Conflict Resolution: The guidance counselor acts as a mediator to help students resolve conflicts and establish healthy relationships. They teach students effective communication and problem-solving techniques, encouraging them to find peaceful solutions to conflicts with peers or within the school community.
Crisis Intervention: In times of crisis or emergency situations, such as natural disasters or incidents affecting the school community, the guidance counselor provides immediate support to students, helping them cope with trauma, grief, or anxiety. They collaborate with school staff and external resources to ensure the well-being of students during challenging times.
Collaboration with Parents and Teachers: The guidance counselor works closely with parents and teachers to support the overall development of students. They offer guidance to parents on effective parenting strategies, provide resources to support their children's social and emotional growth, and facilitate open communication between parents and teachers to ensure a collaborative approach in addressing student needs.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplains work as both guidance counselors and spiritual counselors. The chaplains add a dimension of spirituality and a holistic perspective to EIS by integrating spirituality into as many aspects of campus life as possible, whether it is music, chapel programs, drama, service, personal development, or even sports as guidance counselors, they visit classrooms as guest lecturers, presenting on topics ranging from careers and personality to making friends. They also provide counseling to students who need a friend or need to talk to someone.
As spiritual mentors, they help with the preparation of chapels and staff worships, student worship services, classroom worships, Bible studies, Values classes, after-school programs, and community service. They also organize the Week of Spiritual Emphasis twice a year and the Christian Camp. It is the goal of the Chaplaincy Department to provide spiritual support in as many areas of students’ lives as possible.
Here are some key aspects of chaplaincy:
Spiritual and Emotional Support: Chaplains provide a listening ear and offer support to the school community members during challenging times, including illness, loss, grief, or other life crises. Teachers, staff and students can visit the chaplain's office during lunch break or after-school when seeking spiritual and emotional support.
Counseling and Guidance: Chaplains often offer counseling services. They may assist students in exploring their beliefs, values, and life purpose, providing guidance in making ethical decisions and finding meaning in difficult circumstances.
Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding: Chaplains play a role in promoting interfaith dialogue, understanding, and respect among students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. They foster an inclusive environment that recognizes and values different beliefs and practices.
Crisis Intervention: Chaplains are trained to provide support and intervention during crises, emergencies, or traumatic events. They offer comfort, assistance, and a presence of calm during times of distress, both for individuals directly affected and for those providing care or support.
Education and Advocacy: Chaplains often engage in educational activities, such as leading religious education classes, workshops, or discussions on spiritual topics.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Chaplains collaborate with the healthcare providers, counselors, and other staff members at school to ensure holistic care for individuals. They work as part of interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support to those in need.