School Counselling

Counsellors in Secondary Schools address issues affecting the educational outcomes, social and emotional well-being of students.  This can occur through:

• Psycho-Social Assessment;
• Consultancy with Teachers;
• Liaison with Parents;
• Student Counselling where intervention is focused upon assisting students to develop thinking and skills to resolve problems in learning, personal and/or social contexts; 
• Assistance to the Deputy Principal, Pastoral Leaders and Teachers to develop pastoral programs that enhance the social, emotional and personal skills of students.

The Assumption College Counsellor is available to students and parents who are experiencing difficulties managing stress, friendship issues, grief and loss, family, personal or mental health issues.

Students, Parents and College staff may make referrals to the Assumption College Counsellor and meetings are via appointment or in crises, as the need arises.  The Counsellor can work directly with students and parents or suggest referral to external agencies should more intensive or longer-term care be required.

Families may also wish to consult with their GP about any concerns they have for their young person if this is more appropriate for their family.  There are also support services available in the wider community and a good starting point is

Headspace:         https://headspace.org.au            Ph: 4661 1999

ReachOut:           https://au.reachout.com

BeyondBlue:        https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Mrs Jenny Gillespie is one of Assumption College’s School Counsellors.  Jenny is an experienced Social Worker having worked in metropolitan, rural and regional Hospital, Community Mental Health, Disability and Child Protection contexts for over 20 years.

Jenny also works closely with Assumption College's Learning Support Teacher to support students with developmental difficulties and can, in consultation with the Learning Support Teacher et al, assist arrangements for cognitive testing if this is recommended.

Contact Jenny or Brett via our College’s office or email during school terms.  Jenny is available Monday-Wednesday each week. Brett is available Thursday - Friday each week. 

Jenny.Gillespie@twb.catholic.edu.au

Brett.Armstrong@twb.catholic.edu.au

N.B School Counselling is a confidential service, however in matters of safety, communication with others including the School Principal, College Pastoral staff, the Police and or the Department of Child Safety can be mandatory.

If any student or family member requires after hours or school holiday CRISIS support please contact the following:

Lifeline:  13 11 14

Kids Help Line:   1800 55 1800

Parent Line:   1300 301 300

Warwick Hospital:   4660 3900

Emergency:   000