We are excited to welcome Rebecca Dam who is joining our staff at Don Buck School and will be working every Friday in the role of School Guidance Counsellor, with the aim of supporting our children to be the exceptional selves we know they can be.

The presence of school guidance counsellors within the New Zealand education setting is becoming more common due to the importance being placed on the mental health and Haoura (overall well-being) of our young people. At Don Buck School, we want to support our staff, students, and their families as best we can and are therefore looking forward to implementing this crucial role amongst our school community.

Rebecca is fully qualified, holding a Masters of Counselling degree alongside her Bachelor of Education. She has been working with young people for the past 23 years. Rebecca is a full member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors and abides by the Code of Ethics, meaning client confidentiality is maintained unless there is an imminent risk to child safety. Client confidentiality enables students to feel comfortable sharing their story with a trusted adult knowing that the counsellor is bound by this Code.

Counselling in a school setting provides students with an opportunity to explore solutions to difficulties and concerns, and empowers them to make informed decisions. This work aims to support the best possible educational and social outcomes for all students. The guidance counsellor is pivotal in establishing and maintaining a safe and inclusive school culture that recognises and celebrates diversity. The guidance counsellor does not discipline students as this could compromise the counselling relationship. Counselling also does not replace already existing Don Buck School behaviour supports and processes.

Guidance counselling involves: providing a professional and confidential counselling service for all students; providing guidance services, programmes and activities; promoting healthy communication between families, peers and staff; student advocacy; identifying students at risk and providing appropriate support; and ensuring all services are accessible and appropriate for Maori and other ethnic groups within the school community.

Students may choose to see a counsellor for a variety of reasons including but not limited to:

• Stress management
• Anxiety issues
• Difficulties at home or school
• Managing anger
• Low self esteem
• Bullying
• Abuse
• Grief and loss
• Support for problem solving and finding resolutions

Counselling referrals for students can be made by parents and staff. Self referrals from students Y5 and above are also encouraged and are welcomed. Students are able to self refer through a staff member or by emailing Rebecca. 

If you would like for your child to be referred to Rebecca, please email her at [email protected].  If you would prefer your child to be withdrawn from any possible counselling sessions, please contact the Principal, Sandy Stirling.