BCE Guidance Counsellors providing connection and care for our students

Guidance Counsellors play a vital role in supporting student wellbeing across Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools, helping children and young people feel safe, heard and supported so they can fully engage in learning.

Employed in every BCE school, Guidance Counsellors work alongside students, families and staff to promote mental health, wellbeing and positive learning outcomes through a comprehensive counselling and support service.

For Kate Mason, a Guidance Counsellor working across St Rita’s Primary School Victoria Point and St Luke’s Primary School Capalaba, the role is grounded in connection and care, particularly in the primary school years.

“At its heart, my role is about being a steady, safe point of connection in the school community,” Kate said.

“For students, I’m someone who listens without judgement, helps them understand their big feelings, and supports them to build the skills they need to cope, grow and engage more confidently at school.”

Kate works closely with teachers and families, offering another perspective and helping staff navigate complex situations.

“School is about so much more than academics,” she said.

“It’s where students learn how to manage emotions, build relationships and develop a sense of belonging. Because we know our students and communities well, we can respond early, work preventatively and offer support that is both professional and personal.”

“Seeing a child feel safer, more confident or more understood is incredibly meaningful, and knowing I can help make school a place of safety and hope is a real privilege,” she said.

In a secondary school setting, the role of the Guidance Counsellor continues to be just as critical, as students navigate increasingly complex social, emotional and personal challenges.

St Francis College Crestmead Guidance Counsellor, Lisa Gabai supports students through short and long term counselling, while also connecting families with external services when needed.

“A lot of what affects a young person’s learning isn’t always visible in the classroom,” Lisa said.

“From Prep through to Year 12, students may be carrying challenges that make it harder for them to engage, and they often need extra support to be able to learn.”

“For parents, it helps to have someone within the school whose sole focus is mental health and wellbeing,” she said.

“That includes understanding disability, NDIS pathways, and connecting families with local services, which all plays a part in supporting students at school.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of Lisa’s role is building trust with students over time, often through informal spaces such as lunchtime wellbeing programs.

“Our students self-refer, they decide how much they want to share, and that sense of agency is incredibly important.”

Across all BCE schools, Guidance Counsellors bridge the gap between learning, wellbeing and care. By supporting students, guiding staff and partnering with families, they help ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.