​For BCE Guidance Counsellors working in each of our schools, no two days are the same as they support our students to grow and thrive.  

This week we celebrate our Guidance Counsellors who work with students, school staff and families to break down barriers to learning and provide safe spaces for our students. 

St Michael’s Secondary College Merrimac Guidance Counsellor, Josh Laidler said that it was a privilege to walk with students, to support them to find a positive pathway. 

“While the role has become more specialist over time, what remains at its core is our focus on creating a safe environment for students to be heard and where they can access the curriculum,” Josh said. 

“Our students have an ever-increasing number of pressures, and I support them to foster positive, healthy and safe relationships, so they leave school having had a positive experience.” 

Sacred Heart Primary Booval Guidance Counsellor Rhyanna Alvarez said it was her role to be a champion for her students and their constant safe person. 

“I work with teachers and families on educational adjustments, short term interventions, small group social skills groups or whole school program implementation,” Rhyanna said. 

“In primary school we do a lot of proactive work with students around social interactions and emotional regulation, often supporting families through the process of diagnosis.” 

“I always tell my students that I have the best job in the world as it’s my job to make friend with everyone in the school,” Rhyanna said. 

Good Shepherd Catholic Primary School Springfield Lakes Guidance Counsellor, Caroline Vakaci said the personal connections forged with students and teachers are truly rewarding.  

“To see our students progress, develop a positive sense of self and a positive connection with the school can really set them up for success throughout their school years,” Caroline said.   

“As Guidance Counsellors we become an important part of the child’s world – and their family.”  

“A mum said to me recently that the work that the team had done for their child had changed their whole family for the better – and that is such a fantastic outcome for them.” 

Senior Manager – Student Diversity and Wellbeing, Dionne Lloyd said that over 200 mental health professionals work tirelessly in our schools to foster safe and supportive learning environments for all students. 

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our priority,” Dionne said.  

“We have high expectations of our students, but we provide the necessary, individualised support required to access the curriculum and achieve to their potential.”  

About BCE Guidance Counsellors 

Guidance Counsellors are employed in all BCE schools to work collaboratively with school communities to promote and foster the progress, achievement, engagement, mental health and wellbeing of all students, through the provision of a comprehensive guidance and counselling service that enables student learning and quality teaching.