ST. Mary's School Logo ST. MARY'S PRIMARY & JUNIOR SCHOOL – ONGATA RONGAI
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Welcome to St. Mary’s School
Guiding every learner toward academic success, emotional strength, and personal growth.
School G&C – ST. MARY'S RONGAI

Guidance & Counselling

Guidance Information & FAQ

Overview of Guidance & Counselling

What We Do
  • The Guidance & Counselling Department provides a supportive environment that promotes students’ academic success, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and career readiness. We offer individual counselling, group sessions, workshops, and resources designed to help students overcome challenges, build resilience, and make informed decisions.
  • Our services are confidential, student-centered, and available to all learners.
  • Provide consultation and collaboration with teachers and administrators to support student wellbeing.
  • Monitor students’ academic and emotional progress throughout the school year.
  • Offer crisis intervention and immediate support during difficult situations.
  • Facilitate support networks for students with long-term or ongoing concerns.
  • Maintain a welcoming space where students feel heard, respected, and valued.

How to Access Counselling Services

Easy Ways to Reach Us
  • Walk-in appointments: Visit the Counselling Office during school hours.
  • Teacher referral: Teachers may recommend counselling support when needed.
  • Parent referrals: Parents may request that their child meet a counsellor.
  • Emergency support: Immediate help is available for urgent emotional or safety concerns.
  • All sessions are confidential unless safety is at risk.
  • Students can also request counselling anonymously through designated drop boxes.
  • Counsellors may conduct follow-up check-ins after initial visits.
  • Outreach days are scheduled where counsellors visit classrooms for faster access.
  • Virtual counselling options are available when in-person meetings are not possible.

Academic Support Resources

Helping Students Achieve Their Best
  • We provide academic skills training and support to help students manage their workload and improve performance. Resources include:
  • Study skills and time-management workshops
  • Exam preparation and revision strategies
  • Tutoring referrals
  • Subject selection guidance
  • Learning difficulty screenings and support plans
  • Our goal is to help students become confident, independent learners.
  • Goal-setting sessions to help students create realistic academic plans.
  • Support for transition years (e.g., moving from primary to secondary, or secondary to tertiary).
  • Assistance with organization skills such as note-taking and project planning.
  • Collaboration with teachers to adapt classroom strategies when needed.
  • Monitoring academic progress and providing regular feedback to students.

Career Guidance Information

Preparing Students for Their Future
  • The Career Guidance Program helps students discover their interests, strengths, and future pathways. Services include:
  • Career assessments and personality inventories
  • Information on academic pathways and subject choices
  • University and college application support
  • Internship and work-experience guidance
  • Career fairs, seminars, and guest speakers
  • Students are empowered to explore opportunities and plan their future confidently.

Personal & Social Development

Building Responsible, Confident Individuals
  • We offer programs and workshops that help students develop strong social and emotional skills. Topics may include:
  • Self-esteem and confidence building
  • Peer relationships and communication
  • Conflict resolution and problem-solving
  • Respect and responsible decision-making
  • Coping skills and resilience training
  • These programs support students in becoming well-rounded and socially responsible.
  • Leadership development opportunities such as prefect training.
  • Workshops on digital citizenship and safe online behaviour.
  • Emotional intelligence (EQ) development sessions.
  • Anti-bullying campaigns and peer support initiatives.
  • Transition and adjustment programs for new students.

Mental Health Resources

Supporting Emotional Wellbeing
  • The school provides a safe space for mental health support and guidance. Available resources include:
  • One-on-one mental health counselling
  • Stress, anxiety, and depression support
  • Referral to external mental health professionals
  • Mindfulness and relaxation activities
  • Awareness campaigns on mental health and wellbeing
  • Students are encouraged to seek help early and prioritize their emotional health.

Parent Resources

Helping Parents Support Their Children
  • We partner with parents to ensure the overall wellbeing of students. Parent resources include:
  • Workshops on parenting, adolescence, and communication
  • Guides on academic support at home
  • Mental health awareness and early-warning signs
  • Counselling consultations for school-related concerns
  • Monthly newsletters with tips and updates
  • Parents play a vital role in the success and wellbeing of their children.

Policies & Safeguarding Information

Ensuring Safety and Ethical Practice
  • The school upholds strong safeguarding policies to protect all students. Our policies cover:
  • Child protection and safeguarding guidelines
  • Anti-bullying policies
  • Counselling confidentiality procedures
  • Code of conduct for staff and students
  • Safety reporting systems and how to report concerns
  • These policies ensure a secure, respectful, and supportive learning environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find Answers to Common Questions
  • Q: Are counselling sessions confidential?
  • Yes. Information is private unless there is a safety risk.
  • Q: Do students need an appointment?
  • Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
  • Q: Do parents have access to counselling services?
  • Yes. Parents can request guidance or schedule a consultation.
  • Q: Is there a cost for counselling?
  • No. All services provided by the school counsellors are free.
  • Q: Can students talk about academic or personal issues?
  • Yes. Counsellors support academic, emotional, social, and career-related concerns.

Our Counsellors

Ms. Thandiwe Phiri – Career & School Advisor

Provides guidance on subject selection, career pathways, university applications, scholarships, CV writing, and interview preparation.

Mr. David Chikondi – Student Wellness Counsellor

Focuses on mental health support, stress management, peer-relationship guidance, and personal development sessions.

Mrs. Angela Mwale – Senior School Counsellor

Specializes in academic planning, emotional support, career exploration, and crisis intervention. Passionate about helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom.