Guidance Officer
Name: Wendy Drysdale
Telephone: 4081 5206
email: wdrys1@eq.edu.au
Guidance Officers are experienced teachers who have completed postgraduate qualifications in guidance and counselling. They also undergo training in other areas such as family therapy, grief counselling, mental health issues and career development. Each high school has at least one Guidance Officer who works within the school.
The Guidance Officer works in a team with members of other student support services. They also work closely with administration and staff to ensure that the welfare needs of students are met.
Guidance Officers provide a direct service to both individuals and groups of students. Students may self refer or be referred by parents, teachers or members of the school administration. Guidance Officers provide counselling and advice on personal issues, resources and advice on careers and courses, personal development and mental health issues. They are also involved in behaviour management and give advice to parents.
Although a member of the school staff, they are able to extend beyond the teacher role and handle sensitive situations in a confidential manner. The also maintain links with and can refer to outside agencies.
Areas of Operation
The role of a Guidance Office is very broad and they are involved in many areas. Some of the common ones are:
Personal counselling
Assisting with behaviour management
Study skills development
Ascertainment of student with special needs
Career counselling and advice
Course information
Career programs
Overseeing tertiary applications through QTAC
Information on jobs and how to get them, interviews, resumes etc.
Accessing Services
Students may make appointments directly with the Guidance Officer at her office in the Administration building or through the office staff. Parents may telephone to either make an appointment or to speak to the Guidance Officer on the telephone. If she is not available, a message can be left at the office.
These are useful website for Careers and University information:
Other useful websites are:
