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Guidance Network

Adolescence is time of change, challenge and choice.

Avonside Girls' High School has a network of people who are available to students and their families, should they wish to seek some help in coping with change and in making personally appropriate choices.

The emphasis is on the student taking responsibility for her life, for her choices. Part of that responsibility is seeking advice from different sources.

There are two counsellors, Ms Chris Wilson and Mrs Hilary Parker who are attached to specific form levels. Students and families are welcome to make appointments. This is a confidential service. The counsellors are able to advise about and refer to, appropriate agencies outside the school.

There is a Dean appointed to work with each form level. A Dean is appointed each year to work with the new intake of Year 9 students and moves through each form level with them until they leave at the end of Year 13. A strong relationship grows. Again, Deans are available for interviews, or to answer any queries or worries.

Each class has a form teacher. This teacher has daily contact with the students in her/his class and is quick to pick up on any absences, behaviour changes or visible problems. It will be the form teacher who will ring home should there be no explanation for the student's absence.

Peer Support Programme

Effective guidance is not all adult to adolescent. Senior students act as excellent role models and speak the same language. For this reason all Year 9 students participate in the Peer Support Programme which is based on close interaction between Year 9 and Year 13 students. This programme helps students to settle in, to get to know one another and to learn about their new school community