Tanner’s Crossing School
Guidance Counsellor
“Today’s schools are part of a global community that is constantly evolving. Keeping pace with the world is essential to fully prepare our students for the world in which they will become adults.”
Manitoba Sourcebook for School Guidance and Counselling Services
Job Description
The purpose of the school counsellor is to maximize the learning potential of all students in the school system. The Guidance Counsellor works with students, teachers, support staff, parents and community agencies in areas relating to social, emotional, behavioural and intellectual development.
A. Counselling
B. Coordination/Collaboration
C. Consultation
D. Professional Development
1. Counselling – individual, group, and class work
2. Prevention - Implement plans and programs to facilitate student success as part of a school team, part of student support team, part of an individual counselling process
3. Guidance Education – direct instruction
4. Coordination – includes, collaboration with students, educators, parents, outside agencies and professionals
Informed Consent
The Guidance Counsellor is part of the school team that works to help support your child in achieving success in school. Because Counsellors are part of the school team, parental consent is not required in order to work with a student. It would be almost impossible for parents to be informed each time there is contact with the school counsellor. The school counsellor’s first responsibility is to the student. Parents and guardians play a primary role in the lives of their children and therefore working together to maintain open lines of communication as much as possible will be practiced.
Students will be informed that I will not release any information about them unless the severity of their situation requires additional professional contact to ensure the well being of themselves and others.
Some of these situations would include:
· A student being neglected or abused – Child and Family Services must be informed
· A student is thinking of harming themselves or someone else – someone in authority must be informed
· If it is suspected that they are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs in school – the principal must be informed
· My files are subpoenaed to court
· Consultation with other professionals of how to help a client - only minimal information would be shared
· A student changes schools - pertinent information may be shared with that school’s counsellor
Ms. K. Burgess
Guidance Counsellor
Tanner’s Crossing School
204-867-2591
kburgess@rrsd.mb.ca