WELLBEING

Counselling & Psychological Services

Students may encounter times when additional support is needed. At Saint Mark’s, we recognise that emotional wellbeing is fundamental to learning, personal growth, and success beyond the classroom.

Our College Counsellor provides a calm, confidential, and caring space where students feel heard, supported, and empowered. Whether navigating friendships, managing stress, or needing someone to talk to, students are always met with respect, understanding, and compassion.

There’s no shame in asking for help. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and it’s completely normal to need support from time to time. Our community encourages students and families to view counselling as a healthy and proactive way to care for themselves and their future.

Mrs Evonne Youssef is our dedicated College Counsellor and a registered psychologist with extensive experience working with children and adolescents. She brings warmth, empathy, and a deep understanding of student wellbeing to every conversation.

Whether supporting students with daily challenges or more complex concerns, Mrs Youssef creates a respectful and trusting environment where students feel safe, supported, and valued.

Our counselling service is here to support students through challenges big and small. Whether it’s a single conversation or ongoing support, each session is guided by care, respect, and the needs of the student.

Counselling is available to all students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and is always confidential and voluntary.

Service	How It Helps
Individual Counselling	One-on-one sessions to explore emotions, relationships, or personal challenges
Small Group Support	Peer-based sessions focusing on communication, social skills, or shared concerns
Crisis & Emotional Support	Immediate care for students during distress, conflict, or critical incidents
Parent & Teacher Consultation	Guidance for families and staff in supporting student wellbeing
Referral & Coordination	Connecting families with trusted external services when extra support is needed
Restorative Conversations	Helping students resolve conflict, repair relationships, and rebuild trust

These services are designed to meet students where they are and walk alongside them with practical strategies, emotional insight, and unwavering support.

Students come to counselling for many different reasons. No matter the concern, every student is welcomed with empathy, understanding, and a safe place to talk.

Some of the most common reasons students seek support include:

Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed
Friendship and peer relationship issues
Changes at home or family separation
Grief and loss
Managing big emotions like anger or sadness
Worry about schoolwork, focus, or motivation
Building self-confidence and resilience

Sometimes, students just need someone to listen. Other times, they’re looking for strategies, clarity, or encouragement. Whatever the reason, support is always available.

Getting support is simple, respectful, and always handled with care. Referrals can be made by students, parents, or staff, and all referrals are treated confidentially.

Who Can Refer	How It Works
Students (Years 7–12)	Can speak to the Counsellor directly or request support via email
Parents (K–12)	May contact the Counsellor directly, or reach out through the Head of Primary
Teachers & Staff	Can refer students via the College’s internal referral process

Consent Notes:

Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 require parental consent for counselling to begin
Students in Years 7–12 may self-refer independently unless there is a safety concern

The referral process is designed to ensure students receive the right support at the right time, in a way that respects their privacy and dignity.

Trust is at the heart of every counselling relationship. What students share during sessions is kept confidential and treated with the utmost care and professionalism.

There are a few important exceptions to confidentiality, including situations where:

There is a risk of harm to the student or someone else
The law requires information to be shared (e.g. a court order or mandatory report)
The student provides consent to share information with parents, teachers, or other support professionals

These boundaries are explained to students before counselling begins so they know exactly what to expect and can feel safe, respected, and supported throughout the process.

All counselling records are securely stored and accessible only to the College Counsellor and the Head of College.

We care deeply about every student, not just how they’re learning, but how they’re feeling, growing, and navigating the world around them.

Counselling and psychological support are here to walk alongside students through all seasons of their journey. Whether they need a listening ear, strategies to manage big emotions, or simply a space to reflect, help is never far away.

Support is available throughout the school week. Every student is encouraged to reach out when they need it.