The school counselling service will be entering its fourth year.

My aim is to offer additional support to pupils who may benefit from the opportunity to work with a professional counsellor. I have enjoyed working with over 130 girls this year across all year groups. I have worked with a wide range of issues including relationships, bereavement, depression, bullying, sexuality, stress, self harm, addictions, abuse, illness and family issues.

I also help pupils make referrals to other organisations, when they need more specialist help or further support when they leave school.

There is a pupil drop-in on Mondays and Wednesdays at break time in my room.

Thank you to all pupils who took time to complete my questionnaire. I was hoping to find out what groups you would find useful for this year.

Some of the comments from pupils were also encouraging:

"It helped me to talk to my dad again"

"It helped me because when I was getting bullied it was sorted out and now I can stand up for myself."

"It helped me express my feelings and get things off my chest"

"It helped me gain more confidence and helped me get on better with my friends."

Last year I ran two friendship/social skills groups for Year 9 pupils as relationships and conflict seemed to be a recurring theme in my work.

This year I am giving an input into citizenship by speaking to Year 9 pupils on anger management and Year 10 pupils on stress. I look forward to getting to know some more new faces.

In my role as Head of Child Protection I have responsibility for the care, welfare and safety of all pupils and I work towards promoting a climate of mutual respect in the school.

My thanks to all the staff and parents who have given me support over the
year. Keep up your excellent work!