An environment where every student can thrive
The Dio counselling team consists of three full-time counsellors, Clare Norton, Fiona Pritchard and Alison Chuang. Offering face to face sessions for students and staff as part of the school’s pastoral care network, they are all from teaching backgrounds, have Master’s degrees in Counselling and hold full registration with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors.
From mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression to navigating friendships, managing grief, and handling workload pressures, our team is equipped to offer guidance, strategies, and emotional support. Understanding that each student’s situation is unique, the counsellors tailor support to fit individual needs. Some students may require brief check-ins to manage stress, while others may engage in ongoing sessions to develop coping mechanisms for more complex challenges.
The team work closely with Year Group Deans, teachers, parents and others in the school community to assist students in dealing with a variety of personal or social issues that may impact their overall wellbeing and academic performance. By working together, we create an inclusive and supportive school environment where every student can thrive.
Empowering Students for Life
At the heart of our counselling philosophy is a person centred, strengths-based approach. We aim to equip students with the tools they need to manage their own lives effectively, fostering resilience, independence, and emotional intelligence. Whether it’s developing healthy coping strategies, improving social skills, or finding balance in a demanding schedule, our counselling team is committed to guiding students toward a future of health and happiness.
A Safe Space for Reflection and Growth
One of the standout features of our counselling services at Dio is the dedicated counselling suite. This space includes a Quiet Room—a unique and invaluable space for students who need a moment of respite during the busy school day. Whether a student requires a place to self-soothe, reflect, or simply take a break, this room provides a peaceful sanctuary within the school. One student aptly described the Quiet Room as the place to come for ‘healing feelings’.
Lending a paw
Lending a paw and a listening ear is the newest member of the team, Miles, our beloved pet therapy dog. Miles is a friendly three-year-old Golden Retriever who visits the school at least once a week and is based in the Counselling Suite for most of the day. Miles is a real drawcard for students who may not be aware of the counselling services we offer here at Dio, from the Foundation class through to Year 13.
Removing the barriers
Our counsellors actively engage with the school community through assemblies and classroom discussions, ensuring that students understand the value of seeking help. Students mostly self-refer to the counselling service, while parents, teachers, and even friends may also suggest or encourage students to seek support. The service is entirely free and accessible to all students, reinforcing the message that taking care of your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health.
Expertise and Collaboration
In alignment with the Ministry of Education’s Te Pakiaka Tangata: Strengthening Student Wellbeing for Success guidelines, our counselling team plays a vital role in Dio’s pastoral care framework. A unique strength of Dio’s counselling team is that all our counsellors had a background in teaching before pursuing their master’s degrees in counselling. This dual expertise enables them to understand the pressures of academic life firsthand and provide more holistic support to students. While everyone in the school has a role in supporting student wellbeing, the counsellors provide specialised expertise to ensure that each student receives the care they need.
Supporting students to reach their full potential
Our counselling services play an essential role in maintaining a supportive, nurturing school environment where students feel empowered to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Through our dedicated counselling team, our Quiet Room, and even the comforting presence of Miles, we are proud to provide a space where students can seek guidance, find solace, and build the resilience needed for a fulfilling life.
