Guidance

 
 
 
 

Guidance Counsellors

John Toomey and Bridget Cody are our two Guidance Counsellors here at Goatstown Educate Together Secondary School.

The role of the Guidance Team

The role of the Guidance Team in the school is to support student decision-making in the areas of:

  • Personal and social guidance

  • Educational guidance

  • Career guidance

The Guidance Team work within a continuum of support model (NEPS, 2010) and are part of a whole-school approach to supporting Wellbeing in schools (NEPS, 2013). They are key members of the Student Support Team (SST) and through their involvement in the SST they provide for the educational, social, emotional, behavioural and learning needs of students. They also contribute and collaborate with the ASN Team and may co-ordinate and support numerous other teams or initiatives in the school, as appropriate to the needs of the school community.

Referral of students to Guidance Counsellors

Referral of students for one-to-one Guidance comes mainly through Year Coordinators, who may refer students to the Student Support Team.

Students can also request one-to-one guidance themselves by either emailing John or Bridget or approaching them in-person.

Parents who feel their child may benefit from the support of the Guidance Counsellor should:

  • send a brief email to John and Bridget

  • copying-in the relevant Year Coordinator

  • and request a phone call from the Guidance Team

One of the Guidance Team will then be in contact to discuss the details of the referral. This approach is intended to protect the privacy of the student and the student’s family.

Email: guidancecounsellors@goatstownetss.ie 

 

Confidentiality

Respect for student confidentiality in the one-to-one Guidance Counselling is central to creating a safe, trusting and supportive space for students. However, it is equally important that the limits of confidentiality are understood. In line with the Children First Act (2015), where the Guidance Counsellor has concerns for the safety of a student, these concerns over-ride the student’s entitlement to confidentiality. The statutory obligations of Guidance Counsellors in these circumstances are made clear to all students as they enter into the guidance setting.

 
 

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language (EAL) at our school is designed to support students for whom English is not their first language. We recognise the unique challenges these students face, and our goal is to help them integrate fully into both the academic and social aspects of school life. EAL provides students with the language skills they need to thrive in an English-speaking environment, while also building their confidence and ability to communicate effectively across subjects.

 

To support our EAL students, we focus on improving their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Our teachers use a range of strategies and resources to ensure lessons are accessible, engaging, and aligned with each student’s level of English proficiency. We work closely with classroom teachers to ensure that students receive the help they need in all subject areas, providing support during lessons and through additional one-on-one or small group sessions.

 

Beyond academics, we strive to create an inclusive environment where students feel comfortable and valued within the school community, encouraging peer support and a welcoming atmosphere for all. By cultivating a nurturing environment, we aim to help our EAL students succeed both linguistically and socially, enabling them to reach their full potential.

 

If you have any questions or enquiries about our EAL support, please feel free to contact us at nfrankish@goatstownetss.ie.