Student Services - Guidance Officers Grade 10 - 12
From the Guidance Officer: Supporting Student Wellbeing and Future Pathways
As part of our continued commitment to student wellbeing and future readiness, I’m pleased to share a few key initiatives that have been underway.
- Nurse Practitioner Clinic Now Open
Our Nurse Practitioner clinic is now fully operational, offering students convenient access to health support onsite. The clinic has been professionally fitted out and is already proving to be a valuable addition to our student wellbeing services.
Bookings can be made through Student Services, and we encourage parents to view the Nurse Practitioner fact sheets available on the school website under the Student Support tab. These provide detailed information about the clinic’s services and consent process.
https://ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au/calendar-and-news/news/gp-clinic
- Conversations that Matter: Sex and Consent Education
Last term, I visited all Year 10 classes to deliver sessions on sex and consent, using resources from the national Consent Can’t Wait campaign. While these conversations can feel awkward, they are essential in helping students understand respectful boundaries and reduce risk of harm in the future.
Parents are encouraged to explore the resources available on the campaign website, which provide practical guidance on how to start conversations at home.
This term, our school-based police officer will also be presenting to Year 11 and 12 students during parade on respectful relationships – reinforcing the importance of these messages across the senior years.
- Career Updates: Planning for the Future
For students considering a career in medicine, registrations for the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) are now open. I strongly encourage interested Year 12 students to visit the Careers Board for key information and updates on careers in dentistry and medicine prior to the closing date of May 16th.
In Term 2, I will be presenting to Year 10 students about university prerequisites and supporting them as they prepare for their SET Plan interviews – an important step in shaping their senior pathways.
As a parent myself, I understand how overwhelming this process can feel for a 15-year-old who may believe they need to have their entire future mapped out. The truth is, they don’t. SET Planning is about exploring options and building a flexible pathway – not locking in a final decision.
One of the most helpful ways parents can reduce stress during this time is by keeping the conversation open and pressure-free. Rather than focusing on having all the answers, try asking questions that spark curiosity: What are you interested in? What subjects do you enjoy? What do you want to try next? Reassure your child that their path may evolve – and that’s perfectly okay.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to learn more about these initiatives.
Warm regards,
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer - Years 10, 11, 12