Student Support Services - Inclusion & Guidance Officers
Hi, I’m Miss Emily Leschke and I am joining the Ripley team in 2024 as the Guidance Officer for Years 7, 8 and 9.
I am super excited to work with students across these cohorts to assist in the areas of educational achievement, wellbeing and engagement, as well as culture and inclusion.
Support offered can include providing advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing concerns.
I work within the multi-tiered system of support team here at Ripley, working with some of our most vulnerable students and I receive referrals from staff, parents and students themselves!
My Office is located in J-Block in the ‘Student Support Services’ (SSS).
The best method of contact in the first instance, is via email at elesc0@eq.edu.au – introduce yourself (and/or your child, if applicable) and what you are seeking assistance with, then I will be able to get back to you with where to next!
Guidance Officer
Years 7, 8, 9
Janet Ingram – Guidance Officer Years 10, 11 and 12
I have worked as a Guidance Officer for 9 years in Central Queensland and the Southeast Region of Queensland. With sincerity, the highlight of my Guidance career has been working for two and a half years at Ripley Valley State Secondary College, and I hope to work here for years to come. I am passionate about building a positive and inclusive school culture where young people can reach their potential. Helping young people become the best versions of themselves by overcoming challenges and setbacks (perceived and real) is central to my practice. It is my reason for getting up in the morning.
Students often ask me what kind of things can they talk to a Guidance Officer about. I reply,” Anything that is getting in the way of your learning right now!” Students often go to their peers for advice but unfortunately young people do not have the life skills to advise on complex issues. A Guidance Officer is an objective adult who can offer other perspectives in a confidential setting and provide support by addressing educational barriers, so the student can get on with the business of learning and shaping their futures.
Being a Guidance Officer in the secondary phase of learning gives me the opportunity to advise students in selecting university pathways and further training or work. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a student end their schooling knowing what work/study will be meaningful for them, and how they will contribute positively to society.
Guidance Officers are registered and experienced teachers with a Master’s Degree in Guidance Counselling. This unique expertise enables us to work in schools and help all students in the areas of academic achievement, social, personal and career development. Guidance Officers do not have the qualifications to diagnose mental health disorders, but we can suspect, in which case I encourage further support from external providers (psychologists) who can provide a deeper and more consistent treatment than I can provide at school. If your child does see a psychologist my work with them does not end. I work collaboratively with teachers, parents and external agencies to negotiate personalized plans which support students with their mental health needs at school.
Due to an increased demand on the Guidance Service, appointments are essential. To book an appointment please email me on studentservices@ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au or jingr34@eq.edu.au . Alternatively, you can call 38195333
More information on the services we provide can be found on the school website. https://ripleyvalleyssc.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/guidance-officer
Janet Ingram
Guidance Officer
Years 10, 11, 12