When you think of a school counsellor, what comes to mind? For many of us, it might be the guidance counsellor we remember from high school—someone who helped us choose courses, explore career options, or navigate a difficult situation. Today, the role of a school counsellor has diversified quite a bit!
In Hanover School Division (HSD), we have school counsellors in every school, supporting students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Their role is broader than many people realize, but at the heart of it is one important goal: promoting student well-being so that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
Supporting the Whole Child
We know that learning doesn’t happen in isolation. How students are feeling, their relationships, their sense of belonging, and the challenges they face all influence their success at school.
The Manitoba Sourcebook for School Guidance and Counselling Services (2007) describes school counselling services as supporting the educational, personal, social, emotional, and career development of students.
In other words, school counsellors support the whole child, recognizing that student well-being and learning go hand in hand.
So, What Does a School Counsellor Actually Do?
School counsellors are not clinical therapists. Rather, they are educators with specialized training and skills in counselling, mental health promotion, risk assessment, and crisis response.
I often describe their role as a form of triage. School counsellors help identify student needs, provide school-based support, and work with others to determine the best next steps. They have a broad understanding of the well-being of their school community and help connect students with the supports and resources they need to be successful.
School Counselling Is for Everyone!
One common misconception is that school counsellors only work with students who are experiencing significant challenges. While this is certainly part of their role, school counsellors are there for ALL students.
Their work includes both responding to individual needs and proactively promoting well-being across the school community.
In HSD, school counselling services are organized around four key areas*:
- Counselling: Providing short-term, school-based support for students experiencing personal, social, emotional, or school-related challenges.
- Prevention: Supporting programs and initiatives that promote mental health, well-being, resilience, and positive school environments.
- Guidance Education: Helping students develop important life skills, including social-emotional skills, healthy relationships, learning strategies, and career exploration.
- Coordination: Working with families, educators, and other professionals to plan and coordinate appropriate supports for students.
*Manitoba Sourcebook for School Guidance and Counselling Services (2007)
On any given day, a school counsellor might meet with individual students, support classroom learning, help with a school-wide initiative, respond to an urgent situation, or collaborate with a team to plan for a student’s success.
It’s a role with lots of variety, but the goal remains the same: supporting the well-being and learning of all students.
Working Together to Support Students
School counsellors recognize that supporting students is a team effort. They work closely with teachers, administrators, families, and HSD Student Services clinicians to understand student needs and provide meaningful support.
Sometimes this also means connecting families with services in the community. HSD has compiled a helpful list of Community Resources for Families.
Here to Help!
Above all, HSD school counsellors care deeply about students and want to see every child feel safe, connected, supported, and successful at school.
Whether your child is navigating a challenge, developing important life skills, or simply needing a little extra support, school counsellors are here to help.
If you have questions or wonderings about your child’s well-being at school, please reach out to their school counsellor. We’re here to work together to help every student succeed.
Written by: Tara Klassen, HSD School Counsellor Support Teacher
in: Uncategorized