Guidance counselling

Confidential and professional student support

Orewa College offers confidential counselling services provided by qualified professionals: Kerry Lee Needham, Amanda Shribman, Nicole Christie and Vivian Fan hold registration with NZAC and Penny-Laine Calitz with NZCCA. Adhering to a rigorous code of ethics, we prioritise confidentiality unless there is an imminent safety risk.

Our commitment to students’ right to free and confidential counselling is upheld within our strong pastoral team. Located in the Student Services Building near Gate 2, our offices operate from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

While student support is our primary focus, we collaborate with school staff and whānau, liaising with external agencies as needed. Students are encouraged to self-refer, and appointments can be requested by emailing [email protected]. Caregivers, friends, and staff are also welcome to contact us with concerns about a student. We prioritise involving students in the appointment process whenever possible.

Student wellbeing and pastoral support

Our Guidance Counsellors provide confidential, professional wellbeing and pastoral support for students experiencing a wide range of challenges. Support is tailored to each young person and may include assistance with anxiety and low mood, depression, anger management, addiction, disordered eating, and emotional regulation.

We work with students facing issues such as bullying, abuse, family harm, loss and grief, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Counsellors also support students with identity, gender and sexuality, self-esteem, resilience building, goal setting, and overall holistic wellbeing.

Additional support is available for neurodiversity, cyber safety, learning and study challenges, welfare concerns, whānau support, and after-hours assistance when required.

Youth workers

Mentoring and wellbeing programmes

The Salt Trust have worked closely with Orewa College for many years providing mentoring, support, and a variety of wellbeing programmes. Currently, we have four youth workers based at Orewa College, working under the nationwide 24/7 Youth Programme.

The Youth Work team works closely with the Guidance Counselling department and teaching staff, helping foster a positive school spirit while offering relationship-based mentoring support and wellbeing programmes to students.

To request youth worker support, email [email protected].

Student wellbeing approach

Whole school strategy and early identification

At Orewa College we recognise well-being encompasses various dimensions, from emotional and physical to social and societal needs. To achieve this, we implement a comprehensive, whole-school strategy using GoodSpace Wellbeing surveys.

Students are invited to participate in confidential well-being check-ins conducted periodically throughout the academic year. These youth-friendly, secure online surveys are grounded in an internally validated screening tool, facilitating the identification of students who may require additional support.

The outcomes of these surveys shape an integrated and personalised response to student well-being. Any students with identified needs are promptly followed up by our Guidance Counselling team to ensure appropriate support is offered.

Learn more about the GoodSpace Wellbeing survey.

2026 Guidance Department

Contact

Find out more about Guidance Counselling at Orewa College

For more information about guidance counselling and wellbeing support, please contact:

Penny-Laine Calitz
​Head of Department
Days of work: Monday to Friday
Email: [email protected]

Amanda Shribman
Guidance Counsellor
Days of work: Monday, Thursday and Friday
Email: [email protected]

Nicole Christie
Guidance Counsellor
Days of work: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
Email: [email protected]

Vivian Fan
Guidance Counsellor
Days of work: Monday and Tuesday
Email: [email protected]

Kerry Lee Needham
Guidance Counsellor
Days of work: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Email: [email protected]