Orewa College offers confidential counselling services provided by qualified professionals registered with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors: Pip Speedy, Kerry Lee Needham, Amanda Shribman, Nicole Christie, and Vivian Fan. Adhering to the NZAC 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.
Common challenges we address include abuse, advocacy, anxiety, bullying, depression, drugs and alcohol, emotional regulation, goal setting, holistic well-being, identity, loss and grief, relationships, resilience building, self-esteem, sexuality, and trauma.
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 guidance@orewacollege.nz. 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.
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 as well as offering relationship based mentoring support and wellbeing programmes to students.
To request youth worker support email: guidance@orewacollege.nz
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 partake 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 are instrumental in shaping an integrated and personalised response to student well-being. Any students with identified needs are promptly followed up by our dedicated Guidance Counselling team, ensuring that appropriate support is offered.
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing the overall well-being of our students. By prioritising mental, emotional, and social health, we believe we create an environment where learning flourishes, fostering not just academic success but a fulfilling and enriching educational journey.
Orewa College