Joy Ganter (Ms Joy) has been a Guidance Officer for many years. She is a very experienced educator and provides a very important service for our school community. Besides Dunwich SS, Ms Joy works at two other schools, Coolnwynpin State School and Edens Landing State School.
So, what does Ms Joy do? Let’s find out.
Guidance Officer Guidance officers (GOs) have three key responsibilities in primary schools: conducting psychometric assessments, supporting student wellbeing and supporting staff through professional discussions and professional training.
1. Psychometric assessments, also known as IQ tests, are useful for identifying a student's cognitive strengths and weaknesses. In addition to the IQ score, information about a student's capacity in five domains is provided. This information is useful for teachers and other professionals, such as paediatricians, who seek to understand a child's learning capabilities. Written consent from a parent/carer is required for a psychometric assessment to be conducted. A confidential written report is provided to parents who are asked to meet with the GO to discuss the assessment results. A copy of this report is also securely stored at school for teachers [only] to access. According to the results of the assessment, specific intervention strategies are provided to parents and classroom teachers to assist them as they support the cognitive development of each assessed child.
2. Student wellbeing is nurtured using a holistic approach: each child's social, emotional, academic, physical, and spiritual needs are considered. GOs promote student wellbeing in three main ways: (i) individual counselling, (ii) working with teachers to support students, and (iii) working with parents/carers. Information may only be shared with external agencies when parents provide written consent.
Counselling
Parent/carer consent is required for ongoing counselling. Counselling sessions are treated as confidential unless (i) a student is assessed to be at risk of harm or has been harmed, and/or (ii) a student requests the GO share information with others, and/or (iii) the GO considers parental involvement is necessary.
Teacher support
GOs support teachers with student wellbeing by suggesting strategies to support individual students and providing guidance for classroom wellbeing programs.
Parent support
GOs work with parents to nurture their child's wellbeing by suggesting parenting strategies, and/or parenting programs, and/or children's programs/activities.
3. Staff wellbeing is supported via one-on-one professional discussions and the delivery of group professional development sessions when requested.
Ms Joy, works at Dunwich SS one day (Thursdays) per fortnight. If you would like further information, please contact the school.
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Joy Ganter
Guidance Officer|Psychologist