Adolescence is a time of great change in a student’s life. At different stages of life they may be more comfortable talking with one person or group over another.
Here at Benowa SHS we have an amazing support network available for students, parents and even staff. Below is a brief outline of what we offer.
Services
Student Support Hub
This is your one stop shop for all things support related. Here you can find our guidance officers, chappy, psychologist and social worker. You can make appointments with any of them as well as our GP who is on campus on Fridays.
Academic Support
If you need guidance regarding course work, course selection or if there are any issues that have not been dealt with at a classroom level you can contact any of the following: Teacher, Head of Department, Head of Senior Schooling or Guidance Officers.
Personal Counselling
From time to time we all experience difficult events in our lives. Adolescence can be a period when there are ups and downs in moods and attitudes, coupled with the process of transitioning into the adult world and the challenges that comes with that. We have a range of people who can help in this area including:
- Guidance officers (Monday through Friday)
- Psychologist (Monday and Tuesday)
- Chappy (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday)
- Social Worker (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday)
Some of the types of issues that we can assist with include:
GP at School
All secondary students are able to visit the GP clinic. Our GP will provide health information, advice and treatment. You can go to the GP for any physical or mental health concerns, including about sexual and reproductive health.
How can I make an appointment for the GP?
Our school’s GP clinic is open every Friday during school terms between 9am and 2.30pm. You can make an appointment to see the GP during class as well as at break times.
Booking an appointment to see the school GP is easy – just see Mrs Widdison, receptionist at the Student Hub/Student Support Services in V1 any day of the week or send an email to guidance@benowashs.eq.edu.au
Do I see the GP by myself?
It’s up to you. You can see Dr Dona by yourself, or you can choose to go with a parent/carer.
Can I consent (agree) to my own medical treatment?
Yes, if the GP thinks you understand what the treatment means, how it will help you and what the risks are, you will be considered a ‘mature minor’ and be able to make your own decision about treatment. In making their decision, the GP will consider:
- age and maturity;
- independence – whether living at home with a parent/carer, or support yourself;
- how serious the treatment is; and
- if you understand why the treatment is needed, what it involves, and things that might go wrong (like side effects from medication, or other complications).
If the GP doesn’t consider you to be a mature minor, then they can still give you support, but will need to get permission from your parent/carer first.
How much does it cost to see the GP?
Seeing the GP at school is free. Just bring a Medicare card (or your Medicare number) with you to your appointment.
What is a Medicare card and how do I get my own?
A Medicare card allows people to get medical services and medicines at low cost or for free.
Usually young people are named on their parents’/carers’ Medicare card. If you are 15 years or older, you can get your own Medicare card by completing a simple application with Medicare Australia. The GP can help you with this process.
What if I can’t get a Medicare card (or number)?
No worries. We’ll be able to help you. Let Dr Dona know when you go to your appointment.
Will my parent/carer know that I went to the GP?
If the GP thinks you can see them by yourself and make your own decisions about treatment, they will not share information with your parents/carers, unless you say they can, there is an immediate risk to your or other’s safety and wellbeing, or they are required or permitted by law. This is called confidentiality.
However, if you are under 15 years of age and are still on your parents’ Medicare card, your parents will generally have access to information about your appointment via their Medicare account. This means they will be able to see the date of your appointments and the name of the GP you have seen. If you are worried about this, talk to the GP.
Will the school GP tell anyone at school about my appointment?
Your conversation with the GP will be confidential and not shared with anyone else, unless you agree, there is an immediate risk to your or other’s safety and wellbeing, or the GP is permitted or required by law to tell someone.
In some situations, the GP may think your parents/carers (or teachers) should know about your visit and treatment. The GP will tell you why this is and will help you to talk with them if needed.
Career Counselling
Our Guidance Officers, HOD of Senior Schooling and our Industrial Liaison Officer play key roles in the school assisting students plan a future career path. They offer the opportunity for students to investigate possibilities beyond school via University, TAFE, ADF and other providers presenting on our campus and excursions to their campuses.
These staff can assist students to pursue scholarships, enrichment courses at University (e.g. GUESTS at Griffith, Head Start at Southern Cross and Student for a Semester at Bond), the School’s program at TAFE and early/direct entry into university and TAFE.
Furthermore, students and their families can book individual sessions with any of these people to discuss and explore career pathways; simply contact the Student Support Office to organise an appointment time.
To assist the exploration process the following links are very valuable:
- THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE — CAREERS - A career information resource that provides an in-depth look at more that 400 occupations and their education and training pathways.
- MYFUTURE - a national career exploration website which assists individuals to plan their careers. The website includes comprehensive tools to help identify interests, skills, needs, occupational requirements and education and training providers.
- QTAC - queensland tertiary adissions centre access point to apply for Uni/TAFE places and comprehensive information regarding tertiary pathways
- HUMANSERVICES - formerly centrelink. Important website regarding student income support
- GRADUATECAREERS - information about career destinations.
Peer support program
Need a friend to talk to when things are tough?
- Feeling lonely?
- New student to the school?
- Adjusting to school life?
- Friendship problems?
- Struggling with classes?
- Nothing to do during lunch break?
The Peer Support Team can help.
Peer Support Leader Program
Peer Support Leaders
Benowa iCARE Peer Support Program is a program by students for students and provides our school community with an evidence based peer led approach, to enhance the mental, social and emotional wellbeing of our young people. It empowers young people to support each other and contribute positively to society.
View the Peer support leader brochure (PDF, 344KB)
Further Support Services you can access