Coordination

The High School counselor works and consults with all other staff and parents on a need to know basis. Any adult who has direct contact with a student regarding the issue at hand is brought on board to support the student. Respect for student confidentiality is a standard at all times.

Counselling Programmes at ACS

Peer Supporters
A group of students from all grades is trained as student listeners. Their role is to assist with the orientation of new students, acknowledge students who leave during the school year and create an orientation booklet. As listeners, they are available to classmates helping them to work out everyday concerns. Weekly meetings and the high school counselor's supervision are part of the programme.

Bold and Gold
These two programmes are to aid in the transition of the 8th Graders to High School. They take place in May and are run by upper-class students. In an evening, such issues as body image and school social structure are addressed. The connection to older students alleviates the stress of changing buildings and addresses the many issues the Middle School girls and boys may have.

Lower School Aide
Students may volunteer to assist teachers in the Lower School during their study halls. Any number of positions are available including filing, working with young students or helping with teacher duties. Service credit is available for IB students.

Tutoring
All tutoring in the High School is arranged by the counselor. Peer tutors as well as teachers may offer their services. The counselor matches students who wish to be tutored with the appropriate person. High School students may also tutor in the Middle School.

Resource Library
The counselor's office houses a resource library for parents and students. Handouts on a variety of topics are available. They include things such as ways to deal with stress, test anxiety and organisation. Several books are also recommended on topics such as parenting, rearing boys and girls, and how to talk to your teen.

Guidance Teaching
The counselor conducts workships during the school day. Students are invited to attend during their study hall time. Topics presented include stress management, relationships and cognitive restructuring. These presentations occur at intervals throughout the school year, but the information is always available. The counselor also meets with the 9th grade class during part of the semester to teach a variety of social and personal lessons.

Guest Speakers
Speakers are invited to the school to speak with students in an assembly format. Speakers present topics such as alcohol support (Al-Anon), cognitive restructuring and moving successfully to other countries.

Special Events/Parent Education
In cooperation with parent groups, the counselor has offered leadership for programs such as Parent to Parent. A support group for the parents of teens, this parent-led group is encouraged by the counselor. Seniors' last day is a parent-organised event to celebrate and honor seniors on their last day of school.

Further Links

College and University Applications