Student Support
Overview
Our goal for you is to become a person who is resilient and able to cope well with the demands of the modern world, while retaining your natural curiosity and creativity and accepting of those who are socially and ethnically different to you.
“Waimea College has a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, where students have a sense of belonging. Help is always available and there is an unspoken code between us: We always look out for each other.”
— Cassie, Year 12
Ako
All students attend a weekly Ako class where they are equipped with a kete of tools for social success. In Ako, you develop your growth mindset, healthy relationship skills, digital citizenship, mindful practices and an understanding of well-being. We encourage you to find your strengths, and provide the guidance to plan your course of study, set short and long-term goals and assist you to achieve them.
Student Support
We have an excellent reputation for commitment to student support provided by teachers, deans, guidance and support staff, including pastoral care for the needs of Māori students to succeed and achieve as Māori. Together, we develop your sense of turangawaewae through encouraging the STRIVE values of Waimea College.
Your support network:
- belonging to one of four Houses: Cooper, Hillary, Rutherford and Sheppard.
- the Houses are divided into a number of Form Groups.
- your Form Teacher and Deans who are responsible for your pastoral care.
- your Deans follow your year group throughout your time at Waimea College to provide consistent support.
- a Counselling Centre with fully trained and registered counsellors along with access to some health services, should you require additional support.
- a Learning Support Centre for students with specific educational needs (referral basis).
- 24/7 Youth Workers – youthworkers@waimea.school.nz
Counselling Centre
The Counselling Centre is available to all students and staff during usual school hours, 8:30am – 3:30pm. The centre is closed during school holidays.
The team of registered counsellors can support students with a wide range of issues including:
- Transition to college
- Mental health issues such as anxiety and low mood
- Family issues
- Grief & loss
- School issues such as friendships, relationships, bullying
- Gender and Identity
- General wellbeing
Helpful Contacts
If you are concerned about your physical health, then contact HealthLine:
Covid-19 related – free call 0800 358 5453
General health-related – free call 0800 611 116
Students are encouraged to call the following organisations for support:
What’s Up ( free call 0800 942 8787) – A safe place for you to talk about anything at all
Youth Line (free call 0800 376 633 or txt chat 234) – We are here to listen
NetSafe – We help keep people safe online
You can also access free, confidential, 24hr counselling services by txt or call at 1737