Student Services


Student Health Services

The Student Health Clinic is situated at the back entrance of Rutherford College (Toru St), and is the first prefab building on the right. Our Registered Nurse is based in the clinic from 8.00 to 3.30pm Monday to Friday, and is qualified to tend to all injured or ill students.  If necessary, she will refer them onto other medical establishments, or send them home.

Procedures for the Health Clinic

Unless a student is bleeding, has difficulty breathing, has a pre-existing medical condition or has had an accident, all students going to the SHS during class time MUST have a leave pass signed by the teacher of the class they are currently in.

If the Nurse determines that the student needs to go home or requires further medical assistance, she will call their parents/caregivers.  Students should not be using their mobile phones to do this.

Parents/caregivers need to physically come to school to pick up the student and will be issued with a Form from either our Attendance Officer or Front office before they leave.

If a student needing to go home has driven a car/motor bike or taken a taxi to school, the College requires written permission in the form of an email from their parent/guardian before being permitted to go home.

Re-dressings of wounds must be in the student’s own time; before school, or during interval or lunch time.

To contact the Nurses - email: [email protected] 

Counselling Service – Kaiwhakamahereora

At Rutherford College we have three counsellors serving our school community. Our counsellors are; Michelle Parkinson – Head of Counselling (works Monday-Friday), Bex Dam (works Monday-Friday) and Nat Phillips (works Monday, Wednesday and Friday).

Most of the students we support either self-refer when they feel they need help, or are referred by parents, teachers, or peers who are concerned about their wellbeing. Students and parents can contact the counselling team by messaging us on Instagram: @rutherfordcounselling. Please note this account is monitored during school hours only and is not an emergency service.

Referrals can also be made via email: [email protected]

We abide by the Code of Ethics of New Zealand Association of Counsellors, which means that confidentiality is maintained unless there is an imminent risk to safety. All counsellors in New Zealand are required to have regular external supervision and to commit to ongoing professional development.

Meet the Counselling Team


Kia ora.  My name is Michelle. 

I have 14 years experience counselling rangatahi in high schools in Aotearoa.  I love my work.  It feels so good to be a part of the growth and healing of young people as they identify issues in their lives and begin to work through them.  I draw from a range of modalities to support students in a way that suits them.  This might be using symbols and a sand tray, client centred talking therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, or mindfulness.  I create a warm and accepting environment so that students can talk openly about what is going on in their lives.

Michelle

Michelle Parkinson BA, BEd, Dip Tchg, MA Couns, MNZAC

Kia ora. My name is Bex.

I take an eclectic approach to counselling, tailoring my methods to best support the unique needs of the rangatahi I work with. My practice is grounded in a person-centred philosophy, while also incorporating elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. I am passionate about walking alongside students as they navigate their personal journeys, empowering them to find their own way forward. I strive to create a safe, non-judgemental space where young people can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. My goal is to help clients understand their emotions, so they can make the positive changes they wish to see in their lives.

Bex

Rebecca Dam, BEd, MCouns, MNZAC

Kia ora. My name is Nat.

I take a child-centred and pluralistic approach when providing counselling and guidance to our rangatahi at Rutherford College. I have experience in providing mental health support, pastoral care, and counselling to young people in a variety of contexts – including mental health and education. I am immensely passionate about supporting young people in navigating their unique and complex personal journeys, and my aim is always to empower clients so that they may realise their vast strengths and capabilities. Some of the counselling modalities I draw from when working with clients are cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focussed therapy, and mindfulness. My counselling space is a safe place for students to bring their whole selves without fear of judgement. Examples of matters that students bring to me for counselling are: Stress/anxiety, depression, loss/ grief, conflict with friends or whānau, loneliness/isolation, sexuality and gender identity.  

Nat

GDipPsychotherapySt, PGDipCounGuidSt, MCouns

Support Agencies

Family GP - Assessment for depression/anxiety and can refer on to Marinoto

Ease Up - Work's with drug and alcohol problems and mental health issues

09 265 0255

[email protected]

www.emergeaotearoa.org.nz/our-services/easeup.html

Youth Health Hub - Mental health issues and health issues.

09 839 7480

0800 562 023

www.healthwest.co.nz/our-services/the-youth-health-hub

The Police - If your child is missing and/or suicidal

111

Family Works -

www.familyworksnorthern.org.nz/service-centre/auckland-west

Te Puaruruhau - Sexual abuse, abuse or neglect.

(09) 307 2860

www.starship.org.nz/directory-of-services/te-puaruruhau-(child-protection)

FREE Phone counselling -

What's up

0800 WHATS UP

www.whatsup.co.nz

Youthline

0800 37 66 33 234 or text 234

www.youthline.co.nz