Rutherford College
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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

Counselling Service – Kaiwhakamahereora

The Rutherford College Counselling Service provides confidential support to students experiencing personal, social, emotional, or wellbeing concerns.
Our counselling team consists of:

  • Michelle Parkinson – Head of Counselling (Monday–Friday)
  • Bex Dam (Monday–Friday)
  • Nat Phillips (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) 

Students can access the counselling service by self-referring or by being referred by a parent/caregiver, teacher, dean, or another trusted person.Parents/caregivers and students can contact the counselling team by emailing [email protected]. This email is monitored during school hours only and is not an emergency service.Students can also self-refer by speaking with Mrs Ogden in the Student Support Reception, who will help arrange an appointment with a counsellor. 

Students who are already working with a counsellor are welcome to contact them directly:

Our counsellors work in accordance with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) Code of Ethics. Information shared during counselling is treated as confidential, except where there are concerns about the safety of the student or another person. All NZAC counsellors participate in regular external professional supervision and ongoing professional development to maintain high standards of practice. 

Meet the Counselling Team

​

Kia ora.  My name is Michelle. 

I have 18 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 have 11 years of counselling experience alongside 15 years of teaching experience. 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 have 7 years of counselling experience. 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

Wellbeing Resources

The following free resources provide trusted information and support for students, parents, caregivers and whānau. Whether you are looking for advice, wanting to learn more about a particular topic, or seeking support outside of school hours, these organisations offer a range of helpful services.

Please note: The resources below are provided for information and support. They do not replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you are concerned about your own or someone else's immediate safety, call 111 or access one of the crisis support services listed below. 

Crisis and Immediate Support

If there is an immediate risk to someone's safety, call 111.

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health support, you can also:

  • Contact your GP (family doctor) for assessment, advice and referral to appropriate support services.
  • 1737 – Need to Talk? – Free call or text 1737 any time to speak with a trained counsellor.
  • Youthline – Counselling, support and information for young people. Ph: 0800 37 66 33 234 or text 234
  • WhatsUp-Phone Counselling for youth. Ph: 0800 WHATS UP 0800 942 8787
  • Healthline – Free health advice from registered nurses, available 24 hours a day. Ph: 0800 611 116

 Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • The Lowdown – Mental health information and support designed specifically for young people. 
  • SPARX – A free New Zealand online programme that teaches practical skills for managing stress, anxiety and low mood. 
  • Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand – Evidence-based information on mental wellbeing, anxiety, depression and self-care. 
  • Depression.org.nz – Practical information, self-help tools and support for people experiencing depression and anxiety. 
  • Anxiety New Zealand Trust – Information, resources and specialist support for anxiety and related conditions. 

Local Youth Health Services

  • Youth Health Hub (Te Puna Manawa Trust) – A free, confidential health service for young people aged 12–24 living in West Auckland, North Shore and Rodney. Support includes:
    • Mental health and wellbeing, physical health, sexual health, alcohol and other drug concerns, health advice and referrals. Ph: 0800 562 023   

 Online Safety and Digital Wellbeing

  • Netsafe – Advice and support for cyberbullying, online safety, social media and digital wellbeing.

 Alcohol and Other Drugs

  • Ease Up (Emerge Aotearoa) – Free community support for young people experiencing alcohol and other drug concerns, as well as mental health challenges. 

Ph 09 265 0255     Email: [email protected]  

 Rainbow Young People

  • Inside Out- Resources and support for rainbow young people, their whānau and schools.

 Grief, Loss and Trauma

  • Skylight Trust – Support and resources for children, young people and families experiencing grief, loss, trauma and significant life changes.

 Support for Parents and Caregivers

Not sure where to start?

If you're unsure which service is right for you or your whānau, please contact the Rutherford College Counselling Team. We are happy to help you find the most appropriate support.

Remember, you don't have to navigate things on your own. Reaching out for support is a positive first step, and help is available.