St. Mary's College (Marist College Dundalk)

Welcome to St. Mary's College Guidance and Counselling website.

Career Guidance and Counselling is at the heart of our Pastoral Care System at St. Mary's College.  Our Guidance Counsellors have a caring and supportive role in the school where students can get advice and supports about a range of issues, personal concerns, subject choice, work experience, college advice and information. The Guidance Counsellor is on hand to meet with students in a confidential environment where they can be cared for and supported throughout their time in the school. 

Counselling helps pupils explore their thoughts and feelings and the choices open to them. It gives care and support to pupils learning to cope with the many aspects of growing up and school life and with their individual personal circumstances. St. Mary's College endeavours to offer a comprehensive guidance and counselling service to all our students. Guidance refers to both the specific guidance programme delivered by the Guidance Counsellor and to whole school supports in which all school staff are involved.The Guidance Counsellor liases with Year Heads, Class Teachers, Learning Support Teachers, School Chaplain, Subject Teachers, Deputy Principal and Principal. They also have regular contact with parents, psychologists, employers, colleges and the Department of Education

The Guidance Counsellors in St. Mary's College work with the students as individuals and in groups. Guidance counsellors respect the dignity, integrity and welfare of the students and work in ways which promote students’ control over their own lives, and respect students’ ability to make decisions and engage in personal change in the light of students’ own beliefs and values. We aim to support students in making and implementing appropriate life choices and plans.

The Guidance Counsellor is available to meet with students throughout the school day either by appointment or referral.

The Guidance Counsellors within St. Mary's College  provides support for all students in three main areas:

–  Personal and Social Guidance –  Educational Guidance –  Career and Vocational Guidance

Personal and Social Guidance

This area empowers students to make decisions, solve problems, change behaviour and resolve issues in their lives, through 

1. Individual counselling,
2. Group counselling,
3. Referral to a counsellor or other outside agency.

Educational Guidance

This area of Guidance recognises students’ different learning abilities and their inherent talents. Each student is encouraged to optimise their learning skills. This involves 

1. Helping students with choices as with subjects, courses and levels.
2. Individual consultation with Senior students regarding career aspirations and 3rd Level Choices .
3. Aiding motivation and management of learning.
4. Showing students how to use available resources to assist with their learning.
5. Demonstrating how to use computer aided research.
6. Administering aptitude tests and interest inventories including entrance assessments to incoming 1st Years.

Career and Vocational Guidance

This area of Guidance helps students to identify career and vocational goals by developing their self-analysis skills and sourcing and managing career information. This involves 

1. Having an understanding of the pathways into higher education,
2. Making and carrying out appropriate life choices and plans,
3. Practising interview techniques, CV writing and cover letters,
4. Identifying strengths and weakness from the results of various interest and aptitude tests,
5. Becoming aware of employment opportunities.
6. Co-ordinating visits to Career Fairs, Third Level Colleges and hosting guest speakers.

Parents and guardians are always most welcome to contact members of the Guidance Counsel Team should they wish.