STUDENT WELL-BEING

​​​​​​​This page provides students, caregivers and staff with useful information, links and resources to support them with student well-being.

Tūhono Teachers / Deans

Your tūhono teacher should be the first point of contact for any concerns you may have.  You will see your tūhono teacher most days of the week.  In many cases they will be your tūhono teacher throughout your time at college.   

Every year level has two deans, often the deans move through the year levels with students, so you may have the same dean for the duration of your time at College.  Your designated deans are another contact for you and they can assist with academic, social and general wellbeing concerns. 

Our Counselling Service - Fostering connectedness and belonging for all ākonga

There are always times in your life when things don’t work out the way you would like them to.  At times like this, it can help to talk to someone.

As counsellors we are trained to help you with all sorts of life challenges.  We have time to sit down and help you to find a way through. We are also lucky enough to have trained youth workers as part of our team who offer mentoring and support. 

Why see a counsellor?

What can you expect from a counsellor?

How do you make an appointment?

Where can you find the counsellors?

What can you expect from a youth worker?

Introducing the guidance team at Paraparaumu College 

Grant Shearer

Head of Guidance

Dip Teach, Dip Couns, Post Grad Dip Ed. 

MNZAC

I have been working in the education sector for 30 years, starting my career as a primary school teacher, then as an RTLB. Since 2006 I have been a school guidance counsellor both in the Hutt Valley and on the Kāpiti Coast.  

In my spare time I love being out on the water fishing or creating music in my home studio. I am a very proud father of three awesome young men. 

In college: Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

Lynley Christoffersen 

Counsellor

Dip Teach, Bachelor of Counselling

MNZAC

I have worked with young people as a counsellor since 2011 at youth and whānau agency Challenge 2000, Johnsonville and in high schools in the Porirua area. I moved into school guidance counselling in 2018 at Wellington East Girls’ College, and I am now part of the incredible team at Paraparaumu College.

I love music, performing and songwriting, and moonlight as a singer in an 80s dance band. I am a proud mum of two awesome young men, and have a gorgeous granddaughter who I love spending time with.

In college: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu

Bronwyn Rush

Counsellor

Bachelor of Counselling, Certificate in Teacher Aide, PMNZAC

I have worked with young people since 2011, first as a teacher aide then moving into counselling. I have worked in Porirua and on the Kāpiti Coast. I have a passion for seeing our rangatahi thrive.

I enjoy whānau, live music, the beach and coffee!

In college: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri

Miriam Bucknell

Counsellor

B.Ed Teaching, Post Grad Dip (Guidance and Education, Hons), Master of Education.

I have been guidance counselling for the last decade.  I began my career at Central Hawkes Bay College, counselling and teaching visual arts.  I now enjoying being part of the Paraparaumu College guidance team.

I love running, tramping, camping and all things creative.

In college: Fri

Aaliyah Turner

Youth Worker

Dip Youthwork and Development

I have been working with young people for four years. My mahi so far has ranged from facilitating workshops and development programmes to 1-1 mentoring. I am passionate about incorporating Te ao Māori into all that I do.

I enjoy kapa haka, music, and hanging out with my whānau. 

In college: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu

Joy Sweeney

Youth Worker

Dip Pastoral Leadership (Specialising in Youth), Bachelor of Applied Theology 

I have been working with young people professionally for six years in multiple organisations. I started working as a 24/7 youth worker this year and I am currently undergoing my Certificate in Youth Work.

I enjoy going on long walks in nature, reading a good book and playing board/card games.

In college: Mon, Tue

Courtney Bardsley

Counsellor

BA, PGDip Applied Theology, Master of Counselling, PMNZAC

I have a background in youth work in high schools and have loved working with young people in this setting since 2015. While doing this work I began training as a counsellor through Waikato University, and I enjoy using a Narrative Therapy approach with the students I meet with. 

Outside of work you'll find me reading an Agatha Christie at the beach or cooking (and eating) great food with family and friends. 

In college: Mon, Tue