Welcome to the Guidance Counselling section of the website. 
In line with the ERST vision, the guidance counselling department seeks to promote full personal and social development.

The aim of the department is to work with the students to identify and promote areas of strength whilst supporting students to flourish in all aspects of school life. 

Counselling sessions are also available to all students by appointment. All students participate in several assessments including CAT4 in 6th class and 4th year. 

Through the senior cycle the school runs a series of careers events where former students will come and speak with students about relevant careers and courses. The highlight of these events is our college & careers fair which takes place in the New Year. This gives students the opportunity to speak with current third level students about the courses they are studying. 
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For details of upcoming events and important dates please refer to the following:  Click here to view our blog

What is Guidance?

“Guidance in post primary schools is a whole school activity that is integrated into all aspects of school life. Guidance in schools “refers to a range of learning experiences provided in developmental sequence that assist students to develop self-management skills which will lead to effective choices and decisions about their lives. It encompasses the three but separate but interlinked areas of personal and social development, educational guidance, and career guidance”  (DES, 2005, p.4)
The three strands of Guidance:
  • Educational – Subject choice, study skills, advice on appropriate subject levels etc.
  • Careers/Vocational – CAO, careers classes, open days, career fairs, guest speakers, CV and cover letter writing, interview skills, aptitude tests etc.
  • Personal/Emotional – issues re: home, health, school, relationships etc. This area is supported by individual counselling or small group counselling sessions where deemed appropriate. Referral to outside agencies are made when required.

Here at CBC, we pride ourselves on having a very strong pastoral care ethos, and we place great emphasis on promoting positive mental health. As part of that ethos, we believe that all students in our care should feel part of a safe and open environment, where they can flourish on a personal, social and emotional level as they progress through adolescence. Inherent to creating such an environment are the concepts of inclusion and trust. Our goal is to ensure that any student requiring assistance of any kind, feels able to approach a trusted member of CBC staff in order to reach out. Staff members will do their utmost to help a student and to establish a student’s needs, and if deemed necessary, will refer them onto the Guidance and counselling service.
The Guidance and Counselling service is available to all students throughout their time at CBC. Here they will have access to two trained professionals, Mr. Murphy and Ms. Barnwell. Guidance is provided in the three areas of vocational preparation, educational support and personal/emotional support as aforementioned. Anything discussed with either Guidance Counsellor is dealt with in confidence, save for cases where the student is in danger, or the law is being broken. Should either of these scenarios arise, Mr. Murphy/Ms. Barnwell are duty bound to refer the matter on to the DLP (designated liaison person) Mr. Gerry Duffy under child protection guidelines. Parents and any relevant agencies are then contacted to inform them of the situation. 

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CBC Monkstown guidance at a glance:
  • There are two full time Guidance Counsellors, both of whom are also qualified counsellors– Mary Barnwell and David Murphy.
  • Our aim is to have a strong student support system and to promote positive mental health.
  • Class teachers, class tutors, year heads and members of management may refer a student to the guidance service. We provide an extra layer of support within the school community, outside of the regular classroom support.
  • Parents/Guardians may also contact the guidance department if they feel concerned about their son at any point during his time in CBC. 
  • We foster an inclusive environment, where access to guidance is available to all students at any given time.
  • Appointments take place during a class period within the school day. Students can request a meeting via email or in person, or through another member of school staff. The relevant Guidance Counsellor will then allocate a day and time to that student, with urgent matters being prioritised there and then.
Our Guidance department can be contacted at:
Mary Barnwell – [email protected] 
David Murphy – [email protected]

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