Counselling Services at Tanglin |
| Tanglin Trust School provides a range of support options for students and parents who wish to explore emotional issues related to school life with someone trained to listen. Depending on the nature of the difficulty a student may be experiencing, he or she should discuss the issue with his or her Class Teacher or Pastoral Tutor in the case of the Senior School. This is usually the first person the student should turn to in order to talk about a problem and seek guidance. |
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Peer counselling has also been introduced in the Junior and Senior Schools. Trained “Junior Listeners” wear white hats in outdoor play and lunch areas and can assist with minor playground disputes. Select senior students have also been trained to listen empathetically to their peers. Throughout the School, social skills are taught and relevant issues, such as peer-group pressure, are discussed through the Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) aspect of the curriculum. Special “Friendship” days focus on the importance of social relationships and the issue of bullying. |
For serious and significant emotional issues a student may be advised to seek help or independently want to gain guidance from one of our School Counsellors. Appointments can be made with our Director of Counselling Services, Steve Kay (steve.kay@tts.edu.sg), or our School Counsellor, Kendra Frazier (kendra.frazier@tts.edu.sg), either through the class teacher or directly by e-mail or telephoning the School. Our Counsellors work with students on a variety of issues including: settling into Singapore; bullying; depression; managing relationships; coping with stress; decision making; coping in a crisis; dealing with abuse; anxiety management; self esteem and self confidence building; dealing with panic attacks; and poor concentration. |
On a Friday morning at the School, our Counsellors run a group that is open to all parents. It is an informal gathering where a variety of topics are discussed. The gathering provides an opportunity for parents to meet each other, appreciate that they are not alone with certain concerns and if they wish, give opinions.
School Counsellors are ethically required to keep confidential any information discussed during a counselling session. The only exception is when information is disclosed regarding harm to self or others. |
Sometimes our Counsellors consider that certain problems are best dealt with outside the School by relevant professionals. In these cases, they can also help families to locate appropriate support agencies or individuals. The Counselling support provided at the School carries no additional charge, but the School does not support the cost of counselling undertaken outside the School. Pastoral support and counselling are highly valued at Tanglin Trust School as the health and happiness of our students is a core concern and as educators we know that emotional well-being is a prerequisite to effective learning. |
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